94 Plastic smoke coming from VIN dash area

[OHS]

I recently started up my 1994 MTX SHO.. and (I can't remember if I turned the headlights on simultaneously) wispy, curly smoke started coming from the dash near where the VIN is placed on the winshield. Smelled like plastic was burning. Maybe some wiring burning? First and only time since then that it's happened.

Should I be worried?

 

[Rockledge]

Sounds like maybe the headlamp switch. There was a recall on the '93 and '94 models, the switches overheat and cook.

 

[OHS]

Called the Ford service center today. They said they would get back to me on monday and tell me if it is recall worthy.

 

[Rockledge]

FWIW, the Safety Recall # is 98S01.

Even if the dealer says your '94 isn't covered by the Recall, the switch should probably be replaced. Although 98S01 only covers Taurus/Sable/Contis built December 1, 1992 through September 30, 1993, there is a TSB (Article No. 97-15-7) regarding the same exact problem that covers the same exact vehicles built '93-'95, a period which your SHO clearly falls within, build-wise.

Of course, Safety Recall work is on Ford's nickle, so that would be the ideal situation.

 

[OHS]

there is a TSB (Article No. 97-15-7) regarding the same exact problem that covers the same exact vehicles built '93-'95, a period which your SHO clearly falls within, build-wise.

Yea so I spoke to the dealer today. They say my vin isn't applicable to the saftey recall. But I scheduled my car to be looked at Wednesday, how should I do this so they don't have to do a diagnostic and I can just show them the TSB for my car's problem? Saving me time and money here, is what im trying to do.

 

[V6&V8SHO]

Do it yourself. Thats how to save money.

Remove the two screws up above your instrument cluster.

Pull off the plastic headlight ****.

Remove the funky lookin nut holding the headlight switch to the plastic panel.

Carefully pull back the unhooked section of panel. It is a pop in/out piece.

Headlight switch wiring and switch are now accesible.

Most likely your switch and harness will need to be replaced. Mine was char broiled. All can be replaced for under $50 bucks.


If I missed any steps others will chime in.

Also use the search function. It has helped me complete my multifunction switch, and alternator. Very useful tool.

 

[Rockledge]

Article No. 97-15-7

FORD: 1993-95 TAURUS
LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1993-95 SABLE

ISSUE:
The headlamp switch may become inoperative or the headlamps may operate intermittently on some vehicles. This may be caused by the headlamp switch or connector overheating and becoming inoperative.

ACTION:
Replace the headlamp switch and the connector. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.

SERVICE PROCEDURE:
- Intermittent Headlamps or Headlamp Flicker:
For Taurus/Sable vehicles with intermittent headlamps or headlamps that flicker, replace the switch and connector using the Service Kit F7DZ-11654-AB (Non-Autolamp vehicles) or F7DB-11654-BA (Autolamp vehicles).

- Inoperative Headlamp Switch:
For Taurus/Sable vehicles with an inoperative headlamp switch, replace the switch and connector using the correct Service Kit at the time of replacement. Replace both the switch and the connector at the time of switch replacement. Refer to the Instruction Sheet, included in the kit, for the installation procedure.

PART NUMBER / PART NAME
F7DZ-11654-AB / Headlamp Kit (Non-Autolamp Vehicles)
F7DZ-11654-BA / Headlamp Kit (Autolamp Vehicles)