Electrical Problem - Lights & Radio

[ctdriver]

I have a 2002 Mustang convertible w/v6 & Auto trans. When I turn on the headlights, the radio goes off (until the car is put into Drive or Reverse, then it goes on again), and the ABS/Trac Control lights come on. The driver's side headlamp goes dim & the left turn indicator is on solid on the dash, but not outside the vehicle. If I push the headlamp switch in to the parking lights position, everything is fine, except for ABS/Trac control. If you shut the car off, and turn it on without turning on the headlamps, or just turning on the parking lights, everything is fine. Electrical issues pop up as soon as you put the headlights on. Infrequently, it will 'fix itself' while driving; then both headlights have normal intensity & all other electrical features work properly. Any ideas?

[BigDanTheMan]

find a preacher and have them exercise the demon.

[KimMG]

Check the grounds for the headlights. Make sure the connections are not coroded or loose.

[Loekee75]

Originally Posted by ctdriver

I have a 2002 Mustang convertible w/v6 & Auto trans. When I turn on the headlights, the radio goes off (until the car is put into Drive or Reverse, then it goes on again), and the ABS/Trac Control lights come on. The driver's side headlamp goes dim & the left turn indicator is on solid on the dash, but not outside the vehicle. If I push the headlamp switch in to the parking lights position, everything is fine, except for ABS/Trac control. If you shut the car off, and turn it on without turning on the headlamps, or just turning on the parking lights, everything is fine. Electrical issues pop up as soon as you put the headlights on. Infrequently, it will 'fix itself' while driving; then both headlights have normal intensity & all other electrical features work properly. Any ideas?

You have a short around your headlight switch/ wiring. If you're a "do-it-yourselfer", dismantle the dash to gain access to the wiring behind the headlight switch. If you don't have a short finder, simply wiggling the harnass may help you find where the problem is.

[getstars5]

im not sure that it is simply a short to ground. i think that it may be that you have several wires exposed that is creating a short to power. you will likely need to get a wiring diagram and find a common wire or common connector in the aforementioned circuts.