2001 Ford Explorer headlights

2001 FORD EXPLORER
150,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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TOKIGEN
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  • 1 POST
my headlights are day running lights.lately they dont come on when i start it up.they also go on and off as i drive but my fog lights and high beams work fine. when i press the break they get very dim.what could be wrong.
Apr 17, 2008 at 6:32 AM
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TTRAN
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You may have a problem with your alternator, or either the battery is weak in holding charge. When you step on the brake pedal, the tail lights turn on those draw more current (ampare) that causes the head lights go dimmer.
One of the way to check is to stick the volt meter across the battery while you have someone to step on the gas pedal and observe the voltage on the meter. If the voltage goes up and down below 11v while someone step on the brake, that means you have a bad alternator. A good alternator should show the battery voltage while the engine is running is 14v.
Good luck,
Tony
Apr 17, 2008 at 5:40 PM