!! TAIL LIGHTS problem need Opinions !!

[klimentiy]

Tail lights do NOT light up when the headlight switch is in 3rd (horizontal) position.
All lights work, that means: breaks, headlights, turn signals (front and back), hazards work as well. All fuses were checked and seem to be fine. Bulbs are not burnt out either. Tail lights DO blink when i use turn signals, or hazards. The only time they do not work is when i use them as running lights (once again: switch in 3rd position)
P.S. About a month ago i installed HIDs, not sure if that is when tail lights stopped working, but it is a possibility. Also around the same time my AC started to blow hot air, its got plenty of pressure, so there is no leak. Not sure if theat could be linked in any way.. but thought it might be helpful...

I need your opinions. I'va read something about headlight switch, not sure what to look for in it or how to take it apart and test it. Some guidence please.

[thousandlegs]

check to be sure that both filaments are in tact. if i'm not mistaken the tail lights have two filaments for different levels of brightness, i.e. tail light and then brighter for brake. i'm not 100% sure but that's the first thing i'd check if it was mine.

[klimentiy]

Originally Posted by thousandlegs

check to be sure that both filaments are in tact. if i'm not mistaken the tail lights have two filaments for different levels of brightness, i.e. tail light and then brighter for brake. i'm not 100% sure but that's the first thing i'd check if it was mine.

I took out both bulbs and both filaments on each bulb looks fine.

[thousandlegs]

hmm, ok, well if your headlights are working and the brake and turn sigs are working be sure that the parking lights in the front are working as well. if they are not then it could be the switch. i'm assuming that you've checked the fuses with a meter, rather than just by eye. sometimes they can blow and still look good without very close scrutiny. if it's the switch then you should be able to find one fairly easily.

[ForeverFord05]

Hmm, how ironic, my taillights wont turn off.

[klimentiy]

Originally Posted by thousandlegs

hmm, ok, well if your headlights are working and the brake and turn sigs are working be sure that the parking lights in the front are working as well. if they are not then it could be the switch. i'm assuming that you've checked the fuses with a meter, rather than just by eye. sometimes they can blow and still look good without very close scrutiny. if it's the switch then you should be able to find one fairly easily.

You are right about that. My parking lights in the front do NOT work.
However they do blink with hazards or turn signals. I just took out the dash with the switch and there are like 10 small red wires running from the lights switch. What should i look for?

[klimentiy]

Which fuse would be responsible for tail lights? i will double check it or replace it with a new fuse of same amp rating.

[thousandlegs]

You can get a copy of the owner's manual here and all of the fuses are listed.

MANUAL

[klimentiy]

I just took light switch apart. And number 15 slot in the rightcorner seems to be slightly melted with like greish looking residue on it. So i am thinking that is my problem... Now where can i get that part the cheaper way and what have caused that?

[thousandlegs]

Originally Posted by klimentiy

I just took light switch apart. And number 15 slot in the rightcorner seems to be slightly melted with like greish looking residue on it. So i am thinking that is my problem... Now where can i get that part the cheaper way and what have caused that?

well, the green stuff could be corrosion. you may be able to scrape/clean it and be good to go. as for the replacement, search around and find out which other ford/mercury/lincoln vehicles use that same switch and then check with a junkyard or two. first though, i would definitely try to clean/repair the one you have and stick it back in to test. good luck.