Here's to hoping my fellow F-150 enthusiasts can help.

I have a 2004 SCREW XLT with the 5.4L and automatic transmission. The other night while returning home I used my turn signal and my headlights (low beam) went completely out. The switch to turn the headlights on are on the lower left side of the dash. The signal switch is on the Left side of the steering column and also serves as the dimmer switch between high and low beams and operates windshield wipers.

I was able to turn the beams on high (by throwing the signal switch forward) and the lights came back on, albeit high beam. I was then able to transition back to low. I can transition from low to high without any issues, but as soon as I move it up or down to utilize turn signals, the lights go completely out. This wasn't much of an issue until the other night when I was turning off the highway to the road my house is on. The officers at the sobriety check-point just down the highway saw headlights go off and the truck turn. They weren't amused. Luckily I had no problems once they determined I was sober and having equipment failure.

Obviously there is a problem, what do I need to fix it? Local dealer suggested a whole new steering column... which seems a bit like overkill to me and my rinky dink Chiltons manual is largely mum on the issue past checking a fuse.

Help?

Thanks,
Paramaximus

 

I would start checking the switches (headlamp and turnsignal). Also, maybe check the wiring make sure you don't have short or bad ground, or an animal ate some insulation off of a wire. Good luck