mercdriver

I think you also have a LCM or Light Control Module somewhere located under
the dash ashtray or inbetween the steering wheel and center. This may be causing the problem. Before you go out and buy a new or used one I would try to mess with the sensor first. The sensor is located Ithink at the left side dash or the driver side where the sun can hit it. Maybe you can open or short it to see if thats the problem. If I'm right its a photo cell which means when light hits it it acts a closed loop completing a circuit and when its dark it opens up or has high resistancde. I would clip it off, plug the two wires together and see what happens, then open them and see what happens. If you get a bright light or flashlight at night and apply it to the sensor and the lights go off, then for sure its the sensor. Ford may sell that part or if you find someone in electronics locally, they may be able to find you a cheap replacement.
This little test is cheaper than buying a lcm module. maybe even disconnecting and reconnecting the harnesses on the lcm might help. I did notice over the years that the LCM will accumalate moisture and attack the pcb causing shorts and etc. I took one apart and tried to fix it, but had to buy a new one. there is lots of temperature change down there and thats why corrossion took its toll. hope that helps.