If the dipped beam bulb on your Ford starts to malfunction, you may be wondering the cause of the problem and how to fix it. Luckily, we have done the research for you, and here is what we found.
A faulty dipped beam bulb could be the result of different issues. The following are things you can do to fix it:
- Examine your lighting settings and configuration
- Check for electrical/wiring issues
- Replace damaged bulb
- Get in touch with an expert
Although it may not be difficult to diagnose and fix a problem with a dipped beam bulb, it is important to be familiar with the processes involved. Keep reading to get detailed information on how to deal with a defective dipped beam bulb.
What Causes Ford Dipped Beam Bulb Fault?
Here are possible reasons why the dipped beam bulb on your Ford is malfunctioning:
Bad Bulb
Dipped beam bulbs, just like the lightbulbs in your home, are susceptible to damage that can cause them to malfunction. The damage can be physical like a crack in the glass or a result of problems in the manufacturing process.
In addition, older automobiles that have never had their bulbs replaced will burn out sooner rather than later. You may need to change the dipped beam bulbs on your Ford more frequently if you have a habit of leaving them on during the day or if you travel at night on a regular basis.
Wiring Issues
Issues with wiring can also cause the dipped beam bulbs on your Ford to start having problems. A collection of different electrical components is what gives the dipped beam lamp its light.
These components consist of a wiring harness and a fuse in the vast majority of Ford and other cars. They deliver the electricity necessary to keep your dipped beam bulb burning brightly.
Problems with the wiring (such as a blown fuse) might make your beam bulb less bright, cause it to misfire, or cause it to stop working entirely. Problems with the wiring are uncommon, however, they do occur occasionally.
Configuration Settings
These days, drivers typically have a selection of many lighting options from which to pick in their vehicles. It's possible that the settings on your dipped beam bulb are what's causing them to be overly dim or stop operating.
The majority of new beam bulbs adjust themselves automatically unless they are adjusted in another way. As a result, a lot of motorists just set it and forget.
You might not think of checking the setting configuration after an unintentional bump or a guest driver modifies your lighting, which might present as a mechanical problem.
Defective Dipped Bulb Relay
When you turn on the switch that controls your dipped beam light, what actually happens is that the switch triggers a relay, which then provides the power that the bulb requires to turn on.
Different relays are used for the dipped beam bulbs. These relays can become worn out over time and begin to function improperly. As a result of this, the bulb will not receive sufficient power to work.
Wrong Bulb
The use of the wrong type of bulb is yet another typical reason for dipped beam bulb faults. If you put a regular bulb in a car that needs another type of bulb, there is a chance that the car will not function properly.
If you use the incorrect type of bulb, there is a possibility that you will damage the headlight housing or other components of your Ford. This can cause the light bulb to either stop functioning properly or explode.
The light emanating from the bulbs in your dipped beam headlights may be noticeably dimmer than usual. If you are using the incorrect bulb type, it is also possible that the light pattern coming from the bulbs is off. This might result in glare or reduced visibility.
Dirty Lenses
You when they realize that a dimming headlight or other fault is not necessarily the result of a burned-out bulb. It's possible that the lenses themselves are to blame.
Headlight lenses, the plastic parts that cover the bulbs, are typically made of acrylic. It is well known that this substance undergoes a chemical reaction when exposed to the sun's ultraviolet rays.
Over time, your lenses can become dusty and oxidized, which can give the impression that the lenses are clouded, yellowed, or foggy. Cloudy lenses do not allow as much light to pass through as clean lenses do.
What To Do If My Ford Has Dipped Beam Bulb Fault?
You can fix a faulty dipped beam bulb with just simple tools. Here are things to do:
Examine Your Lighting Settings and Configuration
If your dipped beam bulb suddenly stops functioning or develops, the first thing you should do is check your lighting settings and setups. There is a possibility, despite the fact that it could appear to be obvious, that you have your fog lights on instead of your regular dipped beam light.
In situations like these, all that might be required to get them functioning again is a straightforward change to the way your lighting is configured.
Check For Electrical/Wiring Problems
If your lighting settings are fine and that is not the issue, there is a chance that the issue is with the wiring. When you notice this problem, it is important that you check the wiring as quickly as you can so as to prevent any additional harm from occurring.
Problems with wiring can create safety issues and lead to increased costs for repairs further down the line if not fixed promptly.
The nature of the problems with your wiring will determine how this repair is carried out. It's possible that the wiring has to be adjusted, you need a new wiring harness, the fuse needs to be replaced, or you require some other kind of electrical repair.
Replace Damaged Bulb
If, after doing a check on the wiring, you find that the bulb itself is broken or the source of the problem, it is possible that you will need to replace the bulbs. However, before you try to replace a bulb on your own, you need to be sure that you have the correct kind of bulb for your Ford.
In order to replace a low beam bulb in your Ford that is not functioning properly, you need to purchase a certain type of bulb, which will be determined by the model and manufacturing year of your Ford.
You will need to provide the cashier at the auto parts store with these specifics in order to be able to provide you with the appropriate bulb to install in your headlight.
Get In Touch With An Expert
If you are still having issues after replacing the damaged dipped beam bulb, it is possible that your Ford has more serious issues that need to be handled by a qualified mechanic.
They will diagnose the issue and then offer guidance on the most effective next steps to take. It's possible that it can be fixed in some circumstances, but in others, it might require the replacement of certain components.
The mechanic can remove the oxidation from the lens of your headlights using professional tools and their years of experience. This will help protect your headlights from further issues in the future.
Ford Kuga Dipped Beam Bulb Fault
If the dipped beam bulb on your Ford Kuga begins to malfunction, the chances are you have a bad bulb.
When this happens, you have to take out the headlight cluster. This is to enable you to change the bulbs. Here is how to go about it:
- Open your bonnet and try finding the fastening screws. It is usually at the top and below the light. Next, remove the screws.
- Take out the lighting wiring harness and the cluster. Then the rubber cover and wiring plug.
- Remove the existing bulb.
- Install the new bulb in reverse order. Make sure to do this again on the opposite side.
Ford Focus Dipped Beam Bulb Fault
If you notice the dipped bulb fault is active but your light still remains on, you can tackle the problem by using FoCCCus and ELM 327. All you need to do is attach it to the OBD port and then switch the headlights to alternate HID before deactivating the dipped beam setting.
Ford C Max Dipped Beam Bulb Fault
Dipped beam bulb fault on Ford C Max is usually due to blown bulbs. Either one or both of them. When this happens, you can check the bulbs and have them replaced if it has gone bad. If you are finding it difficult to replace them, don't hesitate to call a mechanic for help.
Ford Transit Dipped Beam Bulb Fault
The module is responsible for controlling the headlamp units in Ford Transit. Generally, no headlamp relays are present just a few fuses.
If the module discovers that your dipped beam is bad, it makes that particular side inactive. The solution to this isn't changing the bulb since there is a chance it won't reset the system and bring power back to the bulb filament.
For your headlight to start working again, you have to get to the control system and try resetting the fault code.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix Dipped Beam Bulb Fault In Ford?
The cost to repair a Ford dipped beam bulb differs depending on the model of Ford you have, as well as the underlying problem that needs to be addressed.
The cost of replacing a dipped beam bulb is usually anywhere between $35 and $150.When labor and parts are included, the cost to replace a headlight bulb is about $118 on average.
How Long Should Dipped Beam Bulb Last?
There are a variety of factors that can affect the lifespan of Ford dipped beam bulbs. They can last anywhere from 500 to 1,000 hours. Some of today's headlight bulbs are so energy-efficient that they can have a lifespan of well about 30,000 hours.
To Wrap Up
If you notice that the dipped beam bulb on your Ford is bad, make sure to fix it as soon as you can. All you have to do is examine your lighting settings and configuration, check for electrical/wiring issues, and replace damaged bulbs. You can contact a professional if you can't fix the problem alone.
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