Auto Lamp issue

[Dibly74]

The auto lamps have never worked on my car since I got it. I was just wondering if anyone had any experience diagnosing them. Would the problem be in the "eye" under the hood, the photocell, or in the lighting module. Cause when I turn the knob to turn the autolamps on I hear a click from under the dash. And also ocassionaly the high beams wont turn on.

[Dereck]

Hi Dibly74

YEah I tried to troubleshoot the autolamps on my 79 Conti and gave up, then they started working all on thier own :)

Regards

Dereck

[Dibly74]

I forgot to add one thing, sometimes the dashboard lights turn off at night also. The headlights stay on but the dash and coach lamps go off intermittaly. Kinda makes me think its the lighting module I hear a click from when i turn on the auto lamps.

[Steve Moran]

I think you are right.

[pro-five-oh]

I forgot to add one thing, sometimes the dashboard lights turn off at night also. The headlights stay on but the dash and coach lamps go off intermittaly. Kinda makes me think its the lighting module I hear a click from when i turn on the auto lamps.

Seperate problems. The dashlights go out because their copper connections need to be wiped clean with a pink eraser.

Coach lamps go on/off with the parking lights, that's normal.

The "click" you hear is when you turn on/off the system. There are two potentiometers (one for the auto high/low beam and one for the auto lights) that get out of sync and the knobs need to be reinstalled sometimes to make it work. Click both of them off and then set them both to MAX and it might be fine.

Been there, done that.:)

[Dibly74]

Heres a followup to this problem. I replaced the autolamp amplifier, the photocell, and the eye under the hood. Still not working, the only thing that hasn't been replaced is the whole headlight switch. I got confused by what you said to do Pro to the switches, can you give me a little more information.

[pro-five-oh]

Not really, you just have to pull the headlight knob and the two small knobs (more like levers) and see how they lock into place on the potentiometers. Take the switch out of the car and really take a good look at how it clicks on and off for both settings. (one setting for auto lights, another for auto dim)

[Dibly74]

Well the new headlight switch came in and then I ordered the variable resistor for the autolamps for it and put them both on. They were both new and cost me a small fortune. Anyway, the autolamps are still not working. I have replaced the headlight switch, resistor, photocell, amplifier, and the eye under the hood. Is there any other part relating to the autolamps on this car that I dont know about. What about the box that I have seen on e-bay regarding the autolamps that have the blue, yellow, and green vacuum hoses going to it. Does the Continental have that or is that somehow only for Mark V's.

[Dibly74]

Well, I found it and it does have that box there, so im guessing that this MUST be the problem. Only the box appears to control the vacuum portion only. Only thing I can figure is the resistor on the switch sends a signal to the amplifier that sends a signal to the vacuum box and if the box is working correctly after the vacuum is released it sends a signal to the headlight switch turning the lights on. Anyone know.

[Dibly74]

Well I replaced the metioned box and the switch turns the headlights on when its dark like it should but there is no delay when the car is turned off. Any ideas?

[pro-five-oh]

The delay is part of the rheostat on the knob assembly. It sounds like you've turned it off, its the small lever (on the dash, attached to the headlight knob) that rotates and locks into position when you turn the delay off.

[Dibly74]

Ok, thats what I thought but now the autolamps are not working at all again. I even tried pulling the photocell and just jumping across the two pins and that did nothing. Anybody have any idea with the new box it worked for a few minutes then quit again, which it did after I tried changeing the amplifier box?

[Mary Todds Dad]

Dibly,

Where did you get the replacement amplifier? Are you sure it works? These units were the most common problem in the auto lighting system.

Also, do you have a copy of the four volume shop manual for the Lincoln? You can find a complete diagram of the auto lamp system, this might help you trouble shoot. The only parts I can think of that you have not touched are the high-beam foot switch and the wiring harness itself. Maybe a broken wire or pin withing one of the plugs?

[Dibly74]

I actually got the replacement amplifier from Lincoln Land Inc. Both my old one and the new one act the same so im assuming it wasnt the problem? When I turn on the autolamp switch nothing happens unless its dark or getting dark outside, then a relay in the amplifier clicks on. I think its the relay telling the vacuum control box to turn on. My dimmer switch works, I have never had a problem with my bright lights before, but my autodimmer dosent seem to work correctly. And no I dont have the shop manuals either to help me with my problem. Do you know od a test I can do to the amplifier to make sure it is working correctly.

[Mary Todds Dad]

I don't know a test, but the manual says the amplifer and photo cell are a match set and must be replaced together. I can photo copy or scan the manual section about the auto headlights and send it to you, or you can usually find them on ebay (that's where I got mine). Before you spend any more money (and you will spend more), you should get the four set shop manuals.

I sent you an email, if you want to reply there so i can send you scans of the manual, that would work better.

Joe