'Check Headlamp system' warning message

[Cartoon_209]

Just got this today on startup. I searched a little, but most topics were part of changes after Forscan, which I do not have.

I checked the manual, but didn't see anything. I'm sure I overlooked it.

Anyone know what this might be referring to?

I used to get this a lot, if I’m not mistaken it might be a sign of low battery. If you do short trips this happens as well.

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[Snakebitten]

...... dealer has now had my vehicle for 14 days and can't fix it. They are now telling me the modules are bad and it may cost me $1400.00.

Of course they think it's totally OK to keep your truck for as long as they deem so. ?

And of course they think the solution for a DTC that they haven't a clue about means you need a new module. Double ??

Just go get your truck?
Surely it's 100% drivable.
And just click OK for the alert on the dash until someone here on the forum can help you sort out the DTC.

My 2022 will likely have that recall listed forever. Which is odd since the recall procedure calls for a software update(?) that I likely applied myself (FDRS) long ago.

 

[ghstrptr]

Hi there, I'd be happy to look into your F-150 concerns on my end. Will you send us a message with your VIN and dealership info? I can look into things on my end.

I have the same issue after local dealer performed recall

 

[SilverPigeon]

These sound suspiciously like battery issues. Those affected: if you go for a decent drive (30 minutes or more) does the message disappear for a number of days?

...My 2022 will likely have that recall listed forever. Which is odd since the recall procedure calls for a software update(?) that I likely applied myself (FDRS) long ago.

probably ?. I'm pretty sure though that the dealer manually enters the recall being completed into one or other of the ford systems. Out here, my dealer has no ability to write into the US systems (FDRS being an exception because it's logging all activity on the VIN), so a used truck customer would go off the service records at the dealer ?‍

 

[ghstrptr]

Yeah so my truck is modified but never had any messages pop up. Ford recommended that I do the recall so they sent a mobile team to my house to do it. It seemed like a software update and my auto wiper never worked on the auto setting so they swapped that. After the software update and swapping the windshield wiper motor, and battery warranty (got me a new battery) first start up that messaged popped up. Since then I’ve upgraded the battery to a Full Throttle AGM and the message still pops up at every startup. Will go away after I press “okay” and doesn’t come back until next start up. It’s honestly really bothering me now and I don’t know what to do

 

[ghstrptr]

Hello Ford,

I have a 2022 F150 that I had no issues with any of my lights until just last week (5-28-25) when my dealer did the DRL recall update. Now I'm getting the "Check Headlamp System" error. My dealer has now had my vehicle for 14 days and can't fix it. They are now telling me the modules are bad and it may cost me $1400.00. I don't think I should be paying for anything as there was no issues until they did the recall update. My dealer is Blackwell Ford in Plymouth MI. VIN #1FTFW1E54NKD87361.

WOW. Same exact scenario for my 2022 Raptors. Dealer blaming me because I upgraded my suspension. But I upgraded it the month after I bought the truck brand new and it never had this message until the Ford Mobile Service team performed the recall

 

[SilverPigeon]

As far as I can see, there are a number of things anyone affected can do before relying on the dealer:

1. If rain sensing is active (turned on in settings and stalk turned to at least the first click), it will turn on the headlamps if it detects rain. Try turning off rain sensing and also auto wipers; manual control: does a headlamp message still appear when you manually rotate the stalk? If yes, rain sensing isn't involved. Wipers to headlamps on may be; look at step 3.

2. Even if you haven't changed ride height of the truck, check and clean the headlamp and levelling actuator connectors. You could try @kt06siggm's suggestion. Mark where the arm currently is, then play with adjusting it. If the headlamp message still appears, ride height isn't the issue.

3. If you have FORScan, reboot the SCCM, BCM and HCM. These are involved with lighting (and wipers). Clear and retest for DTCs. If still "present at time of request" and the headlamp message still appears, it's not that.

4. If you have FORScan, change the headlamps position at ignition on to "Last Known". Ensure you leave the headlamp switch in the "off" position. When you turn ignition on or start the truck, the headlamps should stay off. Does the headlamp message still appear? If so, it's not the headlamp switch position.

5. If you have FORScan, compare your current configuration of the above modules with previous backups and downloaded asbuilt from Ford. Investigate differences and correct anything that should be. This will rule out configuration changes made by OTA or FDRS.

6. Disconnect the battery and put it on a good charger overnight. Reinstall the battery and perform the BMS reset procedure. Does the message still happen? If yes, then it's not related to battery SOC issues.

7. I got nothing ?‍

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