I would appreciate any advice about how to fix my problem. I have Ford Focus SE 2000 (no fog lights). A couple of days ago the parking lamps and instrument cluster lighting went out suddenly when I pressed remote luggage compartment release button. Side lights (left, right), brake lamps, back-up lamps, and hazard flasher are working fine. When I press brake pedal, the instrument cluster lights up normally.
First, I changed brake lamps because I thought they burned down. It happened before. Then I checked fuses - they looked fine. Then I replaced headlight switch, but it didn't help. I bought a used one. Maybe I need to get a new switch.
Thank you for your recommendations,
DmitriParking lamps problems?Check grounding in bulb sockets and also ground to frame for light assemblies. It sounds like you have a floating ground, and when you put the brake pedal down, the power %26quot;backfeeds%26quot; through the parking light circuit! Parking lights and dash lights on same circuit! There are a number of wild things that may appear if you have grounds missing (especially on back lights). They range from brakelights going out, when pedal down, and pkg lights coming on, or the other way around, I have even seen park and dash lights come on dim (seen only in dark), - with lights turned off, - because the power from brake lights was making %26quot;backfeed%26quot; through park (since ground missing on brakelights)
Now be advised that what the fuse %26quot;looks like%26quot; is not proof the fuse is good! Try switching with another fuse of same size- these fuses are identified by color! So find one of that color, switch and see if the problem goes away on this circuit, - and shows up on the other one! You may have a spare stored in the cover over fuses, - or somewhere there (don't know exactly what it looks like). Other than that the only definate proof is a continuity check.-- one thing you can do there is to get a %26quot;cheap voltage checker%26quot; (which is a light with clip on wire on one end, and a pointed %26quot;probe%26quot; on the other, - you clip wire end to a good grounded part close enough to allow the probe to reach fusebox--- then try making contact on the little pieces of metal showing on top of fuse, - - if you %26quot;read%26quot; (bulb lights) voltage on one side, you shoud read it on other side, - if not the fuse is burned out. If you don't read on either side, try turning lights on and then checking! Also you can make sure that the accessory that is indicated is turned on (this may make voltage available in that circuit).
By the way are these lights on the trunklid? The trunk opener might %26quot;blown%26quot; ground wire, if it was damaged a little before this problem happened. So it might be a good idea to check and see itf the lid is still grounded to the frame. Also check around wires going to the release mechanism to see if the wire from it is shorted to one of %26quot;light wires%26quot;, - ---or the release wire grounded to frame (which would probably blow a fuse)!Parking lamps problems?Thank you for your answer.
Please advise where I can find ground connections (to the frame) in my car.
Thanks again,
Dmitri
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Parking lamps problems?before you go crazy trying to fix it.. call the dealer and speak to the service manager.. ask him if there's any common problems with them and if there are any open recalls on the car.. you may have to give him the vin #... and then move to the next test... check for fuses and grounds..