Headlight issue... thoughts? (02 SE Wagon)

[teal]

Hiya, I'm new here! I my SE wagon, but she's got a big headlight issue that just cropped up and I need some advice.

First, some stats: 2002 Focus SE Wagon, 5spd manual, power everything, craptacular non-stock stereo that I want to rip out and curb stomp.

Now, the headlights. They worked without issue up to and including on the way out to the Halloween party we went to on Saturday night. As of when we left a few hours later, they no longer work. Both headlights are now out and do not turn on no matter the position of the headlight dial (off, running lights, regular lights... no dice). The orange running lights and brights do work, however, and that's how I drove home from the party (much to the disgust of my husband. He says lit roads, lights not strictly needed. I say I'd rather make no mistake about being seen - and seeing what the road lights don't show, for that matter - and if someone gets their panties in a wad about the brights, well, I'm sorry but hey you know I'm there. Anyway...)

We checked the fuses and none of them appear to be tripped. However, we don't have the owners' manual and we had to guess at which fuse it was. We checked all the fuses that looked like they had anything to do with lights. On that note, does the metal filament in a fuse have to sever/melt to be tripped, or is it possible to have one tripped without any change in outward appearance? I've never seen a tripped auto fuse before.

Husband thinks it's probably a short somewhere. I'm hoping not. Is there anything else we can check before we take it in? This'll have to get fixed pronto - south Canadian twilight begins around 5 and will only get earlier for the next while, and of course driving with either no lights or brights isn't a good idea.

Also, something that may possibly be related: We bought the car used about a year ago. The interior lights and power mirrors have never worked and the fuses appear fine, same as above (we checked those a while back). We've suspected it was an electrical issue but it hasn't been enough of a bother for us to get it looked at.

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

[lightning2nd]

welcome

[GapBoyPCS]

Welcome to FocalJet.

Owner's manuals can be downloaded through www.genuineflmservice.com Just select your year, make and model, and you should be able to find the manual you need

As for your situation, it does sound like a short somewhere. Fuses usually have an S-shaped filament that will "break" if it gets tripped. Sometimes a burnt out bulb can create weird issues with the rest of the working bulbs.

I know some of us have had an issue with the wiring harness going between the tailgate and the body where the wiring insulation becomes cracked and creates shorts. That being said, I don't think it can manifest itself in the problems you have -- but I wouldn't rule it out.

[Terry1]

Possibly the multifunction switch. I've seen this problem many times before. Very simple to replace. Just take the top of the steering column cover and pop out the old and in with the new one. By the way, the headlight fuses are under the hood and the cover shows you what fuses are for.

[teal]

So it wasn't any of the fuses... we tried replacing the bulbs and lo and behold, they work! I've never ever heard of both headlights going at the exact same time. I guess there's a first time for everything.. Thanks for all the help!