Ford Truck Headlights Troubleshooting

Although Ford has several different models of trucks available, the troubleshooting process for practically every Ford vehicle is still the same. The three most common causes for headlights malfunctioning are loose wiring, old bulbs and broken fuses. The troubleshooting process is simple and requires only a screwdriver, but it is very important. The headlights on your Ford truck provide an essential contribution to the safety of your vehicle and driving with faulty lights could lead to an accident.

• 1

  Open the hood of your vehicle. Make sure the headlamp control switch is in the OFF position and turn off the engine. Use a screwdriver to remove the three retaining screws at the top, inboard side of the headlamp.

• 2

  Disengage the tab at the top center of the headlamp assembly by lifting it up. Slide the assembly forward, disconnect the snap attachment at the fender.

• 3

  Firmly pull on the electrical connection at the rear of the assembly. If it comes out, securely plug it in. If the headlights are still malfunctioning, the bulb may need to be replaced.

• 4

  Disconnect the electrical connection from the assembly. Remove the headlamp bulb by rotating it counterclockwise and pulling it straight out.

• 5

  Use a paper towel to install the new bulb. Depending on the year of your model, your truck may use either 9008 type bulbs or 9007 type bulbs. Consult your owner's guide if you are not sure.

• 6

  Reattach the electrical connection to the headlamp assembly and place it back into the vehicle. Reattach the three retaining screws and close the hood. If the headlights are still malfunctioning, there may be an issue with the fuse.

• 7

  Check the fuses. Remove the cover from the fuse panel by placing a finger behind the "PULL" tab and your thumb above the "PULL" tab and then pulling the cover off. The fuse panel is located under the right-hand side of the instrument panel, close to the steering wheel. Underneath the cover of the fuse panel you will find a fuse extractor and several spare fuses. Locate the fuses numbered "23" and "25." Fuse 23 is for the right-hand headlamp. Fuse 25 is for the left-hand headlamp. Check to see if either fuse is broken by inspecting the metal inside the fuse. If the metal is broken, the fuse is broken and it will need to be replaced.

• 8

  Replace fuse. Use the fuse extractor to remove the fuse from the fuse panel. Select a 10A replacement fuse from the underside of the cover and place it into the fuse panel. Only use 10A fuses for the headlamps. Any other fuse may cause problems with the headlights. Place the cover back onto the fuse panel.