Looks like this heatwave claimed a victim right outside my house. When I got back into town from my trip to GA, I noticed that there was trouble with switching on low-beams and fog lights on my car.
I took this time to inspect all fuses and clean and check the engine compartment. As my troubleshooting procedure led into the cabin, I noticed that the high/low lever did not click right, so I used my trusty Haynes repair manual to research a little, and disassembled the casings around the steering column to pull out the modular switch. I swung by the only AutoZone in town that had the part and picked it up and tested it. Luckily, this fixed the issue. I had visions of having to have the wiring harness replaced, which would cost quite a chunk.
This replacement part was affordable. Thank you Ford, the car designers, and the fine people of Mexico for making a car that's easy to work on. I can only assume the part failed because of heat damage since the temperature here had reached at least 110F, and the car was fine before I left for the trip. Wonder what else might be melted ...
....RIP Another car part....(I like to think that the shadow is his ghost escaping to the great junkyard in the sky. Via con Dios little buddy...*sniff*)
It's lovely having an alternate means of transportation. I use my scooter more than my car, so it was not a big deal at all. Replaced my spark plug while I was out and about too... Vroom Vroom!
