Ten problems related to tail light switch have been reported for the 1996 Ford Contour. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I own a 1996 Ford Contour [xxx] that the instrument panel lights and tail lights went out on. There was a recall on this item (recall 99s14) back in 1999. Upon bringing the car into an brookdale Ford (brooklyn center, mn), they told me that they would fix the problem free of charge because it did not apply to my vehicle. I then called Ford motor company customer relationship center. They told me that the problem was already fixed on my car (even though I never brought the car in for this service). They refused to help. Even if the recall was fixed on my car, the fact that the same two parts of my car (instrument panel and tail lights) failed, tells me that the recall repair was not done correctly. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
When the light switch is turned to park lights, none of the park lights work--front or back, left or right. Additionally, the dash lights do not work. When the light switch is turned to head lights, only the headlights and bright lights work--there are not tail lights or dash lights. All other lights work, such as the brake lights and turn signals. This occured during the thanksgiving holiday at night while driving through kansas city. We could not see our speedometer, and cars approaching from the rear could not see us until they approached and their lights shown on our car--very dangerous.
The right and left tail lights and instrument panel lights failed. The terminals on the headlight switch show signs of heat damage. This is the same symptoms as NHTSA campaign id # 99v103000 (mfg campaign # 99s14) applicable to certain 1995-1998 Ford Contour vehicles. This recall does not apply to my Ford Contour (VIN # [xxx]) according to two Ford dealers. The symptoms of this recall exactly describe the current symptoms of my Ford Contour and it is questionable as to why this recall is not currently applicable to my VIN #. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
While driving tail lights and instrument panel lights went out. Dealer was notified about the problem. The problem was corrected at owner's expense. Problem due to water condensation in the fuse box.
While driving with headlights on tail lights and dashboard lights went out without a prior warning. Dealer had been contacted, and cause could not be found.
Consumer was driving vehicle on the highway when the instrument and tail lights went out. Learned that the switch was burnt out and needed to replace the electrical harness & switch.
In June 1998 replaced brake pads, and had rotors turned because they were warped. Had to replace brake pads again, including rotors in February 1999. Two months later rotors again warped. In July 1998 had to replace alternator. In April 1999 dash lights and tail lights quit working - had headlight switch replaced.
Tail lights along with the interior lights do not work. Dealer has been contacted.
While driving headlights/ tail lights, and dash lights completely stopped working, there was no warning. Took vehicle to dealer. Also, vehicle has had three alternators within three months. Problem has not been remedied as of yet. Please provide any further information.
Recall 99v103000. Remedy did not correct problem. While vehicle was being driven instrument panel and tail lights completely went out. Please give any further details.