Re: Guru answer re: 89 Lincoln Town headlight issue. Yes it has automatic dimmer, however after passing an on-coming car the headlights will not come back to highbeam.

Sounds like it might be time for a new multifunction switch.

The switch that rotates on the headlight dimmer is on try rotating it counter clockwise if not then replace the switch

The multi funtion switch problly has to be replaced,

The headlight wiring and radio wiring is getting in contact and causing the short.Both the grounds needs to be checked.Because when headlight is off,the radio work's fine.As soon as the headlights are turned on,the radio goes in scan mode.Its clear indication of radio and headlight wiring issue.The wiring's are getting in contact with ant metal surface or both the radio and headlight wire are coming in contact,where they should not.I suggest you to check the headlight and radio wiring diagrams for your lincoln town car.Here is the direct link.Click the link below :---Check out all the 3 links one by one.Radio wiring diagram for 1997 LincolnTown Car?http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/radio-wiring-diagram-for-1997-lincoln.html
----------------Lincoln Town Car Radio stereo wiring?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/lincoln-town-car-radio-stereo-wiring.html
---------Headlight wiring diagram for 1997 Lincoln Town Car?http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/headlight-wiring-diagram-for-1997.html
----------This will help.Thanks.

Is it equipped with auto dimmer sensor? When it sees oncoming headlights it would dim the brights automatically.

there is no headlight fuse, the headlight switch contains a circuit breaker that trips out when a short takes places and then resets when the short goes away.

must of this vehicles with automatic headlight systems, lights will shut down or turns off after few minutes giving driver time to walk to a secure place, is it possible lights won't turn off at all, you must have problem with headlamp delay system

try replacing the dimmer switch

if this lever is part of the turn signal switch it might be faulty , also the auto dimming might be picking up glare from the bumper check the sensor and make sure it is clean.

replace dimmer switch.