2009 Ford F-150: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Feb 3, 2014 · Lights · ID

This complaint is about "all cars" that come equipped with these new style bright white / blue headlight bulbs. And the entire secondary market where people can purchase these light bulbs to replace their existing headlight bulbs. The problem is the at night they are do [xxx] bright, I can't tell if they are on low or high beams, I'm constantly flashing my high beams to these cars. This past week one was so bright that I couldn't see and almost drove off the road..... They should be taken "off them market", or at least limit the brightness or have a standard brightness (a maximum that has been tested on real people at night). They have caused or triggered me to have an ocular migraine in my left eye, which makes it difficult to see at night, some people when they have ocular migraines triggered from bright lights have the migraine in the middle of they eye and can not see anything. I'm telling you someone is going to die because of this issue, if they haven't already. If it has happened already, no one probably knows why the accident happened, because no one is asking the question about these dangerous headlamps. Please look into this for me and the general public. Age is of concern as well, the older you get your eyes become more sensitive to these bright white and blue lights, in my mind they are very dangerous. *tr information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jul 10, 2013 · Electrical, Lights · 55,000 miles · NE

I bought a preowned 2009 ford f-150 in november 2011 with 49000 miles on the odometer. I had always complained the instrument gauges were difficult to see. I finally investigated and realized that the instrument panel is not illuminated under daylight conditions. It is only illuminated when the parking lights or headlights are on. The only way to get illumination during daylight is to cover the light sensor thus simulating darkness. This,however, only illuminates the gauges at the lower setting for nighttime driving. The dimmer knob/wheel is operational but does not increase illumination to the level expected for daylight driving. There are at least two other complaints on this website regarding this issue and there are several other like complaints on other websites. The dealer tech was helpful, but upon checking with ford, was told the vehicle was designed that way. I find that to be ludicrous. For instance, today, on a sunny morning, when driving toward the east at 10:00 am it was impossible to read the gauges! How can this not be a safety issue?

Filed Feb 15, 2011 · Lights · 20,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2009 ford f150. While the vehicle was parked the contact noticed that the passengers side front headlight was not working. The failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technicians were unable to duplicate or diagnose the failure. The technicians replaced the smart junction box. The contact stated that the smart box needed to be reprogrammed because it did not contain all of the features that were included prior to the repair. The dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The contact was unable to reach the manufacturer. The approximate failure was 20,000. Updated 3/25/11 *cn updated 04/28/11

Filed Aug 18, 2009 · Electrical, Lights · 2,500 miles · TX

I have had no answer to my concern. I purchased a new 2009 ford xlt four door extended cab pickup in february. In april 2009, I noticed that the inside dash lights (gauges, speedometer, etc.) came on only when it was very dark outside the vehicle. This is true whether the light switch is in the manual or the automatic position. The dash lights will not respond when the headlights are illuminated in the manual or automatic position unless it is very dark outside or you place your finger over the electric eye. The ford dealer from whom I purchased the vehicle agreed that the dash lights should illuminate whenever the headlights are on and kept the vehicle for five days trying to find the problem. They finally got hold of the ford motor company hot line and were told that the current lighting system for this vehicle is a result of a programming change made by the company for 2009. I was informed that the only solution to my concern would result as a probable recall for all of the vehicles to fix the problem. In late may 2009, I called the ford motor company's relationship center and related the above-stated concern. The representative was very attentive and courteous and indicated that he would forward this information to appropriate departments within the ford organization. However, he did not feel that I would be getting any responses. I understand the young man's dilemma (it's a technical problem which needs a technical input). I am still wondering whether a ford company programming change is the cause of the problem or if my concern is justified. I believe there are some safety issues to be addressed, I.e. Shouldn't you be able to tell if your headlights are on by glancing at your dash lights during daylight storm conditions?

Filed Aug 3, 2009 · Body · 600 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 2009 ford f-150. During rainy conditions, the instrument panel lights fail to illuminate. The failure prevents the driver from viewing the speedometer. The contact also noticed that the instrument panel lights would only illuminate at a specific range of darkness outside. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the sensor needed to be adjusted. The current and failure mileages were 600. Updated 08/28/09 *bf the consumer stated there was a sensor on top of the dash, that didn't sense enough darkness to allow the headlights to come on. Updated 08/31/09.