Is your Ford Escape low beams not working? You’re not alone. This is a common problem that a variety of factors, such as blown fuses, faulty relays, burned-out bulbs, corroded wiring, and a faulty headlight switch or body control module, can cause.
If you’re handy with a wrench, you can resolve the issue on your own. But if you need to be more comfortable tinkering with your car, it’s best to take it to a qualified mechanic.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the most common causes of Ford Escape low beam failure and how to fix them. We’ll also offer a few suggestions on how to prevent your low beams from failing in the first place.
So, if your Ford Escape’s low beams aren’t working, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.
Symptoms of Ford Escape Low Beams Not Working
The most obvious symptom is Ford Escape headlight problems. It won’t turn on when you switch them to the low-beam setting. Other symptoms may include:
- Dim headlights
- Flickering headlights
- Headlights that turn on and off intermittently
Causes and Solutions of Ford Escape Low Beams Not Working
If your Ford Escape’s low beams are not working, there are a few common causes that you can check yourself. The most typical reasons and fixes are as follows:
Blown Fuses
The first thing you should check is the fuse. Two fuses control the low beams in a Ford Escape. If one of these fuses is blown, the low beams will not work.
To check the fuses, open the fuse box under the hood and locate the fuses for the low beams. If a fuse is blown, it will be black inside. If any fuses blow, swap them out for new ones with the same amperage.
Faulty relays
Relays are responsible for switching power to the headlights. If a relay fails, it can prevent the low beams from working. To check the relays, remove the relay for the low beams from the fuse box and tap it lightly on a hard surface.
If there is a clicking noise, the relay is good. If there isn’t a clicking noise, the relay is broken and must be repaired or replaced.
Burned-out Bulbs
The headlight bulbs themselves can also burn out over time. If both low beam headlights are burned out, the low beams will not work.
To check the bulbs, remove the bulbs from the headlight housings and inspect them. If the filament is broken or the bulb is black inside, the bulb is burned out and needs to be replaced.
Corroded Wiring
The wiring that connects the headlights to the rest of the electrical system can also corrode over time. This can cause the low beam lights to work intermittently or not at all. To check the wiring, look for any signs of corrosion or damage to the wiring. Make repairs or replacements to any damaged wiring you find.
Broken headlight Switch
The headlight switch is in charge of turning on and off the headlights. If the headlight switch fails, it can prevent the low beams from working. To check the headlight switch, turn on the headlights and see if the low beams come on. If the low beams don’t come on, the headlight switch is defective and must be repaired.
Body control module (BCM) malfunction
Your Ford Escape’s BCM is a computer that manages a number of electrical systems, including the headlights. If the BCM fails, it can cause the low beams to not work. The BCM is located under the dashboard. To replace the BCM, you will need to take your Ford Escape to a qualified mechanic.
If you have checked all of the above and the low beams are still not working, it is best to take your Ford Escape to an experienced auto mechanic to have it repaired.
Here are some additional tips for troubleshooting and repairing Ford Escape low beams:
- If the low beams are not working on both sides of the vehicle, it is more likely to be a problem with the fuses, relays, or BCM. If only one low beam is not working, it is more likely to be a problem with the bulb, wiring, or headlight switch.
- If you are not comfortable troubleshooting or repairing electrical problems, it is best to take your Ford Escape to a qualified mechanic.
- When replacing headlight bulbs, be sure to use high-quality bulbs.
- To prevent the headlight wiring from corroding, you can apply dielectric grease to the connections.
- If you have any questions or concerns, please consult your Ford Escape owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic.
Preventing Ford Escape Low Beams from Failing
There are a few things you can do to prevent your Ford Escape’s low beams from failing:
- Regularly check the fuses, relays, bulbs, and wiring for signs of wear and tear.
- Use high-quality bulbs.
- Avoid driving through deep water or mud.
- Have the headlight system inspected and serviced regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I fix my Ford Escape’s low beams?
The best way to fix your Ford Escape’s low beams depends on the cause of the problem. If the problem is with a blown fuse or a faulty relay, you can replace it yourself with a new fuse or relay.
If the problem is with a burned-out bulb, you can replace the bulb yourself with a new bulb. If the problem is with the wiring, you can repair or replace the wiring yourself if you have the necessary skills and tools.
If you are not comfortable repairing or replacing the wiring, you should take your Ford Escape to a qualified mechanic.
If the problem is with the headlight switch or the body control module, you should take your Ford Escape to a qualified mechanic to have the switch or module replaced.
How much does it cost to fix Ford Escape low beams?
The cost to fix Ford Escape low beams will vary depending on the cause of the problem and the cost of labor in your area. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $100 to fix the Ford Escape’s low beams.
Can I drive my Ford Escape with the low beams not working?
It is not advisable to drive your Ford Escape with low beams that need to be fixed. Low beams are essential for seeing the road ahead at night and in low-light conditions. Driving with low beams that are not working can increase your risk of an accident.
Conclusion
If your Ford Escape’s low beams aren’t working, don’t panic. There are some things you can consider to troubleshoot the problem and fix it yourself. In this guide, we’ve walked you through the most common causes of Ford Escape low beam failure and how to repair them.
If you are not comfortable troubleshooting or repairing the problem yourself, you can always take your Ford Escape to a qualified mechanic.
