headlight problem automatic headlights

[93shoblkmtx]

I have a 93 taurus SHO with automatic headlights. A while back the headlights started to fail. I always had them set to automatic. Sometimes they would work and sometimes not. Now they do not work at all. I can not turn them on manually. I can get the high beams to work if I hold them back (flash) but not if I turn them on by pushing forward. I'm sick of driving with a pen propping back the multiswitch. Also the right turnsignal is starting to flash quickly with no instrument indicator. If your answer includes a relay please indicate where it/they are and what it/they look like.
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks

[FlamingTaco]

There is a thermal fuse in in the automatic headlamp control that eventually goes bad. You can see it if you remove the panel, and replace it if you can operate a soldering iron.

There also was a recall on the headlamp switches. They overheat, give off a burning smell, and die.

The turn signal problem is due to a dirty multifunction switch. Clean or replace. The MFS is the thing you grab to hit the turn signals. It could be just a burnt out turn signal bulb, though.

[93shoblkmtx]

Taco, I have looked behind the automatic headlamp/cabin light dimmer panel and have found no fuselink. there are 4 wires coming from the auto-headlight switch: black, blue, purple and white. Where exactly is the fuse link.

[93shoblkmtx]

I have solved my problem. It was the multiswitch. Took it apart and lo and behold, there was a burnt up contact housing among other dirt and debris issues. I cleaned the switch and "cobbled" the contact back to functionality. now my turn signals and low and high beam headlights work.

[FlamingTaco]

Originally Posted by 93shoblkmtx

I have solved my problem. It was the multiswitch. Took it apart and lo and behold, there was a burnt up contact housing among other dirt and debris issues. I cleaned the switch and "cobbled" the contact back to functionality. now my turn signals and low and high beam headlights work.

I typed "thermal fuse", not fuselink, and it is attached to the back of the autolamp panel, next to the potentiometer that is the time adjustment wheel.

I've never seen a multiswitch cause a headlamp failure; I'll have to add that one to the FAQ.