Headlights stay on

BRAD WOOD

MEMBER
1998 FORD CONTOUR
2.0L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
142,000 MILES

No key in ignition turn headlight switch on all lights on (normal). Turn switch off headlights (only) stay on, no running lights, no tail lights. Insert key start car, headlights go off. Leave engine running and turn headlight switch on and then turn switch back off the headlights (only) stay on, even after turning car off. Turn car on again the headlights go off. To add insult to injury, the other morning I go to check if headlights are on and they are not, but the dome light is on (in the twelve second delay mode) and it goes out before I get to the car! Battery is draining overnight (I am assuming because of this mystery problem).

3 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,607 POSTS

This kind of sounds like a bad ground issue. Please check the engine to frame ground strap. Also, here is a guide to help you check the wiring:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

Cheers, Ken

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Monday, November 13th, 2017 AT 12:48 PM

BRAD WOOD

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Ken : Thanks for the response. I haven't had a chance to check my ground strap yet. My positive cables didn't look too well though, (noticed them after removing the battery for a check up - it's fine). I taped up the cables but it's still doing the same.
I curious though, what can you tell me about this "panic alarm headlight relay(w/remote entry only)(behind right side of glove box) that is mentioned on the schematic (W/O DRL)? The reason I ask is because I have a leak that appears inside the car on the passenger side floor during heavy rainfall and I think it's coming in somewhere around the rear of the glovebox! Might that be the source if it was getting water intrusion?

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Monday, November 13th, 2017 AT 6:56 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,607 POSTS

Thanks for the image. I am concerned about the condition the wiring is in it looks like it is fallen apart which would cause the issues you are having and the water would make that even worse. You might need to do a wiring continuity test which can be done by following this guide.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken

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Tuesday, November 14th, 2017 AT 9:47 AM