Just installed a new headlight switch

MasterofDisaster

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Maybe I turned the switch counterclockwise before turning off the fog lights too much? I had to replace the switch because the fog lights were turning themselves on without me pulling on the switch.

I believe Ford's part # is 11654. This was the easiest fix I've ever worked on any car. It took me nine minutes from start to verifying operation. The switch cost $38.99

Gently pry open the trim panel on the left side of the dash with a small, standard screwdriver. Push gently on the back of the headlamp switch, and it will move out 1/8". Push gently on the back of the interior dimmer, and it should come out enough to pull it out all the way. The connectors are the standard squeeze and pull type. Installation is just connecting the plugs, pushing in the switch, and snapping the panel into place.

 

LikeabossTM

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They’re driving* lights, nit fog lights, just FYI. Glad switch install went smoothly and thanks for sharing. I like a good success story
Actually, Ford calls them "fog lamps" in their official service literature/service DVD, so the OP was pretty much correct.
Yea, fog lights in the literature. Tho i get why a white versus yellow wouldn't be considered a fog by a purist.

Similar to those who 'correct' about the use of clip versus mag. Spare me.

Great work OP! Feels good to knock out a trouble free repair.
 

BottleRocket

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I actually prefer the 'Driving Lights' over the headlights. My switch has just started giving my a funny click when I turn them on. I wonder if it's on it's way out?

BottleRocket
Arizona (Heater in the morning, AC in the afternoon)
 

FlyerTom

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Yea, fog lights in the literature. Tho i get why a white versus yellow wouldn't be considered a fog by a purist.

Similar to those who 'correct' about the use of clip versus mag. Spare me.

Great work OP! Feels good to knock out a trouble free repair.

Fog lights are mounted close to the ground to minimize reflection back to the driver. Driving lights are on a level with the headlights, but with longer range.
 

MasterofDisaster

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My switch has just started giving my a funny click when I turn them on. I wonder if it's on it's way out?
BottleRocket - the thing I noticed about my switch was that the fog/driving light switch was loose and wouldn't stay off. I guess you could say it rattled a little. If it feels floppy, you may want to replace it when you get a chance.
I know what you're saying about Arizona. I lived in Yuma [with my 86 Mustang GT] from Apr 89 to Sep 92.
 

Norm Peterson

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Good to hear it was that easy. I'd hate to have to deal with the steering wheel stalk kind of switch, with the airbag and all.


Yea, fog lights in the literature. Tho i get why a white versus yellow wouldn't be considered a fog by a purist.
"Fog light" really refers to the beam pattern, not the color of the light. Always has, and clear fog lamps have been readily available for almost 50 years that I can personally vouch for.

For a European-oriented purist there may be a stronger association between "fogs" and "yellow/amber" as that color at least used to be a legal requirement in France.

In the S197 GT, the fog lights can be useful for providing fill-in light where the regular low beam lamps may have uneven illumination. This seems to be the case with earlier S197 GTs that were equipped with the factory HID headlamps. At this point, perhaps the line between 'fog light' and 'driving light' does start to get a little blurry.


Norm
 
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Mackitude

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As FlyerTom mentioned, I was referring to the placement of the lights, IMHO fog lights would be located in lower valance. Checked my window sticker and shonuff, Ford calls em fog lights, my bad. Anyhoo, I have amber tint on mine so my fog lights, in the driving position, have fog tint! I'm all over the place, ha.

Happy Friday folks

IMG_5497.JPG
 

MasterofDisaster

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Sweet ride, Mackitude.

It occurred to me that the terms are a little silly. I use those lights to fill in when I'm on a dark road and I can't use high beams. I do use them in fog, but not so often. Driving lights is a fair distinction, but what, isn't a driving light? You use your brake lights and turn signals for driving.

Some of these rural roads in Michigan I use the fog/driving lights as a little extra protection from deer.
 

Norm Peterson

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Sweet ride, Mackitude.

It occurred to me that the terms are a little silly. I use those lights to fill in when I'm on a dark road and I can't use high beams. I do use them in fog, but not so often. Driving lights is a fair distinction, but what, isn't a driving light? You use your brake lights and turn signals for driving.

Some of these rural roads in Michigan I use the fog/driving lights as a little extra protection from deer.
Actually, 'driving light' used to be a distinct category where you had greater reach and a narrower horizontal beam spread than fogs but less reach and a wider pattern than a spot-beam.


Norm
 

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