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I have a 1998 Ford Ranger and I hate that the turn signal arm is angled downwards. Every time I push down on the arm to use the left blinker it collides with my leg, and I need to physically move my leg out of the way just to use the left turn signal. The 1998 F150 turn signal arm is the opposite (angled upwards), but the layout of the sockets and pins looks very similar to the layout in the Ranger switch. Is it possible to use a 1998 F150 combination switch in a 1998 Ranger? I included links to both of the switches to see the differences. thanks
For the price, might as well give it a try and let us know. I know I've seen somebody install one from a Crown Victoria, but I can't recall an F-Series switch being installed. It seems easy enough, so I'm not sure why it isn't more popular.
Yep it works. I just dropped this 97-00 F-Series combination switch into my 98 Ranger, and it fits and works perfectly. No more hitting my leg when I when I need to use the left blinker.
Just got around to doing this mod on my 2003 Ranger since I'm tired of hitting the multifunction switch with my left knee. I'll add some things from my experience so others with the newer trucks (2001-2003) can be in the know.
Ranger Forums/Internet Brands and myself are NOT responsible for any damage caused to your vehicle while attempting this mod.
This was NOT a plug and play swap on my 2003. When I went to test it, the wipers only worked on the very last setting (HIGH), and then I could not turn them off.
There is a little resistor disc at the very end of both stalks. This is what caused the issue, as the resistor disc on the F150 differs from the Ranger disc.
To fix it, I had to swap the disc from the Ranger stalk into the F150 stalk. I disassembled both switches, only to find that the disc on the F150 switch was able to be unplugged, while the Ranger disc was soldered on at both ends.
If you follow the below steps, you will NOT need to disassemble the switch, only the stalk/lever. Reassembling the switch can be a little frustrating, so it's better to not mess with it if you don't have to.
There is an access panel on the backside of the stalk. If you remove it, you gain access to the wiring for the disc. You also need to disassemble the end of the stalk. Pop the end cover off, then remove the screw. Pull the **** off and remove the white plastic sleeve and the spring. There is also a brass tensioner that goes through the stalk; Be careful not to lose either end as they're both spring loaded.
Snip the wiring inside the F150 stalk a little over the halfway point so you have enough length to solder. Snip the wiring on the Ranger disc a little long as well to make sure you have enough to solder.
Transfer the Ranger disc+wiring into the end of the F150 stalk and twist your wires together once you cut back the insulation. Solder and heat shrink your wires (match the colors, they're the same).
Reassemble the F150 stalk by reinstalling the white plastic sleeve and spring, then install the brass tensioners and spring. Slip the **** over the end of the stalk, and then put the screw back in. Pop the cover back on.
Test it out and make sure all functions work. If so, you now have a modded F150 multifunction switch that will work with your Ranger's wiper controls.
Check out the below thread for a few pictures showing the discs. This thread discusses the installation of a Lincoln multifunction switch into a Ranger which is another option, though be warned that the process for converting the Lincoln switch to work with the Ranger is a little different as discussed in the thread.
Did this mod on my 2002 Ranger this weekend. I could not find an F150 Motorcraft switch for under $50, so opted for an Econoline (E150, E250, etc) version. The stalk is the same, however the connector is not the same, and therefore the Econoline switch is not plug and play. To make it work, I disassembled the Ranger and Econoline switches, and then put the Econline stalk into the Ranger switch. There was some soldering involved, but the process was similar to the F150 switch mod. Now both of my trucks have the turn signal lever pointing up instead of down, which is how Ford should have done it from the beginning.
09-19-2019
