Weird question...is the headlight switch supposed to be lit up when you turn the dash lights on? I think it is, but I don't remember. The reason I ask is mine isn't and all the sudden when I turn the car on, I get a buzzing sound from that side of the dash, and my "idiot" lights on the tach/speedo delay coming on when I first start the car and the radio defaults to all the factory settings.

Took the car to the dealer and of course when I explained it to them they became way to busy to even take a look at it. New headlight switch is $106.00...there is no replacement bulb, you have to replace the whole switch.

Has anyone else had this problem?

 

Some of what you describe (especially the stereo reset) sounds like the battery going south. Is she getting a little harder to start?

The factory batteries have a reputation for not being very good. I had mine replaced at 30k miles by the dealer - no charge.

 

She is not getting harder to start. She still starts easily on the first turn of the key.

The problem I described is now doing it whenever I start the car today. I get a buzzing sound from the left side of the dash near the headlight switch, the warning lights on the dash stay dark, and the radio settings return to the factory settings, and the shaker 500 starts looking for cd's in the system. After about 30 seconds the warning lights come on and the radio starts playing an AM radio station while still looking for cd's in the system.

Called two different dealerships to try and get it in, both said they are way to busy when I describe the problem. Although as soon as they tell me they are to busy, they both asked how many miles I had on the car. My car only has 42,000 miles, oh by the way, its an 2005.

 

I have noticed that my headlight switch does not light up either and I am not for sure if it ever did. Interesting question, anyone else.

 

I don't believe the headlight switch is suppose to light up. At least it has not done it for me in the 30 months I have had my mustang.

 

The switch does NOT light up.

However, there is a very dull green LED that is supposed to light up when the foglights are on. It's invisible to the driver though - the way it is angled you can only see it with the door open standing next to the car.

 

Thanks guys. Just checked and the light described when the fog lights are turned on, does light up. So, I'm guessing it might not be the headlight switch. Could it be the battery? This problem only happens on start up. I've had cars where the battery has crapped out, especially here in Texas...the heat will kill a battery in no time, but when they go, its usually quick and without warning.

I've noticed tonight that when I went to try and adjust the mid-range other settings on the shaker 500, they are nowhere to be found. Its been a long time since I set those, but have I lost my mind there too. There is a sub-woofer and mid-range and settings like that on the shaker 500 isn't there?

Are the shaker 500 and warning lights tied in together some how? Those are the only two problems on start up. Everything else works as advertised.

 

Again, sounds like a bad battery to me.

The headlight switch does not light up, only the foglight indicator. The shaker 500 has Bass, Treble, Fade, and Balance controls, but that is it for audio quality controls. No sub control, no mid range control. Go to an auto parts store and have them check the battery with their tester.

 

Ok, tomorrow I will take it and have the battery checked.

I could've sworn that this car had those features. I swear I'm not smoking crack and I really do know how to work on cars. I used to restore them and this isn't my first mustang, its actually my third mustang. Had a heavily modded 03 Mach 1. In fact I've started modding this one, but I'm more mechanical, not so much electrical. Maybe I'm thinking about my ex-gf's POS Honda with those features.

Again, thanks for all the help guys. I'll get my head out and not act like such a

 

The 3 symbols on my headlight switch light up when I turn the lights on.

 

Maybe she isn' straining to start yet, Scott. But your symptoms really track with what most of us had when our batteries started to go.

If you don't have an extended warranty, then you can get your battery wherever you want, of course. But if you are under an extended warranty, the dealership should replace it no charge.

 

You guys are the heat!! I had the battery checked out tonight and it came out semi ok, but the issue is/was definitely battery related. Said the battery needed a very slight charge. The mechanic didn't think it warranted a new battery yet, but told me to clean off the little bit of corrison on it and try it like that for a couple of days, if it kept up or started doing it again bring it back, they'll re-test the battery and we'll go from there. Basically it sounds like this may be the beginning of the end for this battery. My GT is an 05, and its the original battery.

 

My headlight switch definately lights up when I put them on. Shows the three positions for the switch.

 

My headlight switch just stopped working today. At first I thought maybe I was crazy so I looked at my friends mustang and sure enough the three different positions for the lights are supposed to light up in green. Does anywone know if a bulb is available, or do I have to replace the whole thing. I am afraid the dealer will not replace the switch since I added the pony package kit myself.

 

The symbols on the switch are lighted. The switch can be removed by simply pulling on the ****. The bulb is very special and can be replaced but it is a pain to find. I replaced mine with a LED.