2005 Escape Headlights on all the time

[Kdunville]

The previous owner of the Escape I purchased had the dealer rewire the headlights so they are on whenever the key is in Accessory or on position. Even using the parking brake will not turn them off. So, listening to the radio without the engine running causes the Headlights and Tail lights to be on too. I do a lot of camping and want radio without killing the battery
Another thing that happens is when I use the rear window washer, the headlights and tail lights go out (excpet daytime running lights) but come right back on after I stop using the washer. Can anyone help me with how to wire them back to factory original? or at least tell me where the headlight relays and daytime running light modules are located and perhaps where I could get a wireing diagram for the lighting system. The dealer the did the rewireing job is in another province, and the local dealer here wants my arm, leg and my first born to even look at the problem.

[GaryG]

First of all, there was most likely no wiring done by a dealership Tech and you more than likely have an open circuit that's causing the problem. The previous owner also most likely thought telling you he had this done in order for you not to think there was a problem with the '05 Escape. The problem could be any number of things and you need a good Tech to trace it down with pin point test and his diagnostic tools.

If I was the Tech you brought your problem too and told him an unapproved rewiring job was done, I'd tell you you may have big problems. The headlights are controlled by the multifunction switch and the Smart Junction Box (SJB) that controls many other functions. Someone attempting to rewire around a system that is programmed does not know what their doing. The Tech can follow procedures to program Daylight Running Lights (DRL) on or off, but he can't or shouldn't try to reprogram the SJB to keep the headlights and taillights on when the key is in the run position. An example, your SJB may need replacing and all the new SJB are programmed without DRL. Your laws require DRL so the tech replacing the SJB should reprogram DRL in the new SJB. No rewiring is done!

The fact that your rear washer pump causes the lights to go out is strange, but we're dealing with programming in the SJB that has a conflict with both those systems working at the same time. You could have an open circuit, bad switch or even a bad SJB. I suggest taking it to a dealership to diagnose the problem and call you with an estimate to repair. Either that or get yourself a battery operated portable radio for camping.

[Kdunville]

[quote=GaryG;44423]First of all, there was most likely no wiring done by a dealership Tech and you more than likely have an open circuit that's causing the problem. The previous owner also most likely thought telling you he had this done in order for you not to think there was a problem with the '05 Escape. The problem could be any number of things and you need a good Tech to trace it down with pin point test and his diagnostic tools.

More info;
The 05 esacpe has 50,000 Klms on it. The previous owner did pay the Dealer technicians to make the headlights and tail lights stay on as the reciept for the work is still in the glove box. He had purchased it new and had the work done before it left the lot (dealer confirms). He said that he could never remember to turn on the lights in his old car and had gotten ticketed for it. Which leads me right back to where I am. A dealer tech wanting $300.00 to return the lighting system to factory original and me hoping to do it a lot cheaper. I do hear relays clicking when the key is first turned, and I do hear relays clicking the lights off when I engage the rear window washer. Howerver if the headlight switch is turned to on, the rear washer has no effect on the lights. I guess the schematic is the way to go, start from there and see where the components are located and see where the wiring was changed. The riciept for the work does not list parts, only a parts total and labour total plus taxes. The previous owner said a "module" had to be installed to make the lights stay on, but I am not sure about that. I just hate paying a dealer so much money for so little work.

[GaryG]

The previous owner said a "module" had to be installed to make the lights stay on, but I am not sure about that. I just hate paying a dealer so much money for so little work.

Adding a module (relay) is different than rewiring. Programming could be done so logic could relay power to the running lights through that relay I guess. In order for a relay to be installed, there would have to be a space for it either in the SJB or the Battery Junction Box (BJB) under your hood. My simple suggestion would be to locate a space that should be blank and see if a relay has been added. Removing the relay should cause that function to stop.

I have the Wiring Diagram manuals for both the 2005 Hybrid and Gas Escape to look for blank fuses and relay locations. If you can't find and verify relays from your owners manual, I'll try to look them up for you. Just tell me what you need.