Hey

Im having a problem with my headlights... mk6 56 plate fiesta st...

Basically, every light works; indicators, full beam (when you pull the stick back), side lights and fog lights. But my head lights don't work. Both of them went at the same time. Hmm.

I've checked the fuses behind the glove box, they're fine. I've tried to change the bulbs themselves, and the new bulbs didn't work either. I'm stumped, please help?

My mate has the exact same problem haven't managed to solve it yet though

have you tried checking and cleaning all the connectors and chcking the earths? Could be a fault inside the switch too, you have eliminated the bulbs and fuses so it must be the switch or connectors you would think?

Sounds like the light switch it's self. All computerized now days so more likely to be the light switch as it has it's own control unit built in.

Have you got auto lights?

Sounds like a GEM glitch, possibly the relay on the GEM has gone.

GEM is mounted to the x car beam above the throttle pedal, have a look.

auto lights? - im assuming that switches your lights on automatically - in which case no, i just have the standard switch.

Okay I'll check the relay, what am i looking for? will it be like when a fuse has blown?

No you have to swap them with one that you know works and see if the lights come on.

which relay is the one for the headlights? - what are the other relays for? (i think there are 4 there).

- any other idea's if it turns out not to be them? I will check this out when i head for lunch today.

Socket C417 on the GEM is the dipped beam relay, take it out and swap it for the high beam relay and see if the lights work.

Failing that it could be the indicator stalk has gone, though this is rare as they are quite reliable.

You can enter a diagnostic mode within the GEM but I don't know if it will help you.
This is for a face-lift ST if yours isn't facelift don't do it



A diagnosis of the generic electronic module (GEM) can be performed with the Ford diagnostic equipment. Furthermore, an integrated service mode enables testing of the input and output signals without the need for further tools. To enable activation of service mode:

Switch off the ignition,
Switch off all other electrical consumers,
Apply the handbrake,
Shift to neutral
Close the doors.
Activating the service mode

Proceed as follows to activate the service mode:

OPERATE the switch of the heated rear window and HOLD IT THERE
Turn on the ignition.
RELEASE the switch of the heated rear window
PRESS the heated rear window switch 8 times within 6 seconds
A signal sounds and the turn signal lamps flash to indicate that service mode has been successfully activated.

Input signals

SWITCH the wiper switch to the "Off" position to test the input signals. The following is a list of the signals to be tested, in no particular order:

Turn signals (right, left, hazard warning lights)
"Lights on" warning (terminal 58)
Windshield wiper (intermittent wipe)
Windshield washer system
Rear window wiper
Rear window washer system
Doors/tailgate open/closed
Central locking
Hood open/closed (in vehicles equipped with an anti-theft alarm system)
Front fog switch (if fitted)
Rear fog switch
Heated rear window
Heated windscreen (if fitted)
An acoustic signal sounds and the turn signal lamps flash to indicate receipt of each input signal by the generic electronic module.

Output signals

SWITCH the wiper switch to the "Intermittent" position to test the output signals. PRESS the heated rear window switch activates or deactivates the output signals in the following order:

Windshield wipers (a signal sounds and the direction indicator lamps flash when the "Park" position is reached)
Heated rear window
Interior light(s) (the interior light switch must be in the "ON" position)
Rear window wiper
heated windshield (if fitted, is only activated when engine is running)
If the heated rear window switch is operated again, the sequence restarts with point 'a' and the functions are activated again in this order.

Ending the service mode

The GEM automatically ends service mode 20 seconds after the last input. However, service mode can be manually ended at any time by proceeding as follows:

OPERATE the switch of the heated rear window and HOLD IT THERE
SWITCH OFF the ignition
RELEASE the switch of the heated rear window
3 signals sound and the turn signal lamps illuminate to indicate that service mode has ended.

if you were to by a switch that had the auto option would the wiring be there for them to work?

Mmmm some of it, not all.
Depends on what other options the car had fitted (Powerfolds etc etc)

You would also need a rain sensor and a new windscreen to mount the rain sensor to.

They both talk to the GEM and the unique ST150(UK) GEM (Thatcham 1 support)
supports it.

You would probably need the GEM flashing to tell it the rain/light sensor is there.

well i doubt it'll be the indicator stalk because my lights are operated by the dail thing to the right of the steering wheel.

thanks for that though! I will have a look/play tonight when im home from work (if the weather stays like this!).

Im assuming if I took this problem to ford it'll cost me a ridiculous amount just to have it looked at.

okay 2 questions:

1) Which socket is C417. I see 5 of them and they aren't labelled!

2) How do I get them off, i can see a sticker saying "Scrap if dropped more than 20cm", so im assuming its mega fragile 'n therefore I don't wanna be prodding or tugging at it!

If they are black boxes like they are on the noble then they just pull out
(as the noble is mainly ford parts)

i was meaning just the lights i wouldn't want auto wipers as some company cars iv used have had them i just turn them off as they always come on at the wrong times!