97 Ford Explorer Left Low Beam Problem

[fraz308]

97 Explorer left low beam headlight won't come on. Replaced bulb and checked all fuses. Has anyone had this problem and how did you fix it?

[ldrawls]

Originally Posted by fraz308

97 Explorer left low beam headlight won't come on. Replaced bulb and checked all fuses. Has anyone had this problem and how did you fix it?

I currently am working on the same problem.

Checked the fuses ... FYI there is one for EACH headlight.

Every thing is pointing to the LOM (Lights On Module).

They run about $250 US. if that is the problem.

[bitsyras]

Had an Explorer in the shop with this problem recently. It was a little tricky to figure out. The light on module was indeed the problem. On this model, a Limited, the module was located under the center console. On taking the module apart there was an obvious bad solder joint, which was causing the problem. (Funny how the thing that tells you your lights are out causes your lights to go out, and then doesn't tell you they're out. Ah, technology...) If you're good with a soldering iron you could likely repair this yourself. In my case we installed a fresh unit, in order to guarantee a lasting repair.

-mark

[B33p3r]

Before you spend any time or money, unplug your battery for 10 minutes. If one of the modules has brain freeze, this will force them to reset. Sounds silly but after hours of trying to track down a light problem , i tried the internet and got that advice. It worked!

[panther427]

Originally Posted by bitsyras

Had an Explorer in the shop with this problem recently. It was a little tricky to figure out. The light on module was indeed the problem. On this model, a Limited, the module was located under the center console. On taking the module apart there was an obvious bad solder joint, which was causing the problem. (Funny how the thing that tells you your lights are out causes your lights to go out, and then doesn't tell you they're out. Ah, technology...) If you're good with a soldering iron you could likely repair this yourself. In my case we installed a fresh unit, in order to guarantee a lasting repair.

-mark

Did you notice if the fog lamps were effected also? My girlfriend has the same problem with the headlight, but no one mentioned anything about about the fog lamps.

[awpstl]

I had this problem for almost a 1/2 a year... I drove around with my brights on the entire time, but i did point them towards the ground and never had any problems with the cops. But an experienced mechanic will have to do the labor because they have to take the steering column out(which includes the driver side air bag) and about half the dash for $37 dollar part. The 1997 is the only year with that stupid headlight switch!!! After labor it cost about 250-275, I think.

[B33p3r]

Mark, Just curious. If you were confident it was a bad solder joint, why wouldn't you just explain to the customer you were fairly confident that was the problem and fix it. Explain to them that you don't want to change a part that might still be good? Or was it cheaper to replace than resolder? I truly am not being a wise ass about this. I just feel I would be more trusting in a technician that troubleshot and repaired rather than being a part swapper. No big deal this time if $$$$ was comparable either way. But what happens if it is a big $$$$ item. Now the customer feels you are screwing them? If it were me and I was pretty confident with the solder job, I would solder and tell the customer I'm pretty sure we got it licked but if it happens again in a week or so, bring it in and I'll change the module with no labor charges. You can bet they will be back again. No extra work for you because you already knew it was the solder joint or the module. I'm not a business man so I don't know. But I am a potential customer!

[DJ Dale]

Wouldnt it be easier to wire the left and right healights together rather than replacing or repairing the module?

[B33p3r]

Not designed or wired for the current draw of 2 lights!