Hello all and thanks in advance. I have an electrical problem that is stumping me. Actually might be more than 1.
1. Key on engine off turn signals work fine. Key on engine on, flashers blink rapidly, hazards work correctly in both conditions,
2. Hit my brakes and my engine stalls out, all lights except reverse illuminate.
I feel it's a ground issue but have been unsuccessful in locating it. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

Welcome to the forum

Yes, it is an odd one since 1996 Ranger turn and 4-way use the same flasher and bulbs

1996 has separate turn signal bulbs in the rear, not combined with brake lights as seen in 2000 and up Rangers, using multi-switch(turn signal stalk)

Flasher is a thermal type so the higher the load(bulbs) the faster it flashes, i.e. when you add a trailer the flasher should flash a bit faster because of the two extra turn bulbs(3 bulbs instead of 2 when turning)
And when a turn bulb is burned out it doesn't flash because not enough load with 1 bulb to heat it up

Does it do the fast flashing on BOTH left and right turn?

Have you walked around the truck with engine on and turn signal on to see if other lights are also flashing, so higher load, that can happen with bad ground on a turn signal bulb but usually just effects one side, left or right, the other bulb thats also flashing is being used as the Ground for turn signal bulb so it lights up but not as bright as direct 12volts


Brake lights have no crossover to turn signals in 1996.
Only place that they may be connected is a bad trailer light wiring job on drivers side rear, under bed

1996 exterior light wiring diagram below


If you have a volt meter I would check battery voltage engine off then battery voltage engine on

Engine stalling when brakes are applied could me your alternator is not working
Although its a stretch

Good battery should read 12.3-12.8volts
12.8v is a brand new battery
12.3v is a 5/6 year old battery
12.2v or under is a drained or failing battery

With engine running just after startup battery should show 14.2-14.8volts no higher than 14.9v
After running for 5 minutes or so battery should now show 13.5-13.8volts, under 14volts

 

Thanks. With engine running the only light flashing is the turn signal. This is true for both right and left. And yes both flash fast. KOEO everything works as it should, turn signals, brake lights and hazards. KOER turn signals flash rapidly but very dim for both. The brake lights do not illuminate and the engine stalls out. I have looked for exposed wires and cant find any.