2004 Ford Focus Logo
Posted on Dec 23, 2008
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High beams won't turn off

I turned on my headlights and they worked. I switched on the high beams, but they won't switch off unless I turn my headlights off.

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Anonymous

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  • Contributor 2 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 05, 2010
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  • The problem is a faulty dimmer switch. Here are step by step instructions for fixing it. (Try it - it's easy and way cheaper than having a mechanic fix it).
  • The Ford Focus high-beams (won't shut off) problem is very common in 2000-'05 models. So common, in fact, there should have been a recall, but there wasn't. Luckily, it is also VERY easy to fix. This was the first time I ever fixed anything other than a bulb on my car and it took me less than 30 minutes. Here's how:
  • First, buy the part. The "dimmer switch" is the lever to the left of your steering wheel that controls high/low-beams and the turn signals. You can get it at Pep Boys, Standard Autoparts, or a similar store for about $45.
  • Now, to install the part: Make sure the car is off as are the lights, radio, etc. First, disconnect the clamp connecting the negative side of your battery to the car. To do this, look under the hood and take the plastic cover off the battery. Use a socket wrench to loosen the nut that is holding the clamp to the negative part of the battery (in my '04 Focus, the negative side is on the right when you are facing the battery from the front side of the car). Once the clamp is loosened, yank the clamp upward until it disconnects (this might take a little elbow grease).
  • Now, go back to the driver's seat. You are going to take the following steps to remove the switch and replace it with your new switch: First, notice the tabs on the left and right of the steering column. Use a flat-head screwdriver to push them in and release the top cover of the steering column. The cover won't come off the dash, but now you can open it up to see inside the steering column. You will see the switch you are going to replace. Press the tab (on the back end of the switch) to release it. (You will hear a "click" and the switch will adjust upward once you press the tab). NOTE: You may need a screwdriver to help you work in the steering column, unless you have small hands. Now, slide the switch up from where it is held, but be mindful that it is still connected (by wires) to the interior of the column. The next part was the toughest for me, but it really is very simple. You need to remove the grey plug from the switch. It took me some pressing with the screwdriver and really working the angles, but in the end I think it was sheer brute force that got it disconnected. Now the switch is out (and you feel awesome - even with bloody knuckles).
  • All that is left is to put the new switch in ... and that's REALLY easy. Connect the new switch to the grey plug that you just disconnected from the old switch. Mindfully slide the new switch into the spot where the old switch sat. Push it in so you hear that same "click" when the tab you had pressed to release the old part now secures the new part into place. Once it's in, you are all set. All that is left to do is put the steering column cover back in place and reconnect the battery.
  • Now, isn't that better than blinding everyone on the other side of the road?
  • If this helped you, let me know.

    • Anonymous Nov 25, 2011

      Thanks for the info, I just replaced the switch on my 2004 Focus, from start to finish took just 20 minutes, I bought the switch at O'Reillys auto parts store for under 21.00, main ford dealer wanted 289.81. so by doing it myself I saved over 260 dollars.

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    • Posted on Dec 23, 2008
    John Jon
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    The arm when pulled back won't shut off call dealer perhaps a recall? have VIN # ready to submit to service desk.

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    4 Related Answers

    emissionwiz

    Marvin

    • 85242 Answers
    • Posted on Jan 12, 2009

    SOURCE: The headlights are stuck on high beam.

    drop the steerring column and make sure the rod to the high beam switch (bottom of column) is moving when u operate the high beam switch, if not replace the actuator 4 the rod, if it is replace the switch.

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    Anonymous

    • 1 Answer
    • Posted on Mar 26, 2009

    SOURCE: Headlights won't turn off

    I checked fuse box under hood and found the right headlamp fuse was burnt. I changed fuse and everything works correct now.

    downhille

    • 400 Answers
    • Posted on Oct 23, 2009

    SOURCE: 93 Camry Headlight Switch

    From the symptoms you describe it sounds as though your headlamp switch is dirty, broken or out of adjustment. I would disassemble it and find out what is going on.

    Anonymous

    • 1016 Answers
    • Posted on Oct 13, 2010

    SOURCE: Headlight high beams do not work. I have even

    Hi,

    Then problem is the headlight switch they always have this problem with this model.

    Replace your headlight dimmer switch an this will fixed the problem.

    Thanks

    Jason

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