Bulletins

BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TURN SIGNAL
1775704/01/200410008247Intermittent rapid flashing of the turn signals. *tt07/23/2004

Investigations

NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS
PE08066FORD MOTOR COMPANY11/26/200803/24/2009LOSS OF HEADLIGHT FUNCTION
 The agency has closed this investigation based on its review of complaint reports, field and technical data provided by ford and complainant interviews. ford found that some lighting control modules (lcm) in the subject vehicles contained defective solder joints on the printed circuit board.this condition can lead to poor headlight performance ranging from intermittent outage and dimming to eventual headlights failure.the failure does not affect other lighting functions (park, emergency flasher, brake and flash to pass lights).the agency is aware of a total of 306 consumers complaints and no report of crash, injury or fatality.ford reports 2,074 warranty claims related to headlight failure linked to the lcm during the first three years of operation.about 12% (247) of these claims are specific to headlight failure while driving.the average warranty rate for headlight failing while driving is low (0.05%).ford reports a slightly higher warranty rate experienced for the crown victoria police interceptor vehicles and this is attributed to the higher duty cycle of these vehicles (headlights on for longer periods).a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

Consumer Complaints

Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
11/09/20121000001
 Driving home in the evening on a rural 2 lane highway in ms. and my headlights goes off. no warning just went out. tried to manually turn them on, but nothing happened. this incident could have turned out very different, if i wasn't familiar with the area...this problem seems to be bigger than just me...there was an investigation by your agency nhtsa action #: pe08066, 11/26/08 to 3/24/09. this investigation was closed with basically no action taken at all. just because nobody has died, or been reported injured, doesn't mean this issue is not a safety issue. *tr
11/09/2012100000
 Driving home in the evening on a rural 2 lane highway in ms. and my headlights goes off. no warning just went out. tried to manually turn them on, but nothing happened. this incident could have turned out very different, if i wasn't familiar with the area...this problem seems to be bigger than just me...there was an investigation by your agency nhtsa action #: pe08066, 11/26/08 to 3/24/09. this investigation was closed with basically no action taken at all. just because nobody has died, or been reported injured, doesn't mean this issue is not a safety issue.
01/16/2013760001
 Headlights go off unexpectedly while driving at night. experimenting found that high beam (unsafe when driving on 2 way road) may be kept on by holding the turn signal lever in the up position (thus occupying the left hand while driving) internet search indicates that this is a fairly common problem with this make and model, and that replacement of the light control module is expensive ($700 - $900) and not always a long term fix. should be a ford recall item. *tr
01/16/201376000
 Headlights go off unexpectedly while driving at night. experimenting found that high beam (unsafe when driving on 2 way road) may be kept on by holding the turn signal lever in the up position (thus accupying the left hand while driving) internet search indicates that this is a fairly common problem with this make and model, and that replacement of the light control module is expensive ($700 - $900) and not always a long term fix. should be a ford recall item.
09/10/2012
 Tl- the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated that the high and low beam headlights became overheated and failed. the vehicle was not taken to a mechanic and was not repaired. the failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 125,000. kmj
11/14/201272000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph, the headlights were activated and suddenly became inoperative. the failure recurred intermittently. the manufacturer was made aware of the problem and informed the contact that there was not a recall related to the malfunction. also, the dealer was notified of the issue who advised that the headlight control module would need to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 72,000. the vin was unavailable. pmb
09/10/2012
 Tl- the contact owns a owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated that the headlights go in and out on the vehicle. the contact stated that when the high beams did not work either when the failure occurred. the contact stated that head lights seem to go out when the lights get hot. the vehicle had not been inspected. the failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 125,000.rl
11/14/201272000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph, the headlights were activated and suddenly became inoperative. the failure recurred intermittently. the manufacturer was made aware of the problem and informed the contact that there was not a recall related to the malfunction. also, the dealer was notified of the issue who advised that the headlight control module would need to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 72,000. the vin was unavailable. pmb
11/14/201262000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph with the headlights activated, there was a sudden failure in the headlight illumination. the contact continued to drive and within several minutes, the headlights operated normally. an authorized dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the headlight control module would need to be replaced. the manufacturer was also notified of the malfunction. the vehicle had not been repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 62,000.
11/14/201272000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph, the headlights were activated and suddenly became inoperative. the failure recurred intermittently. the manufacturer was made aware of the problem and informed the contact that there was not a recall related to the malfunction. also, the dealer was notified of the issue who advised that the headlight control module would need to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 72,000. the vin was unavailable. pmb
11/14/201262000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph with the headlights activated, there was a sudden failure in the headlight illumination. the contact continued to drive and within several minutes, the headlights operated normally. an authorized dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the headlight control module would need to be replaced. the manufacturer was also notified of the malfunction. the vehicle had not been repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 62,000.
11/14/201262000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph with the headlights activated, there was a sudden failure in the headlight illumination. the contact continued to drive and within several minutes, the headlights operated normally. an authorized dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the headlight control module would need to be replaced. the manufacturer was also notified of the malfunction. the vehicle had not been repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 62,000. kmj
11/14/201262000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated while driving at night approximately 60 mph with the headlights activated, there was a sudden failure in the headlight illumination. the contact continued to drive and within after five moments the headlights operated normally. an authorized dealer was notified and they informed the headlight control module would need to be replaced. the manufacturer was also notified of the malfunction. the vehicle had not been repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 62,000. js
06/04/20121010001
 The headlights go and intermittently. they come on initially but only say on, on average, for about 5-10 minutes and will stay off for about 3-4 minutes. the headlight switch has been replaced but the problem is still occurring. no other mechanical work has been done since replacing the switch. *tr
06/04/2012101000
 The headlights go and and intermittently. they come on initially but only say on, on average, for about 5-10 minutes and will stay off for about 3-4 minutes. the headlight switch has been replaced but the problem is still ocurring. no other mechanical work has been done since replacing the switch.
09/14/201275000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated that the head lights failed. the contact attempted to turn them back on but to no avail. the contact allowed the vehicle to sit inoperable for several hours, in which the headlights then became operable. the vehicle was taken not taken to a dealer or a mechanic for inspection. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 75,000.
09/14/201275000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated that the head lights failed. the contact attempted to turn them back on but to no avail. the contact allowed the vehicle to sit inoperable for several hours, in which the headlights then became operable. the vehicle was taken not taken to a dealer or a mechanic for inspection. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 75,000. kmj
09/14/201275000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated that while driving at night, the head lights failed. the contact stated that he attempted to turn them back on but they did not come back on until the vehicle sat for a few hours. the vehicle was taken not taken to a dealer or mechanic for inspection. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 75,000. ap
07/28/20121030001
 My mother-in-law has a 2004 grand marquis & last night when she started the car to go home after visiting us, the headlights would not come on at all....additionally, the interior lights have come on all by themselves intermittently, and consequently, the battery is drained each time it happens. the interior problem may or may not fix itself by starting/shutting off/opening/closing door. all i did was type 2004 mercury grand marquis in yahoo search & a multitude of similar problems came up in the results: all stating a defective light control module (lcm). i am going to take the one out of her car today & take it apart & inspect it for cracked (cold solder) solder joints as almost anything with a pc board ( (made in the last 25 years especially) tends to develop cracked solder because they are made cheaply by using as little solder possible to hold the joint together (when new, anyways) . yet another cheap, modern junk electronic item pumped out in bulk by the thousands that the manufacturer will not support, unless it fails within the warranty period! i cannot believe ford motor company won't issue a recall for this problem as it is not an isolated problem, according to my research! maybe once someone dies in a car wreck from the lights going out while they're going down a freeway @ 70mph, someone will get a good lawyer and sue the pants off of ford motor company!! class action lawsuit, anybody? *js
07/11/201286500
 Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated that illuminated sporadically without warning. the vehicle was taken to a local repair shop, who diagnosed that the lighting control module was defective and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not offer any assistance. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 86,500 and the current mileage was 87,000.
07/11/201286500
 Tl-the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated that illuminated sporadically without warning. the vehicle was taken to a local repair shop, who diagnosed that the lighting control module was defective and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not offer any assistance. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 86,500 and the current mileage was 87,000. sm.
07/11/201286500
 Tl - the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated that her vehicle head lamp would go off sporadically without any warnings. the vehicle was taken to a local shop who diagnosed that the lighting control module was defective and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 86,500 and the current mileage was 87,000. pm
12/09/201165800
 On three or four occasions over a month or so, my headlights, which i turned on manually, went out while i was driving. the last time it occurred, i was on a dark, unlit, two-lane road and thought i would not get home alive. i pulled over, turned off the engine, turned on my emergency flashers and interior lights so that other vehicles would see me. when the road was clear, i started the car again, turned on the headlamps and proceeded to continue my ride home. the lights again went out and i repeated the process until i was home safely. after that, i drove only during daylight. i went to a spartan auto care center and after a diagnostic scan, was told that i needed to replace the head light control module. i was told that this was a common problem with the grand marquis. i elected to take it to a ford dealer when i finally could afford to repair it. the dealer replaced the head light control module on march 30, 2012 at a cost of $760.43. i have seen a litany of complaints from other owners, so this is not an isolated problem. i think this is a dangerous defect and we should be reimbursed for the expense involved.
04/06/2012
 The headlights turned off ,while driving 20 mph,and would not come back on..i have noticed on the internet that there are alot of complaints about this same problem,why no recall,what if i was driving 55 mph,things could have turned out very bad..my car will sit in front of my house untill a cure is found..thank you
09/05/201161000
 Lights went out while driving down a major highway, only brights would work, then they went off. after clicking them off and on they came back on for a while , then off again. what a dangerous situation this is!! please do a recall on this as i have seen numerous complaints about this happening to people. i can not go anywhere at night in my car, only trust daytime driving now!
01/16/201251000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated that when driving approximately 5 mph when his headlights suddenly went out. in order to keep them on he would have to hold the lever as he drives. the vehicle had not been inspected by a dealer nor had it been repaired. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was approximately 51,000. the vin was unavailable. tb
12/12/2011
 Tl- the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated that the headlights would fail sporadically and without warning. the vehicle was not inspected for the failure. the contact stated that he believed that the failure was caused by the sensors. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not available. the current mileage was 57,000 and the failure mileage was unknown. kmj
12/01/2011112/29/2004
 2004 mercury grand marquis. consumer writes in regards to failure of headlights *tgw the consumer stated the headlights would just randomly go out and come back on after a minute or two. the consumer was informed lighting control module needed to be replaced. *jb
12/12/2011
 Tl- the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated that the headlights would fail sporadically and without warning. the vehicle was not inspected for the failure. the contact stated that he believed that the failure was caused by the sensors. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not available. the current mileage was 57,000 and the failure mileage was unknown. kmj
12/01/2011112/29/2004
 2004 mercury grand marquis. consumer writes in regards to failure of headlights *tgw the consumer stated the headlights would just randomly go out and come back on after a minute or two. the consumer was informed lighting control module needed to be replaced. *jb
12/12/2011
 Tl- the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated the headlights go in and out on the vehicle. the failure happens without warning. the vehicle had not been inspected, but the contact feels the sensor for the headlights is failing. the vin was not available. the current mileage was 57,000.rl
12/01/2011112/29/2004
 2004 mercury grand marquis. consumer writes in regards to failure of headlights *tgw the consumer stated the headlights would just randomly go out and come back on after a minute or two. the consumer was informed lighting control module needed to be replaced. *jb
09/06/2011103000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated that while driving, the headlights failed without warning. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the dealer could not locate a problem with the headlights. the contact replaced the light switch but that did not remedy the problem. the failure mileage was 103,000. the vin was not available. kmj
12/12/2011
 Tl- the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated the headlights go in and out on the vehicle. the failure happens without warning. the vehicle had not been inspected, but the contact feels the sensor for the headlights is failing. the vin was not available. the current mileage was 57,000.rl
12/01/2011112/29/2004
 2004 mercury grand marquis. consumer writes in regards to failure of headlights *tgw the consumer stated the headlights would just randomly go out and come back on after a minute or two. the consumer was informed lighting control module needed to be replaced. *jb
09/06/2011103000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated that while driving, the headlights failed without warning. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the dealer could not locate a problem with the headlights. the contact replaced the light switch but that did not remedy the problem. the failure mileage was 103,000. the vin was not available. kmj
09/06/2011103000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated while driving at night the headlights when go off without warning. the contact took the vehicle to a dealer and the dealer could not find a problem with the headlights. the contact replaced the light switch but did that did not remedy the problem. the failure mileage was 103,000. jo
07/01/201158000
 The headlights failed during operation of the vehicle while in light rain at night in town. i did not notice the lights failed, on coming trafic flashed their lights to tell me my lights were off. pulling over to the curb i wiggled the cabling under the dash and the lights came on, i then proceeded to move again and the light went off. after a few attempts of wiggling the cabling near the lem module the lights stayed on enough to return to my home. this has been an on going situation with the lights, and i have been on the internet to troubleshoot this fault in the ford motor vehicles. that this problem has been reported with out a recall is appalling. the location of the failed unit most likely is the reason for service mechanic estimates of $700 to $1500 to replace this part. one only has to go on the internet and write the 2004 lighting problem and see the lem module has a un-going product failure.
06/01/200660000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated that the headlights shut off without warning. the lights would continuously flicker on and off. in 2006 and 2009, the dealer replaced the lighting control module however, the failure recurred. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance. the current mileage was 121,000 and the failure mileages was 60,000.
07/01/201158000
 The headlights failed during operation of the vehicle while in light rain at night in town. i did not notice the lights failed, on coming trafic flashed their lights to tell me my lights were off. pulling over to the curb i wiggled the cabling under the dash and the lights came on, i then proceeded to move again and the light went off. after a few attempts of wiggling the cabling near the lem module the lights stayed on enough to return to my home. this has been an on going situation with the lights, and i have been on the internet to troubleshoot this fault in the ford motor vehicles. that this problem has been reported with out a recall is appalling. the location of the failed unit most likely is the reason for service mechanic estimates of $700 to $1500 to replace this part. one only has to go on the internet and write the 2004 lighting problem and see the lem module has a un-going product failure.
06/01/200660000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated that the headlights shut off without warning. the lights would continuously flicker on and off. in 2006 and 2009, the dealer replaced the lighting control module however, the failure recurred. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance. the current mileage was 121,000 and the failure mileages was 60,000. kmj
06/01/200660000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated that while driving at night the headlights would shut off without warning. also at any time they would illuminate and then shut off again. in 2006 and 2009 the dealer replaced the lighting control module however, the failure continues to occur. the manufacturer was aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance. the current mileages were 121,000 and the failure mileages were 60,000. bw
02/01/200960000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact was driving 45 when the headlights illuminated on and off intermittently. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where they replaced the switches for the headlights. the manufacturer was not contacted and the failure persisted. the vin was unavailable. the failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 80,000.
02/01/200960000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact was driving 45 when the headlights illuminated on and off intermittently. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where they replaced the switches for the headlights. the manufacturer was not contacted and the failure persisted. the vin was unavailable. the failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 80,000. kmj
02/01/200960000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact was driving 45 when the headlights illuminated on and off by them selves intermittently. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, and they replaced switches for the head lights. the manufacturer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was unknown.the failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 80,000 rds.
10/06/201134234
 My mercury marquis is unsafe! both of my night-time headlights went out at the same time. all other lights work fine inside and out. the head-lights now only work if i hold the high-beam bar, however, they do not work if i let go of the control bar. i drive my vehicle very little, and mostly during the day; however, i do take 70 mph interstate highway trips returning at night. there is no fuse for the head lights or the light control module in either the fuse box above the brake pedal, or under the hood. further investigation reveals that the head light fuse is inside the light control module which is located under the dash above the gas-pedal. also, i've learned that even when this lcm unit is replace, that a new lcm unit can be defective also. common sense dictates that something electrical is causing the fuse to blow in the unit. i believe this indicates a looming fire hazard about to happen. overheating the electrical system from where? if i would elect to have the lcm unit modified with a larger interior fuse, i fear this is not a solution either. ford needs to find the source of the problem that is blowing this fuse even in the new units. the installation at the dealership is $700.00 or above. the market price of the lcm unit is $90. fords needs to recall and replace this lcm unit for an indeffinate period; however, since they are making a bunch of money replacing them, and no one has gotten killed yet, will they? i fear replacing the unit this week, an the new one failing and me, suddenly with no headlights possibly running over a pedestrian, or crashing on the interstate and me or someone dying. this problem makes my mercury absolutely unsafe !!! i want an indeffinate recall of this unit, and for ford to find and repair the cause of the unit failing.
09/23/2011124000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated that the headlights shut off without initiation and without warning on an intermittent basis. the dealer advised the contact to bring the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. the manufacturer had not been notified and the failure was not diagnosed or repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 124,000 and the current mileage was 125,000. the vin was unavailable.
09/23/2011124000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated that the headlights shut off without initiation and without warning on an intermittent basis. the dealer advised the contact to bring the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. the manufacturer had not been notified and the failure was not diagnosed or repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 124,000 and the current mileage was 125,000. the vin was unavailable. sm.
09/23/2011124000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated that the headlights shut off without initiation and without warning intermittently. the dealer advised the contact to bring the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. the manufacturer had not been notified nor was the vehicle diagnosed or repaired. the current mileage was 125,000. the approximate failure mileage was 124,000. the vin was unavailable. bw
05/01/200730000
 The headlight would not come on. this first happened 2007, vehicle was inspected and repaired. under warranty headlight modular. this happened again june 2011. headlight modular needs to be replace again.
08/26/201180000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated that the exterior headlights would fail intermittently. the dealer diagnosed that the computer module failed and would need to be replaced. the vehicle was in the process of being repaired. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure and current mileage was 80,000.
08/26/201180000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated that the exterior headlights would fail intermittently. the dealer diagnosed that the computer module failed and would need to be replaced. the vehicle was in the process of being repaired. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure and current mileage was 80,000. kmj
08/26/201180000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated that the exterior head lights would work intermittently. the dealer diagnosed that the computer module failed and would need to be replaced. the vehicle was in the process of repair. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage and current mileage was 80,000. nw
05/09/2008150000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated that while driving 30 mph at night, the headlights and the interior lights would suddenly malfunction and stop illuminating, increasing the risk of a crash. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, where a diagnostic test indicated that the head light control module was faulty. the contact did not have the headlight control module replaced. the failure mileage was 150,000. sm.
05/09/2008150000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated while driving 30 mph at night the headlights and the interior lights suddenly malfunction and go out increasing the risk of a crash. the contact took the vehicle to a dealer for a diagnostic test. the test shown a faulty head light control module. the contact did not have the headlight control module replaced. the contact stated the vehicle was unsafe to drive. the failure mileage was 150,000. jo
06/01/201070000
 Tl the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated the vehicle headlights and windshield wiper failed. the vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who performed a diagnosed that located the failure at the headlight light control modulator and the windshield wiper motor. the manufacturer took a report 0401172081 and advised to take the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was 70,000 and the current mileage was 90,000. li
05/18/201142
 Head light turn off while driving for no apparent reason , then cycle back on for a few minutes and then turn off again , this continues with out end.
06/01/201070000
 Tl the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated the vehicle headlights and windshield wiper failed. the vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who performed a diagnosed that located the failure at the headlight light control modulator and the windshield wiper motor. the manufacturer took a report 0401172081 and advised to take the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was 70,000 and the current mileage was 90,000. li
05/18/201142
 Head light turn off while driving for no apparent reason , then cycle back on for a few minutes and then turn off again , this continues with out end.
06/01/201070000
 Tl the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated the vehicle headlights and windshield wiper failed. the vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who performed a diagnosed that located the failure at the headlight light control modulator and the windshield wiper motor. the manufacturer took a report 0401172081 and advised to take the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was 70,000 and the current mileage was 90,000. li
05/18/201142
 Head light turn off while driving for no apparent reason , then cycle back on for a few minutes and then turn off again , this continues with out end.
11/29/2010100838
 All headlights quit without notice of any sort. after replacing bulbs and switches, i went directly to ford. they charged almost $700.00 to replace the processor lighting control, which the service clerk explained was likely the problem. since ford knew this was a problem, why did they not recall the vehicles having this problem. we could have had a very serious accident.
06/11/201189567
 Head lights on my 2004 mercury grand marquis will not come on. parking lights work and hi beams. got pulled over by columbus oh police department because i was driving with hi beams on. this is the second time that this has happened.
06/20/200950000
 Vehicle has defective lighting control module (lcm). headlights would not turn on until lcm was kicked. (lcm is mounted directly above gas pedal) now headlights are turning off while driving. (but come back on if the lcm is kicked. ) looking at ebay there are many companies that offer a total upgrade of your existing lcm. they install heavier duty relays. the part # on my lcm is 4w7t-13c788-aa. so it is evident that there is a problem with many lcm's in and around that model year.
04/14/201186000
 My 2004 mercury grand marquis headlights keep turning off without warning at night. i almost killed a pedestrian as the lights went out at night and i couldn't see before stopping the car. i did however strike the empty babystoller they were pushing wich contained groceries. i'm told by the dealer that it is a moduel. costing $500. plus $99 an hour to diagnose ( which will of course be a min of two hours ) ad then the labor for total of about $1,000. this seems to happen more often the not. i've looked online and found lots of people with the same problem. fortunately there have been no injuries or deaths yet as a result that i'm aware of. so when there is a death because of this, whose is going to tell the family that this was aproblem that could have been avoided or fixed. we should have to wait wait for injury or death for action to be taken. the dealer ( lincoln mercury) says its a defective part ( moduel). this is a safty issue since you can't leaglly drive a car @ night without lights. please look into this and make something happen, please !
03/02/201172000
 2004 mercury grand marquis outside lights goes off and on intermittently. i have 72,000 miles on my car. it suddenly happen one day while i was driving at night from my second job on the highway. it scared me nearly to death and is very dangerous.
01/26/2011
 I was driving my vehicle and the headlights just turned off. i could not see the road. it lasted for about a minute where i have to stop on the side of the road and wait. after that they turned on. then a few days later they did the same thing. this has happened about 10 times
02/12/201178000
 Headlights on my 2004 mercury grand marquis stopped working while driving. all of the fuses are ok so problem is somewhere else. parking lights and blinkers still work. can hold the high beam lever towards the driver seat and lights will come on but i must hold the lever in while driving with one hand.
01/10/201085000
 The headlights do not stay on. the lights may or may not go on initially but can go out at any time making driving hazardous. the only way to make them light is to hold the handle in the bright light position. i have contacted ford with the problem and several dealers to no avail. this has been happening for approximately a year. a related problem seems to be that the air conditioner blower stopped working and the brake light stays on all the time. judging from the complaints i have read on the internet, many people have all three problems at once.
12/18/2010107000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. while driving approximately 35 mph the headlights shut off. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician repaired the multi function switch in the steering column. after the repairs were made the failure continued to occur. the vehicle was taken to the same technician a second time where the headlight switch in the dash was replaced. the failure continued to occur after the repairs were made.the failure occurred intermittently. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 107,000. ds
10/09/200670000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated for the past two years, the headlights of the vehicle have gone out periodically. the contact stated the lights come on once the doors are opened, but when they put the key in the ignition and start the car the lights go off. the contact stated the daytime running lights are supposed to come on and the lights are supposed to automatically come at night, but they don
09/25/2010119235
 Driving at 75 miles per hour at night on interstate 40, the headlights and dishlights went out on the 2004 mercury grand marquis.
10/09/201083000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact noticed the headlights failed they will turn on and off. he took the vehicle to the garage diagnosed located the at the head light control module. the manufacturer took a report 0725923433, but will not assist with the repair. the vehicle wasn't repaired. the failure mileage was 83,000 and current mileage was 84,000. li
10/01/201091000
 Headlights randomly turn off. doesn't seem to matter if i'm driving or not.
10/20/2010110000
 Driving home at night in my 2004 mercury grand marquis all of a sudden my headlights went out. the only way to have headlights was to manually hold back the high beam mechanism on the steering column. eventually they will come back on for a while but cut off again. through research i found out it is a lcm module and can be fixed for aproximately $700.00. i think mercury should bear some or all of the responsibility for this as it will eventually cause a very severe accident.
08/29/201049500
 Headlights went out while driving the vehicle. this was on a dark, dark, 2 lane country road with little or no shoulder. using the high beam hold function light would come on high beam. working switches would not bring lights back on. checking lights later, found lights would go out within 5 mins - stay out for less than 5 mins and then repeat. repair was the lcm module which dealer charged aprox. $700 to fix. very dangerous and scary! tail lights did stay on.
09/08/201044000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. while traveling 50 mph the contact noticed that the headlights had suddenly shut off without warning. the vehicle was taken to the dealership where the contact was informed that the lighting control module needed to be replaced. there were no prior warnings and the vehicle has not been diagnosed. the current and failure mileages were 44000. bml
08/09/2010149000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. while driving at a very low unknown speed the headlights turned off. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where he was informed the lighting control module needed to be replaced. he was also informed this was a common failure among these vehicles. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 149,000. the vin was unavailable. sm.
04/03/201080000
 I am currently having problems with my 2004 mercury grand marquis with the head lights not coming on or going out. all other light stay on. turning the light switch on / off and it won't come on. same symptoms in auto or manual headlight mode. if i stop the car it will come back on. it then might go off after a while. i see others have had this same problem, this was confirmed by my local ford dealership. very common problem with serious safety concerns. dealer tells me it is a failure of the ligh control module (lcm).
06/21/200980000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated that the headlights suddenly stopped working. in addition, the turn signals and bright headlights would only illuminate whenever the switch was held. as soon as the switch was released, the lights would dim again. in order to drive at night, the contact would have to hold the switch at all times. the failure has occurred on three occasions. usually, the headlights work normally when the vehicle is parked overnight. the contact scheduled an appointment with the dealer, but they have not yet inspected the vehicle. he believes that this is a manufacturer defect. the failure mileage was 80,000 and current mileage was 83,000.
07/05/20091006001
 Light controler shuts lights off at night while driving. the only way to get lights to drive with is to hold dircetional signial handel up with one hand and drive with the other. *tr
06/06/2009965001
 While driving at night with the headlight switch in the automatic selection the headlights went out. this was on june 6, 2009, at 11:00 p. m. then on june 27, 2009, at 9:10 p. m. while turning onto an interstate highway the headlights went out again. this time the headlight selection switch was in the manual mode. both time the highbeam selection switch was pulled and after a 15 to 20 minute period the headlights came back on. *tr
05/15/2009850001
 2004 mercury marquis. after 2-3 hours of driving with the headlights on, they will go out. all other lights continue to work properly. this is a very dangerous situation. i stopped the car and continued with my trip during the daylight. i believe this is a problem with the lighting control module and is a common problem. *tr
04/02/200969000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. while driving 35 mph at night, the headlights failed. the contact was able to avoid a crash. he took the vehicle to the dealer and they replaced the headlight sensor at the cost of $700. the dealer stated that the failure was common and they keep the sensor in stock. a report was filed with the manufacturer and they stated that there was no recall. the failure mileage was 69,000 and current mileage was 79,000.
03/21/2009880001
 2004 mercury marquis. after 2-3 hours of driving with the headlights on, they will go out. all other lights continue to work properly. this is a very dangerous situation. i stopped the car and continued with my trip during the daylight. i believe this is a problem with the lighting control module and is a common problem. *tr
01/11/200998000112/28/2003
 Tl*the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact stated that the headlights would go out completely while driving at any speed. sometimes the lights will illuminate within a few minutes or up to fifteen minutes. when he pulls the turn signal lever towards him, the bright lights illuminate, but shut off when he lets go off the lever. the dealer informed him to bring the vehicle in for inspection. the repair would cost between $400 and $500. the failure mileage was 98,000. updated 4/16/09 *cn the consumer stated the repairs were made by replacing the lcm. updated 04/20/09.*jb
11/12/2008940001
 We have 9 mercury grand marquis in our fleet. we are a 24 hour transportation service and our cars are out a night. the lights just turn off without warning and our drivers now have to drive in the dark until the lights come back on after shutting the car down. or, they may not come back on and have to have the car towed in. we have purchased this company in may 2008 and purchased all nine cars at the same time. we have replaced four of the nine so far at the cost of $591. each, our cost according to whiteys' automall mansfield ohio. if this item is so defective that we have to keep replacing this same item in each car, why was this item not recalled and corrected. i am listing one date, there has been 4 different dates, 4 different cars. (2) 2004's (1) 2003 and now (1) 2002, our 2005's and 2006's have not indicated a problem as yet. *tr
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS
12/01/2011112/29/2004
 2004 mercury grand marquis. consumer writes in regards to failure of headlights *tgw the consumer stated the headlights would just randomly go out and come back on after a minute or two. the consumer was informed lighting control module needed to be replaced. *jb
09/06/200964000
 Tl*-the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. the contact was driving approximately 20 mph, the front headlights failed. immediately, the highbeam switch was engaged and required assistance to manually hold for the headlights to operate. the failure occurred sporadic. the authorized dealer was notified and the technician informed the replacement part required for the headlights to function properly. the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired at the time of the complaint. the failure mileage was 64,000. the current mileage was 70,000.
02/06/2010800
 Tl*the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. while driving 40 mph the headlights suddenly shut off without warning causing the contact to turn on the high beams to see the road. the failure reoccurred one week later while traveling at 25 mph when the headlights stopped functioning without warning. the contact continued to turn the lights on and off until they remained on. the contact was displeased since she works at night and was concerned about the safety risk when the headlights shut off without warning. the approximate failure mileage was 800 and the current mileage was 1000.
02/18/2010280001
 Headlights on 2003 ford crown victoria and 2004 mercury grand marquis subject to going on and off and going off while driving. *tr
01/12/201052000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. while driving at night approximately 72 mph on normal road conditions with the headlights in activation. suddenly, the headlights failed to operate without warning. the driver experienced extremely poor visibility and pulled over to the side of the road with extreme caution. the vehicle remained parked until day light due to the dark roadway. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. the failure was contributed to the headlight control module. the vehicle has not been repaired for the malfunction. the contact had concern of the safety hazard. the failure mileage was 52,000. updated 2/22/10 *cn
11/27/2009124024
 Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. when driving the headlights will turn off for four minutes and then turn back on. the vehicle was taken to the dealership for inspection. the technician stated that the headlight module switch needed to be replaced. no repairs were made. the current and failure mileages were 124024.
09/15/200764000501/01/2005
 Tl*the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. while driving approximately 55 mph at night, the headlights dimmed. the contact stated that the vehicle experienced the failure approximately five times before it was taken to the dealer. the dealer stated that the light module was the cause of the failure and needed to be replaced. the current mileage was 64,814 and failure mileage was 64,000.
03/20/20066000310/21/2004
 Dt*: the contact stated while shifting from drive to park the gear locked in reverse and while driving at low speeds at night the headlights would not go from low beam to high beam. additionally, the tires slowly deflate. the dealership was alerted. they repaired the gear column, headlight switch and suggested to check the tires weekly and add air.
02/14/2006210000112/27/2003
 Dt*: the contact stated the headlights flicker on and off while in use. an independent repair shop determined the light control box needs to be replaced.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS - SWITCH
03/20/20066000310/21/2004
 Dt*: the contact stated while shifting from drive to park the gear locked in reverse and while driving at low speeds at night the headlights would not go from low beam to high beam. additionally, the tires slowly deflate. the dealership was alerted. they repaired the gear column, headlight switch and suggested to check the tires weekly and add air.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TURN SIGNAL
11/13/200373004309/26/2003
 The turn signal failed intermittently. the cause had not been determined. *jb the turn signal raced extremely fast that the lights flicker instead of blinking. the problem occurred 30 times since dec. 2003. ford was aware of the problem but did not have a fix. *sc

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