1997 Lincoln Mark VIII Headlight Conversion-Dimmer Switch Problem

[chance23]

I'm in the process of getting my headlights converted from the original halogen low beam lights (that take a Sylvania 9500 bulb that is no longer made) to HID lights using a kit. This is preferable to spending $700+ to replace each headlight. Apparently the conversion is complicated. The first kit was defective and has been replaced but not fully installed yet. Now all I have is either 1) 2 high beams plus 2 gold side lights-without the low beams that should be on with high beams or 2) 2 gold side lights without the low beams. These high and low options are controlled by the lever on the steering column-which I am calling a 'dimmer switch'. It doesn't 'dim' the lights, it switches between high and low beams.I think that the switch works because it switches the high beams on and off. The low beams and side gold lights should remain on with either option. Now I am being told that the dimmer switch has gone bad even though it switches the high beams off and on. This switch is expensive (over $300)new and I'm leery of a used one. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY IT IS BAD IF IT STILL SWITCHES! This may be true. I've read that this is a complicated lighting system. I'm just trying to find out. Whew. Thank you for any help!

 

[dnsherrill]

I don't fully understand the prob you're having, but I know you can mod the MF sw so lows stay on when highs are turned on, and one of the admins here makes/sells adapter rings for the low beams allowing gen 2's to use aftermarket kits (DDM, VVME, Kensun ex.)
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the 'dimmer switch' is your multi function switch, you can get this part new from someone other than a dealer

 

[Lownslowlsc]

I don't fully understand the prob you're having, but I know you can mod the MF sw so lows stay on when highs are turned on, and one of the admins here makes/sells adapter rings for the low beams allowing gen 2's to use aftermarket kits (DDM, VVME, Kensun ex.)
----
the 'dimmer switch' is your multi function switch, you can get this part new from someone other than a dealer

That's for gen1s. The gen2 mfs is obsolete but can be bought used or aftermarket from Standard Motor products for 400+. I know a guy that has nib ford units for sale though...:shifty:

Anyways, the multifunction/combination switch on the column shouldn't have anything to do with the lows not working. If you don't have any headlights when the brights are off i'd have to say there's something wrong with the wiring. But you said it's not fully installed yet so that would explain why the lows aren't working......

Read this to make sure you hooked everything up correctly.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2522432/1997-lincoln-mark-viii/


Edit: Are you using autolamp? If so try doing it manually using the switch on the dash.

 

[chance23]

Thank you. The lows are supposed to be on in conjunction with the high beams. They don't get switched off. I'm being told my switch is bad before the lights are hooked up. I don't understand how it is bad when it still switches back & forth. I was wondering if anyone had heard of this switch problem. It may be more complicated than I can understand but I was told it was a "common problem" with these cars.

 

[Lownslowlsc]

I understand that, but if they aren't hooked up correctly they won't turn on no matter what you do.

You could be thinking of the scil, aka lighting illumination module. I'm not an expert in regards to the ins and outs of one but it seems like a possibility.

Have you checked any fuses/relays yet?

The 97 owners manuals don't have the correct fuse diagram. Heres a link for the 98 manual, fuses start on pg.110.

http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/catalog/owner_guides/98mrkog1e.pdf

 

[dnsherrill]

if you're gonna keep this car, it's worth the $40 to get a factory service manual

 

[chance23]

Thank you so much! We have checked the fuses but if the diagrams are wrong...Will check again! And print out the manual you sent.

 

[chance23]

I do plan on keeping the car and was just looking for service manuals online tonight! Which do you recommend and where can I find it?

 

[dnsherrill]

I do plan on keeping the car and was just looking for service manuals online tonight! Which do you recommend and where can I find it?

well, it's a little more $ than my 96 was
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1997-Lincol...anuals_Literature&hash=item3a8a0416a4&vxp=mtr

 

[chance23]

Lol. That's one I found- was hoping for a $40 one! Saw a Chilton's and some single volumes like the $90 ones but they said 'fit' 97 Mark VIII and I wasn't sure what that meant.

 

[98lincmk7lsc]

Who's doing the work?

Make sure they're getting 12V power to the new aftermarket ballasts. They shouldn't be simply unplugging the 9500 bulbs and getting power from that plug. They should be getting power from the 2 plugs down at the the bottom of the radiator core support--where the OEM ballasts plug into.

 

[dnsherrill]

Lol. That's one I found- was hoping for a $40 one! Saw a Chilton's and some single volumes like the $90 ones but they said 'fit' 97 Mark VIII and I wasn't sure what that meant.

I wouldn't think the Chilton manual will have much of what you'll want
wait around, one will pop up for a fair price eventually...

 

[chance23]

Thank you. Good to know.

 

[Markviiiedrea]

Who's doing the work?

Make sure they're getting 12V power to the new aftermarket ballasts. They shouldn't be simply unplugging the 9500 bulbs and getting power from that plug. They should be getting power from the 2 plugs down at the the bottom of the radiator core support--where the OEM ballasts plug into.

To add on to this, allot of after market ballast have the polarity reversed, try hooking them up with the plug 180*.