Hello Ranger Forum Members
I have a 2002 Ranger XLT 4.0 and I have noticed that sometimes when I use the directional signals the flasher makes a speaker static type noise. I know it is the flasher because as soon as I turn off the signal the static noise stops. Any suggestions on what causes this and how to fix it?
Thanks
Ranger-2002

 

Does it just do it when AM radio station is on, or FM as well?

Or is the noise not related to radio being on at all?

 

RonD, When I saw your response at first I thought you might be joking, but then I realized it is a very good question. After thinking about the last time I heard the static, I did not have the radio on. It sort of scares me to think that there might be a short in the flasher, but I would think that if there was a short, the fuse would blow and the signals would not blink. Even if the radio was on, how would that be an issue?

 

Flasher may just be worn out, relay coil is making noise, replace it and see if noise is gone.

A relay coil is just a wire wrapped around a metal cylinder then they put resin on the wire to hold it in place, resin can crack and you get a vibration which can make a noise.

 

OK, worth a shot. thanks for the feedback. I will let you know if that was the problem.

 

RonD, My Ranger is at the Ford dealer because the EBrake locked up after sitting for 3 days and when it broke free there was a loud bang, so I am having them take off the drums and check it out. In the meantime I called them and ask them to change the flasher and I found out that it is a multifunction switch that does the directional signals as well as other things. I am old world where the directional signals worked off a flasher. The dealer guy must think I am an idiot...I do now. So he said he would look at it to see if it makes the static noise. My question to you is, is it dangerous to leave it alone if it continues to make the noise?

 

No, no danger, as you said it will blow a fuse if it is a short.

But on the 2002 there is no "flasher" so dealer was right about that part.

Have a read here: https://www.ranger-forums.com/genera...ead-help-3239/

It is a separate flasher module but not the old time style flasher.
So not sure where the static would come from

 

My dealer said that he tried to repeat the noise but couldn't. He put the left blinker switch on for longer than normal and no static. When he put the right switch on it went to the off position right away. I have never had that problem. He wanted to take apart the steering column, but I said I need the truck during the week and it would have to wait for another day. I will keep listening and evaluating the switch for more noise and patterns. Well, that's the latest. Thank you for your help.

 

Is the static noise a pop in sequence with the flash rate or a whining/buzzing noise?

If it is a pop that follows the flash rate, its more then likely the flasher relay. Ether the anti-spike diode (inside the relay) is bad and or the contact points in the relay are burned. The spiking diode is used to drain off the excess high voltage caused when the points open and a secondary voltage is induced in the relay windings. This will cause the contacts to arc and eventually burn resulting in a broad range of momentary radio frequency that can be picked up by the audio system speakers as a pop.

If it is a whining/buzzing noise, its more than likely some other component such as the alternator.

 

No pop, just buzzing. When you say "If it is a whining/buzzing noise, its more than likely some other component such as the alternator." What do you mean? Do you mean the alternator or some other component can be causing interference and the buzzing noise? What do you think of the dealer wanting to take apart the steering column?

 

Is the radio system stock or an aftermarket and or do you have an amp?

Were they working and canceling normally before you took the truck in to the dealer? If the tech had the steering wheel so the canceling spring was underneath the cancel switch and tried turning it on, it will not stay on until you move the steering wheel off center of the canceling spring. I would assume the tech would know this but these days you never know.

 

I thought is was discovered that there is no flasher relay in this model year, but rather a flasher module? Sounds more expensive....

 

I believe 2001 - 2003 use the same flasher relay located in auxiliary relay box 1 under dash. The module in question is built into the relay.

 

I have had a few Rangers with the problem of the lever not staying in the on position and found by just moving the steering wheel a little allows the directional lever to stay in place.

 

I have been trying to repeat the static noise in the flasher but so far unsuccessful. Of course the radio was off during these tests so I could hear it. Next time I will try it with the radio on. Also I have not had a problem with directional staying in position once the strg wheel was moved slightly. Will continue to monitor.

 

Flasher Update: I was finally able to repeat the problem. Think serpentine on ramp between two major highways. As I was taking the right turn to the on ramp to go from one highway to another I put on the right blinker. No problems. once on the ramp I started to veer to the left still on the ramp...this is when the problem started. Normally when you turn the steering wheel to the opposite side of the turn the multifunction switch clicks and then goes back to normal location and the blinker terminates. Well the switch did click (sounded sickly) and the static noise started...(I am still in the left veering mode). As I round the bend veering right...the switch is still in the left hand position and did not return to normal position and the static noise became louder and faster. After finally getting to the other highway and the static still happening, I moved the switch to the normal position and the static stopped. I can't remember if the right signal stopped before the static started. If I am right, I believe the multifunction switch needs to be replaced. Comments?
Thanks for being there.

 

Did you say you tried another Multifunction module, (MFM) ?

If not find one in the JY, I know you aren't sure if it will be good too but get one somewhere and put it in and see.

Another thought, back to the problem I had in my 98 or was it the 95... have you taken apart the steering column, checked the connectors in the MFM ?
I found a broken pin on the large connector on the MFM, I tiewrapped the wire going to the broken pin, worked. You may find something there.

Luck, PITA these electric problem are !

 

When I heard the static from the MFM the radio was not on. Also I did not take apart the steering column. I may get one from the JY if I can find one that has a MFM in my area in MA. Thanks for the feedback.

 

Or, maybe some electric contact spray. It isn't the best thing to use but it may help,to determine if the MFM is causing the problem.
If it is the MFM, replace it with a new one; don't waste your time with the JYS unit for long run.

Luck to Ya !