Fred Ferrell (63.162.203.69) - Sat Jan 17 11:34:52 2009

My headlights on my 2001 Ford Explorer are now continuously on while the switch is off and the ignition is off with the keys out. The only way I can shut them off is by pulling the "Parklamps Relay and Main Light Switch" fuse. I unplugged both the main light switch and the automatic light sensor, but it didn't work when I put the fuse back in.

Any recommendations?

Thanks.

Reply #1 Cindy (67.60.204.149) - Thu Mar 5 20:39:50 2009

I had the same problem. I solved it by moving the button that is on your rearview mirror to off and it doesn't stay on at all. I had accidently hit mine one day and they stayed on like yours. I hope this helps.

Reply #2 Exploders-r-us (64.59.144.87) - Fri Apr 17 12:40:41 2009

Do your daytime running lights work while the vehicle is running? If not, your DRL (Daytime Running Lights)module is dead, just remove the fuse from the panel under the hood and you're good to go (without daytime running lights of course). You will still have headlights though.

Reply #3 dr ford (75.208.128.153) - Tue Apr 28 15:28:06 2009

try changing from dimm to bright or bright to dim this solved it for me

Reply #4 Richard Rehm (68.238.4.240) - Sat Jun 27 17:46:32 2009

I have the same problem with headlights staying on, but also the interior light and air bag light on dash say on with a clicking noise coming from somewhere by firewall on my 2003 Town Car. I have to unhook the ground cable to keep battery from running down!

Reply #5 Richard Rehm (70.105.88.191) - Thu Jul 2 09:06:59 2009

The headlights and interior lights stay on all of the time, even with key out on 2003 Town Car. There is also a clicking noise down by the brake similar to a 4-way blinker. I have to remove negative cable to prevent battery from going dead. The trunk ajar and air bag light is on too! Automatic trunk started slowing down and then quit about a month ago! Is this related to the light problem?

Reply #6 James Daniels (98.247.106.195) - Sat Jul 11 17:27:44 2009

I have the exact same problem with my 2001 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer version. I have been trying to troubleshoot the problem and have not figured it out yet. I even posted a brief summary of everything I have tried on Craigslist.

Okay, issues are with a 2001 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer edition 4.0L V6. Symptoms, not sure if all related problems or not are as follows: (1) 2 weeks ago the LED on the CD player started going dim where I could barely read the display and then cut out completely, though the cd player still works, (2) the auto dimmer built into the rear view mirror used to light up with 2 green LED lights when turned on, it now no longer does so, (3) the headlights stay on even after the car is turned off and it does not have daylight running lights--this could be related to the auto dimmer as when it is turned on the lights do not turn off for 3 minutes after the car has been turned off. Solutions attempted: I tested the fuses to see if one was burnt out or possibly one of the relay switches, all of them are in working order; I replaced the combo switch, no help; I replaced the dimmer and headlight switch--no help there; I got a different rearview mirror from spaldings to another Ford Explorer that also has the auto dimmer, connected it to the wires connecting the one I already had (the wires are getting power) but the other mirror's auto dimming LED lights would not turn on either. Temporary fix: ok, so I pulled the fuse from the main circuit box under the hood that controls the main lights, the headlights finally turned off on their own. Strangely enough, the switch for the headlights in the car is now able to turn them on and off, however, a new problem comes from this: no tail lights. So, I need this to be plugged in otherwise without brake lights I could get in trouble driving the explorer. Help!

Have you discovered what your problem is yet? If so, if you could give me an y ideas on what else to do to troubleshoot this would be awesome!

Reply #7 James Daniels (98.247.106.195) - Tue Jul 14 00:32:00 2009

Ok, just following up in case anyone else has these same problems and is reading online to find some answers. I still have not resolved the issue, but these are some additional things I have attempted: (1) I replaced the multi-function switch--no help, (2) I found out from some people online that it could be a problem with the anti-theft device--they suggested I disconnect the battery for 30min, manually lock all the doors, reconnect the battery and turn the key right-left, right-left in the driver door to reset the system--didn't work, (3) at the moment I am tearing apart the dashboard and going to replace the lighting module or body module. In fact, I have a bunch of modules to try since the Hanes Manual for the ford 2001 Explorer is not only horribly lacking for wiring schematics but is nearly useless for a 2001 ford explorer, not to mention an Eddie Bauer with all the options. So suggestion for those out there, do not buy the Hanes manual, instead get a Chilton's.....

Reply #8 hugo heredia (70.184.213.113) - Sat Jul 18 10:27:53 2009

i had this same problem and i took my car apart and i found the wires that go to the rearview mirror shorter out right on top where they enter the headliner because the person that changed out my windshield used a tool to remove the windshield and accidentaly slashed my wires and shorted them out so my short were in between the mirror dimmer wires remove your roof console and and strip the wires and check for the short i know alot of people have this problem and i was told to disconnect my daytime running light control module but my explorer doesnt have this located by the driver side bumper so i had to look deeper and found this problem solved (peace out )

Reply #9 Reggie Philip (24.30.20.104) - Mon Jul 20 22:01:27 2009

I also have a problem with the headlights on a 2001 Ford Windstar SEL not turing off. Also had to disconnect the battery (-) terminal to prevent battery death.

I have not read any tips that seem plausible.

Is there any help out there or must I go to the dealer and unilaterally solve this recession?

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