Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, a burning odor was emitted into the vehicle as the driver's side headlight started to flicker. The contact mentioned that after inspecting the vehicle he noticed that the bulb had overheated and melted the bulb holder. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileage was 118,000.
1997 Ford F-150: headlights failing or too dim
13 of the 2,746 complaints about the 1997 Ford F-150 describe headlights failing or too dim.
- owner complaints
- 13
- of this car's complaints
- 0%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 4 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Headlights failing or too dim by model year
What owners say
Headlights have lost a considerable amount of their intensity due to the yellowing effect of the plastic lens covers.
Headlight switch shorted out and started to smoke. Dealer and manufacturer were notified. Feel free to provide any further information.
Mutifunction switch cut headlamps off while driving at night at appoximately 45 MPH. No prior warning, no flickering just instantanious darkness. Side marker lights and taillight s continued to operate. Was in a well light area or this could have been serious if at higher speed on an unlighted road. The squeal on the pitman arm is a nuisance. Note when I took to dealership to be repaired, dealer service department denied any widespread problem e with either component - what a joke I now find both items appear on your website. There should be some accountability or penalty for the dealer for not being honest about the problems with these components.
Multifunction switch malfunctions causing headlights to become inoperable while driving at night. Dealer has been notified. *ak
Headlights worked poorly confuse the oncoming drivers, and scares the hell out of the driver of the mentioned vehicle. Outside mirrors------outside mirrors ( right and left side) fail to operate with the adjusting switch located in the interior driver side arm rest. Mirrors fail to adjust. This is a problem when different drivers use this vehicle.
While driving a passing motorist informed driver that tail lights were not visible, although the headlights were operating proplerly. Dealer has been contacted. Please provide further details.
Regular lights will not come on unless high beams are turned on first. Dealer will be notified. *ak the main head lights failed due to the switch failure of the highbeam switch.
While driving on the highway, smelled a burning wire odor. Went to start up in the morning and vehicle had no headlights.
While driving on highway smelled a burning wire odor. Went to start up vehicle in the morning, and no headlights. Circuit breaker was never thrown. Contacted dealer, and he repaired and replaced headlight switch.
Electrical system was defective. When consumer opened the door, the headlights didn't work.
1st, transmission, when at the speeds of 40 and 45, hesitates and wants to upshift and downshift, the behaivor is not normal at all, and I am making an appt. To get it fixed. 2nd, the high beam/ low beam switch must be faulty, at times the lights will totally shut off. 3rd when refeuling, usually on a quarter tank and less when taking off the gas cap there is alot of pressure built up in the tank. 4th the interior lights will sometimes come on when either door is opened, I have to shut the door and reopen it.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Exterior lighting
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: mini vans, light pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Off lease canadian vehicles equipped with daytime running lights which meet canadian requirements and not the photometric requirements of fmvss 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." according to ford, the vehicles were imported into the u.s. Erroneously.
- Risk
- The light given off from the daytime running lights is brighter than allowed by u.s. Standards.
- Remedy
- Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.
Recall number 00V168000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1997 Ford F-150 headlights
Is headlights failing or too dim a common problem on the 1997 Ford F-150?
13 of 2,746 owner complaints about the 1997 Ford F-150 (0%) mention headlights failing or too dim. The model year with the most reports is 2021.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1997 Ford F-150?
There is 1 recall and 4 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1997 Ford F-150
Fire or smoke 210Tire blowout 127Engine failure 121Adaptive cruise 118Knocking 81Overheating 71Ball joint 69Wipers 62No deployment 60ABS 53Brake failure 51Fuel leak 51Power steering loss 36Stalling 32Check engine light 31Grinding brakes 21Misfire 20Sudden acceleration 18Water leak 18Door locks 17Won't start 17Pulling 16Hesitation 14Won't shift 14Fuel smell 12Seat belt 12Airbag light 11Harsh shifting 11Transmission failure 11Coil spring 10Jerking 10Steering noise 10Steering lock-up 9Loss of power 8Premature wear 8Rollaway 5
VIN decoder
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