Ford Fusion Headlight Indicator on Dashboard - Question

[atherton]

I recently purchased a 2010 Ford Fusion. Very nice car. One problem I have is that my headlight switch on the dashboard does not light up in the dark. When you open the door, all different lights come on, when you start the car, all the lights to a/c, radio, various dashboard lights, etc., come on - everything except the headlight switch. I literally had to feel around the dashboard, in the dark, to find where the headlights were - I still couldn't find them, so I opened the door while the car was parked and running and the dashboard headlight switch still didn't light up....I finally found the headlight switch after much frustration and when I turned it on, then the icons to the headlights were lit up. This is quite dangerous to not have any idea where the headlight switch is in the dark - a major flaw.....is there anyone else whose headlight switch also does not light up on the dashboard when opening the car door and when starting the car in the dark? Is there a way to have the headlight switch light up on the dashboard like all the other indicators on the dashboard? If not, I have to have a flashlight handy just to see where the headlight indicator is on the dashboard when it's dark outside. The headlight switch isn't in a normal spot on the car - nobody would ever know where to find them - they should have been on the steering wheel - a turn signal/wiper on one side and headlight on the other.

[akirby]

I recently purchased a 2010 Ford Fusion. Very nice car. One problem I have is that my headlight switch on the dashboard does not light up in the dark. When you open the door, all different lights come on, when you start the car, all the lights to a/c, radio, various dashboard lights, etc., come on - everything except the headlight switch. I literally had to feel around the dashboard, in the dark, to find where the headlights were - I still couldn't find them, so I opened the door while the car was parked and running and the dashboard headlight switch still didn't light up....I finally found the headlight switch after much frustration and when I turned it on, then the icons to the headlights were lit up. This is quite dangerous to not have any idea where the headlight switch is in the dark - a major flaw.....is there anyone else whose headlight switch also does not light up on the dashboard when opening the car door and when starting the car in the dark? Is there a way to have the headlight switch light up on the dashboard like all the other indicators on the dashboard? If not, I have to have a flashlight handy just to see where the headlight indicator is on the dashboard when it's dark outside. The headlight switch isn't in a normal spot on the car - nobody would ever know where to find them - they should have been on the steering wheel - a turn signal/wiper on one side and headlight on the other.

 

I'm guessing that after that one event you now know exactly where to find the headlight switch? Do you not have automatic headlamps? With those you never have to touch the switch anyway.

[atherton]

I don't think I have automatic headlamps. When I unlock the door, the headlights come on, but only for a short time, I think they automatically go out after a while.

I like the Fusion - great ride - comfortable seats. On the downside, way too busy instrument panel with many things too far away for the driver to reach and causes driver distraction to look away from the road. Air conditioning controls are too far down on control panel - it should be on top of the radio controls....headlight switch is

in an awkward area to reach.....and how about a larger mirror under the visor???

[FFHdriver]

I don't think I have automatic headlamps. When I unlock the door, the headlights come on, but only for a short time, I think they automatically go out after a while.

I like the Fusion - great ride - comfortable seats. On the downside, way too busy instrument panel with many things too far away for the driver to reach and causes driver distraction to look away from the road. Air conditioning controls are too far down on control panel - it should be on top of the radio controls....headlight switch is

in an awkward area to reach.....and how about a larger mirror under the visor???

Checked mine. When I open the door no dash lights come on. When I turn the ignition key to run, all dash lights including the headlight switch light come on.

Edited June 5, 2010 by FFHdriver

[xmech2k]

I think he's referring to all the lights coming on when you unlock the car with the key fob. I disabled that long ago, so I can't check, but I would think the headlight switch panel is wired to the rest of the panel lights, so I don't know. Guess I'm a crazy guy, living on the edge like that. :headspin: Maybe it would be wired so they don't come on in that situation so you don't jump in and drive away without actually turning on your headlights, as if someone would notice the headlight switch backlighting was not on in that situation.