Ford Explorer Intermittent Low Beams

FORD EXPLORER
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PETJAZ
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  • 1 POST
About a month ago the right low beam would work sometimes, so I changed the bulb and it did the same thing. Yesterday my left low beam started to do the same thing. The high beams work fine. I didn't think it was the switch because it didn't cut out both low beams at the same time. Any Ideas?
Mar 21, 2007 at 9:07 AM
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PEPPERMRJ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,158 POSTS
The low beams on the 97/98 (and maybe other) explorers have individual fuses for right and left lights. The fault could be in the headlight connectors, the wiring back to the fuse box, the connections at the fuse box and /or the fuses themselves.

Older explorers had lamps out module (LOM). The power for both low beams goes from the fuse box thru the LOM to each individual low beam. The LOMs were prone to cracked solder joints. They can be resoldered at a considerable savings over replacement.

Trace the power (or lack of) back from the headlight connectors to the multi function switch and you will find the issue.

Good hunting and let us know. :)
May 10, 2021 at 6:26 AM

Suggested Repair

Check the separate left and right low-beam fuses, headlight connectors, wiring, and fuse-box connections. On older Explorers, inspect the lamps-out module for cracked solder joints that can be resoldered. Trace power from the headlight connectors back to the multifunction switch to locate the fault.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a Ford Explorer reported that the right low beam worked intermittently, and replacing the bulb did not help. The left low beam later began doing the same, while the high beams continued to work. The expert explained that 1997-1998 Explorers have individual low-beam fuses and that older models route low-beam power through a lamps-out module prone to cracked solder joints. The recommended diagnosis is to check the fuses, connectors, wiring, and fuse-box connections, then trace power back to the multifunction switch.

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