1999 Ford Taurus: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Nov 25, 2020 · Lights · 65,000 miles · NC

The headlights have had condensation inside for several months. With torrential rains two weeks ago, the passenger side headlight took on an inch and a half of water inside the cover, and the driver side had increased condensation to obscure the whole cover. The car is commonly parked outside my apartment (urban area) when not in use. Dates are approximate, and I've put the car in the aaa shop to get the headlights replaced (big expense, as the car's old enough to vote!)

Filed Oct 22, 2015 · Lights · 150,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford taurus. The contact stated that the day time running headlights remained illuminated after the vehicle was turned off. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Jan 26, 2015 · Lights · MI

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford taurus. The contact stated that the headlights were dim and the visibility was impaired every time they were turned on. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the headlights needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was made aware of the federal safety agency campaign number: 09e012000 (exterior lightning) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Dec 2, 2008 · Lights · CA

Headlights seem very dim. We notice the plastic lens over the head lights are yellowing and probably blocking the light output.

Filed Jul 21, 2008 · Acceleration, Electrical · 117,400 miles · CA · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford taurus. The contact stated that the service engine soon light illuminated on the instrument panel. A mechanic replaced the oxygen sensor; however, the light still illuminated. The contact was informed that there was a misfire on the #6 cylinder. In addition, there was a lot of smoke when the vehicle was started. He took the vehicle to a mechanic and they stated that the possible cause of the failure was antifreeze entering the motor. The mechanic also suggested that there was a potential issue with the head gasket, which would cost between $1,500-$2,500 to repair. Also, the vehicle would not decelerate if the contact removed her foot from the accelerator pedal; therefore, he would have to apply the brakes instead. The mechanic informed him that the vehicle would coast due to the cruise control. The contact also experienced issues with the fuel system using more gasoline than he believed was necessary. For errands around town, the vehicle would use a half of a tank. The headlights had a dingy color on the inside. He attempted to get another lens cap for it, but could not change it because it was plastic. The contact would have to purchase another headlight to correct the issue. The manufacturer could not assist because the vehicle was close to ten years old. The contact also noticed that the vehicle would accelerate on its own and slip into another gear. Lastly, there was an issue with the instrument panel gauges dimming intermittently. The current mileage was approximately 118,000 and failure mileage was 117,400.

Filed Aug 3, 2007 · Electrical, Lights · 100,000 miles · VA · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford taurus. The contact noticed smoke rising from under the hood. He activated the headlights so that he could see more clearly. When he dimmed the headlights, the vehicle stopped smoking. The contact stated that the headlights flickered when he purchased the vehicle. The current mileage was 112,000 and failure mileage was 100,000. Remailed evoq 10/15/07

Filed May 17, 2007 · Lights · 15,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford taurus sport. The contact stated that the vehicle's headlights blink intermittently, day and night. She could drive 20 miles and the headlights would blink for approximately three to four minutes before dimming. The ford dealer kept the vehicle for five days and was unable to determine the cause of failure. She stated that the failure is embarrassing because it gives mixed signals to oncoming traffic. The current mileage is 29,000 and failure mileage was 15,000. Updated 02-01-08.

Filed May 16, 2007 · Lights · 120,000 miles · PA

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford taurus. The contact took the vehicle in for inspection and was told that she had to have the headlights replaced. The headlights had oxidized and prevented the proper amount of light from shining through. The purchase date of the vehicle was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 120,000. Updated 06/13/07

Filed Oct 6, 2005 · Brakes, Electrical · 1,000 miles · PA

Dt: the contact has a 1999 ford taurus and has had consistent problems with the car since it was bought new. She has been complaining for the last 48,000 miles for the same things. Most recently last week she took vehicle to the dealer for a leak in the master cylinder, which they repaired. . They cleaned the hubs. She had to push the brakes all the way to get the car to stop. They replaced brake booster, machined rotors, and put new brake pads on. At 1,700 miles had to take vehicle to dealer for a noise she from the brakes. They cleaned the hubs. At 22,466 brakes and serpentine belt were checked. They put a new serpentine belt on at 22,500 miles. Also, had multiple electrical problems with the car. 4 multifunction switches were replaced. In addition, a head lamp control switch was replaced at 17,000 mile, and a new radio put in.*ak the A/C had alo bee worked on twice.

Filed May 2, 2005 · Electrical · 100,000 miles · NC

Contact states: drove car 1/2 mile using headlights by the time she entered the driveway a burning smell and smoke was coming out of front driver side hood above the headlights. Smelled between tar and glue smell. It smells even when headlights are not in use drove less than 1/2 mile. Ford dealership did say it sounded electrical.

Filed Nov 4, 2003 · Body, Electrical · 27,430 miles · PA

1999 ford taurus is suffering from electrical problems. *mr the vehicle would shut off with no warning, the locks on both doors were off and would have to be played with to get them to open at times, the headlights were inoperative, also the dash lights were inoperative behind the gas gauge/radio/heating/AC/clock/and speedometer, the RPM gauge was delayed at start, the passenger door made noises when opened and closed, the wipers were intermittent, the turn signals were intermittent, the brake light had come on, the vehicle would not start in the morning but would start at night, the vehicle was sluggish and had poor gas mileage. The vehicle was taken in due to defective relays which were replaced. The VIN# on the vehicle and the VIN# on the sticker were different. *scc

Filed Feb 13, 2003 · Lights, Visibility · 46,842 miles · IN

The headlights failed while driving.*jb. The blower motor also failed.