1996 Mercury Grand Marquis: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Mar 1, 2023 · Electrical, Lights · 225,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH the instrument panel began started flashing off and on before going black. The contact stated that he was headed to an off ramp the head lights stopped functioning. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had stopped driving the vehicle for several days and then tested the head lights and stated that the functionality had returned. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 225,000.

Filed Feb 22, 2023 · Electrical, Lights · 210,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH at night, the headlights became inoperable. While driving for approximately 30 more miles and exiting the off ramp, the headlights started to flicker. The headlights momentarily worked but then became inoperable again. The instrument panel warning lights illuminated and were flashing. The contact also detected an abnormal clicking noise from the steering column. The contact stated that the windshield wipers became stuck in the on position. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 210,000.

Filed May 31, 2016 · Lights · WA

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 mercury grand marquis. While driving at various speeds, the headlights became very dim and hindered the contact's visibility. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that there was no failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed May 31, 2014 · Lights · 130,000 miles · OH

Plastic headlight lenses have become yellowed and cloudy. This has severely reduced nighttime visibility on unlit streets, which is a safety issue. Did some internet research and discovered that this is a widespread issue with numerous expensive aftermarket products that will supposedly restore lens clarity. I bought and used one of these products, but was unable to restore full lens clarity. I'm guessing that the cloudiness will return and I'll have to repeat the "restoration" process. I went to a nearby shopping mall and noticed numerous vehicles with cloudy headlights, all with plastic lenses. This safety issue was a non-issue when all headlights were required to use glass lenses. Please restore the requirement that, for safe nighttime driving over the life of a vehicle, all headlights use glass lenses. Or, require auto makers to replace or restore cloudy plastic lenses at no charge for the life of the vehicle. Thanks.

Filed Sep 16, 2004 · Lights · TX

While driving at night the head lights were very dim. It looked as if there were no lights on the vehicle. The consumer had to drive with the high beams on to see. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer. They told the consumer the vehicle was out of warranty.

Filed Sep 26, 2002 · Lights · MA

Consumer states that the headlight plastic lens are discoloring and causes poor visibility when driving at night. Dealer and the manufacturer has been notified. *mr consumer stated that the headlight plastic lenses had progressively lost their translucent quality. This condition caused a continual deterioration and decrease in lens performance and their ability to transmit light as required.

Filed Jun 15, 2002 · Lights · NY

The headlight lens covers are plastic.the heat from the halogen bulbs has discolored the lens to such a degree that illumination of the highway is negligible. Subsequent uear models have been replaced with glass headlight lenses, an obvious recognition of the problem with plastic..I am surprised that this has not been a recall item as every 1996 grand marquis I have seen has the same problem as confirmed by their owner's.. This should not be an item that an owner should have to pay for replacing.

Filed Mar 5, 2001 · Lights · NY

The low beam head light is like driving with parking lightsnot enough light to drive by. The company is aware of problem. My husband seen a letter from company sent to dealers explaining and saying they may get complaints from owners. They offer no options to correct the problem. We have given up night driving when at all possible because we can not see to drive on our low beams.

Filed Feb 22, 2001 · Lights · NY

Consumer has been to dealer regarding low beams 3 times, the lights do not work very well at night causing consumer difficulty seeing, dealer states there is no place to install running lights and there is nothing that can be done.

Filed Dec 3, 2000 · Lights · WV

Low beam headlights are useless on asphalt highways especally in the rain. Parking lights are brighter. Low beam headlight assembly has a shield over the low beam bulb, it blocks too much light. Problem is so serious a recall is in order.

Filed Jul 14, 1999 · Lights · OK

Headlights do not relect enough light when used on low beam. The problem has been reported. The dealer/ manufacturer are aware of the problem. A solution has not been determined at this time.

Filed Feb 19, 1999 · Lights · WI

Headlights are very dimm, will only shine to 100 feet, causing poor visibility.dealer claims that this is a characteristic of the vehicle.