99 Taurus running lights flicker

[oldsguy2]

The first time the problem went away and I thought it was the headlight switch, now it is back. The temperature each time was 0 degrees C or 32 degrees F and it occured last fall and now in the spring. The running lamps flicker. The headlights are fine.
Any thoughts?
Thanks

[KimMG]

Do the dashlights flicker?
I would use a wiring diagram to find common connections that may be loose or corroded. Also I would check all the grounds for the circuit.

[cougarman]

Originally Posted by oldsguy2

The first time the problem went away and I thought it was the headlight switch, now it is back. The temperature each time was 0 degrees C or 32 degrees F and it occured last fall and now in the spring. The running lamps flicker. The headlights are fine.
Any thoughts?
Thanks

Just daytime running lamps flickering,, No others,, Sounds like a bad daytime running lamp(DRL)module or a corroded connection at the module. Make sure the highbeams don't flicker when on . The DRL module runs the highbeams at a reduced voltage.

[oldsguy2]

It is now May and the running lights have gone out completely.....at least there is no more flickering for people to flash their lights at me!! I can find no other effect.....high beams work, etc. Legally, do I have to replace it in Canada? If so, is it located under the left front fender?
Thanks

[oldsguy2]

Originally Posted by oldsguy2

It is now May and the running lights have gone out completely.....at least there is no more flickering for people to flash their lights at me!! I can find no other effect.....high beams work, etc. Legally, do I have to replace it in Canada? If so, is it located under the left front fender?
Thanks

It is the daytime running light sensor module. Dealership has confirmed.

[Yurple]

I've got the same trouble with my 99 taurus. I was wondering if it was a light level sensor that was causing the problem. I defogged the lights with special cleaner, but that wasn't it. At least the lights are clearer.

I guess at the end of the day you're asking, why is this guy driving a 99 taurus?
Well, the thing is in great shape and I want to keep it going. This model year was obviously better made than most. I can't remember a day when ford made a car that would still like great after 12 years of normal use. But I digress.....

[shorod]

I want to make sure we're on the same page here. Do your lights flicker when driving, or do they just seem dim? I ask because you mention you cleaned the lenses and hoped that would fix the flicker. Is it really a flicker in brightness, or is it a shake from a loose mounting point for the headlight assembly?

A flicker would generally be caused by an electrical issue somewhere. A shake would typically be due to a broken headlamp mount or a loose front bumper, etc., something mechanical. FWIW, once the headlights are turned on, the ambient light sensor is no longer going to have an effect on the headlights.

-Rod

[Yurple]

Originally Posted by shorod

I want to make sure we're on the same page here. Do your lights flicker when driving, or do they just seem dim? I ask because you mention you cleaned the lenses and hoped that would fix the flicker. Is it really a flicker in brightness, or is it a shake from a loose mounting point for the headlight assembly?

A flicker would generally be caused by an electrical issue somewhere. A shake would typically be due to a broken headlamp mount or a loose front bumper, etc., something mechanical. FWIW, once the headlights are turned on, the ambient light sensor is no longer going to have an effect on the headlights.

-Rod

Which is why I drive with the lights on all the time. I wondered if the light sensor was in the headlight assembly, but I guess not. It only happens when I'm driving. The lights only used to turn on in low light conditions, but now flicker during bright conditions. Obviously the sensor circuit has a problem. Just wish I knew where the sensor was. Thanks for the reply!

[shorod]

There is a trimmer screw on the ambient light sensor/amplifier to adjust at what level the lights attempt to turn on. There is a chance that this potentiometer is dirty and causing the flickering, but I would be more suspect of a bad solder joint (not all that common with Ford electronics) or a grounding issue. If I'm interpreting what you typed correctly, if you turn the headlights on manually with the switch, they no longer flicker, therefore the problem is not going to be with the wiring for the headlight bulbs directly.

The light sensor/amplifier on your 1999 Taurus is located in the right hand (passenger) side of the instrument cluster near the windshield.

-Rod

[Yurple]

Thanks! I'll check it out!

[SteveG3]

My lights were flickering also. In my case it was a bad alternator.
The problem was completely gone after replacment.

[Yurple]

Originally Posted by SteveG3

My lights were flickering also. In my case it was a bad alternator.
The problem was completely gone after replacment.

That makes sense! Sounds like I have a low voltage problem! Thanks!