Replacement Headlamp Switch

[tmcolegr]

So my wife comes home yesterday in her 06 GT and calls me out to the car. The headlamp switch was in the "on" position (fogs also on) and you could not push the knob in to turn off the fogs, nor could it be turned CCW to the off position. So I grabbed a pair of pliers and convinced the switch to turn off. But that's not my question...

I removed the switch from the dash and unplugged the switch from the harness and the lights turn on with the switch pulled out of the vehicle.

So I go to my 05 GT and remove the headlamp switch to install in her vehicle. Same thing, the lights turn on with the switch pulled out of the vehicle.

So, since both vehicles do this, I assume this is normal but sure seems odd. Why do the lights come on with the switch disconnected from the harness?

PS: her car also only has 27K miles

 

[TexasKyle]

Only thing that pops in mind is that it works as a failsafe. i.e. If they switch fails, the lights come on so as not to leave you in the dark, at night. That's a pretty thin theory though. I can't come up with how the hell it would work though.

 

[one eyed willy]

it is normal, but i beleive after a few minutes they do turn them selves off.

 

[Tbone]

Im in Canada and all vehicles have daytime running lights, does yours have that also? DRL module went in my 1998 ranger, lights always stayed on even with key out. Pulled the fuse to the drl module and just left it at that and headlights worked as normal then.

 

[tmcolegr]

it is normal, but i beleive after a few minutes they do turn them selves off.

Interesting - I never knew that.

Im in Canada and all vehicles have daytime running lights, does yours have that also?

Nope - no DRL

 

[Mustang30212]

It's normal...I've had mine out dozens of times. Never turned off by themselves though.

RH

 

[tmcolegr]

FWIW - headlamp switch has had multiple revisions and production date changes. Current part number is 7R3Z-11654-BA (SW-6581).

 

[AnotherS197GT]

If you need a switch I've got one laying around. I'll test it to make sure it works, and if it does I'd be willing to sell it to you for $35. It was out of a wrecked vehicle and came with some parts I bought off it.

 

[tmcolegr]

If you need a switch I've got one laying around. I'll test it to make sure it works, and if it does I'd be willing to sell it to you for $35. It was out of a wrecked vehicle and came with some parts I bought off it.

I already purchased a new switch.

Thanks anyway