It’s okay to feel anxious if you’ve encountered the Ford low beam bulb fault message for the first time. You may have noticed that the turn signals, running light strip, and high beam work fine. But when you switch on the low beams, they flash on, and then a warning displays on your dashboard. The notification indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s low-beam lights.
So, what are the causes and how can you fix it? We researched thoroughly and have the answers below.
What Causes the Ford Low Beam Bulb Fault Message?
There are many causes of the Ford low beam bulb fault message, but a damaged low beam headlight bulb is the main trigger. A loose connection in the circuit is another leading cause, but a wiring issue may also be one to blame. Sometimes it’s something as simple as an LED bulb compatibility issue.
Let’s get into the details:
Possible Cause #1: Burned Out Bulb
Your low-beam light bulbs have a lifespan. Therefore, older cars that have never had their bulbs replaced will soon burn out. A typical auto light bulb can last for up to 1,000 hours. However, you may require to change the bulbs on your Ford earlier. It depends on how you use your vehicle and the lights.
Besides, these bulbs are susceptible to malfunctions and can go out anytime without warning. Sometimes, that could be due to physical damage, a mistake in manufacturing, or something else entirely.
How to Fix: Replace the damaged bulbs. It could be on one side or both sides. First, you must find the correct bulb. Consult your owner’s manual for the specific bulb type you need to buy.
You’ll probably need a screwdriver only to open the lamp hatch and change the bulb. The procedure is generally straightforward. But it may be challenging, depending on your car model and manufacture year. Check if the manual can help or consult a specialist.
Possible Cause #2: Loose or Damaged Connectors
Another common trigger of the low beam not working is damaged connectors. That happens due to overheating the low beam circuit at the lamp assembly. It could also be a loose connection.
How to Fix: Start the car and switch on the lights. Next, lift the bonnet, find the connector on the back of the light unit, and inspect it keenly for any loose connection or damage. As you check, try to see if anything happens when you move the connector.
You can even take the entire unit out for a better inspection. The bulb holder connectors are likely to be loose and damaged. Tighten them using long-nosed pliers or replace the connectors if they are damaged.
Possible Cause #3: Other Wiring Problem
The low beam lights and the entire headlamp unit rely on a set of components to function. These include a wiring harness, relay, and fuse that provide the electricity the bulbs need to burn brightly.
A problem with one of the components can cause the system to malfunction, triggering the Ford low beam bulb fault message. For example, a relay may be failing. Although such wiring issues are uncommon, they do occur occasionally.
How to Fix: First, check whether the low beam lamp fuse works. All the fuses are in the box, but you may need to check your owner’s manual for its specific location. Replace the fuse if necessary. But if it’s okay, the problem will likely be at the switch (relay) or the wires.
Turn off the lights again and remove the bulb. Detach and clean the switch using a suitable electrical contact cleaner. Turn on the lights and test the relay for power using a tester. Test the wires also and determine what you need to repair or replace.
Note: Troubleshooting a wiring problem may be challenging for a DIYer. Feel free to call a specialist or book an appointment with your dealer.
Possible Cause #4: Installed LED Bulbs
If you’ve installed LED bulbs recently, they may be the ones to blame. Experts say that these bulbs pull far less power than their halogen counterparts. In that case, the car’s computer module thinks the bulbs aren’t working.
How to Fix: Buy an ELM 327 (programmed microcontroller) and then use ForScan or FoCCCus to read codes. You’ll also need to change the headlight configuration to HID option and the low beam fault to off. The error will still come on, but your low-beam lights will work.
Pro Tip: There may be a way to make the error message disappear after changing the OEM halogen bulbs for LEDs. That’s by using resistors. Ensure you find the correct value resistors; try 6-ohm, 50 watts.
Alternatively, ensure you have OEM bulbs or buy a CANBUS wiring harness adapter. The adapter will trick the computer module into thinking everything is working well. And your new LED bulbs will function seamlessly. Also, the adapter will ensure that the bulbs won’t burn down due to the incorrect current supply.
FAQs
Can Cleaning Improve Dim Low Beam Headlights on Ford?
Cleaning headlights with warm water and car shampoo can significantly boost their ability to light the road ahead of you. The headlights collect a lot of dirt even on seemingly good road conditions. If you do nothing, this dirt can build up, increase glare, and reduce visibility by up to 20 percent.
Are the Low Beam Headlights Necessary on Ford?
Low-beam headlights are necessary on any vehicle. They offer short-range visibility, ideal in traffic, rain, fog, and other low-visibility conditions. Using the low beam headlights will not blind and put other drivers at risk of crushing.
Closing Words
A malfunction in your low-beam light is a safety concern you must deal with immediately. We have discussed the common causes of the problem and how to fix it. The good thing is that it’s simple to implement most of the mentioned solutions.
Damaged bulbs and connectors are the notorious causes, and that’s where you should begin troubleshooting. So, grab the tools and start fixing the Ford low beam bulb fault message now. Good luck!
-
by
-
