Headlights go out while driving.

- Canton, MI, USA

The contact owns a 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the headlights suddenly malfunctioned and became inoperable. The contact switched on the high beams that also malfunctioned within a few minutes and failed to function. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the head lamp circuit was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect but no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 76,000. Updated 07/28/14 MA the consumer referenced recall # 95V189000. Updated 07/29/14

- Milford, NH, USA

My 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis odometer is over 144K. I've experienced intermittent failure of the headlight switch, especially when temperature is near or below freezing. When it's cold outside, and the vehicle has been sitting for a while and therefore cold when I turn on the headlights, I have to play with the switch for the headlights to stay on. It's now taking longer and longer for me to get the lights to stay lit. I've only experienced one failure while driving on the highway, after the vehicle had been driven for over 20 minutes. When I first purchased my vehicle, I replaced all 4 headlamp bulbs because they were too dim. The replacements didn't resolve the problem. From what I've read, the root cause of the problem is the plastic covering on the headlamps. The composition of the plastic breaks down with age and discolors, reducing the brightness of the headlights. This design fault of using plastic over glass is a dangerous safety hazard. If I change from low to high, my headlights appear to illuminate the road within allowable brightness, increasing visibility. Driving on roads with insufficient street lights is dangerous with only the low beam headlamps. I've considered driving with the high beams at all times, to ensure my safety, but have questioned the legality of such a choice. The newer vehicles today seem to be sporting those super bright headlights, are extremely blinding to those who have to drive in front of or in the opposite direction as they blind you as they get closer and pass you. This past fall, I received a recall notice for the cruise control in my Grand Marquis. I took the vehicle into the dealership; they disconnected the cruise control, taped the ends of the wire, and sent me on my way. I was told that the parts would be in during Q4, and that I would receive a follow-up letter to come back and have the replacement part installed. We are into Q1 of the next year, and there hasn't been any follow-up from Ford/Mercury.

- Salem, NH, USA