Turn Signals Malfunction 1995 Ranger
I have a '95 Ranger 2.3L. I'm having issues with the turn signals. The left turn signal doesn't work at all, however the right turn signal works fine. The hazards do not work either, but when the hazard button is activated the right green arrow on the instrument panel lights up. Also, the instrument cluster lights do not illuminate either. I replaced the multi-function turn signal switch twice and the symptoms still remain. All of the fuses and bulbs are good and I disconnected and cleaned the ground wire on the drivers side inner fender located between the battery and the starter solenoid. I also disconnected and cleaned the ground wire located near the battery and radiator support. Using a volt meter I checked the voltage at the #21 and #22 fuse and both had 12v. I did notice there was a splice in the wires under the rear bumper which once had a trailer light connector attached, but it has since been removed. The headlights, taillights and brake lights function properly, so my issue probably lies within the left turn signal, hazards and/or instrument panel. Any thoughts or tips would be greatly appreciated. Also, does anyone have the wiring schematic?
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One big mistake here is to just throw parts at something with hopes it'll work again. I wouldn't advise doing so; as it'll become a lot more expensive in the long run.
If you haven't, which by your above post I must assume you haven't already, is to check your flasher/turn signal relay. This relay is what makes your turn signals flash in the first place. If that doesn't work, no amount of other parts will fix that. Check the contacts and such, do be sure it's plugged all the way in and that nothing is corroded. If there is corrosion, contact cleaner in combination with either a brush or sand paper will square that away easily. You can purchase spray type contact cleaner any most anywhere. WD40 makes a good contact cleaner, or you can drop by a music shop as they'll usually sell contact cleaners for things like amps or pedals. Computer stores will sell contact cleaner too, I'd imagine. O'Reilly auto parts or autozone should sell a flasher for your vehicle for a good price. Depending on how much it is, it may be wise to simply purchase one. A better solution, however, would be to swap flasher relays between your ranger and a similar vehicle. If the problem moves to the other vehicle then your problem is there. If it stays the same look elsewhere. Has the vehicle been involved in an accident recently, prior to the turn signals malfunctioning? If this is the case, then a harness could have been damaged in the wreck. I'll post a video that should help you in your diagnosis. Solid info here. It's a long video, but worth watching; as this video deals with a car that, too, has malfunctioning turn signals. |
Originally Posted by TheArcticWolf1911
(Post 2101789)
One big mistake here is to just throw parts at something with hopes it'll work again. I wouldn't advise doing so; as it'll become a lot more expensive in the long run.
If you haven't, which by your above post I must assume you haven't already, is to check your flasher/turn signal relay. This relay is what makes your turn signals flash in the first place. If that doesn't work, no amount of other parts will fix that. Check the contacts and such, do be sure it's plugged all the way in and that nothing is corroded. If there is corrosion, contact cleaner in combination with either a brush or sand paper will square that away easily. You can purchase spray type contact cleaner any most anywhere. WD40 makes a good contact cleaner, or you can drop by a music shop as they'll usually sell contact cleaners for things like amps or pedals. Computer stores will sell contact cleaner too, I'd imagine. O'Reilly auto parts or autozone should sell a flasher for your vehicle for a good price. Depending on how much it is, it may be wise to simply purchase one. A better solution, however, would be to swap flasher relays between your ranger and a similar vehicle. If the problem moves to the other vehicle then your problem is there. If it stays the same look elsewhere. Has the vehicle been involved in an accident recently, prior to the turn signals malfunctioning? If this is the case, then a harness could have been damaged in the wreck. I'll post a video that should help you in your diagnosis. Solid info here. It's a long video, but worth watching; as this video deals with a car that, too, has malfunctioning turn signals. Electrical Troubleshooting Basics - EricTheCarGuy - YouTube The multi-function turn signal switch was initially replaced because the wipers didn't work and the first replacement switch was defective all together with none of the functions performing. The second replacement switch fixed the wipers, the right turn signal once again worked, but the left turn signal and hazards still do not function with the new switch. |
Both turn signals run through the one flasher relay. Whether or not this is two relays in one I'm not exactly sure. Ford has a funny way of wiring these things up.
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Originally Posted by TheArcticWolf1911
(Post 2101796)
Both turn signals run through the one flasher relay. Whether or not this is two relays in one I'm not exactly sure. Ford has a funny way of wiring these things up.
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The hazard circuit and turn signal circuit use the same flasher/relay. I'm pretty sure it's located under the dash. For my 99, the flasher is hanging on it's own harness in plain sight. For my father's 03, the flasher relay is at the top of a relay box towards the radio up under the dash.
Granted these are newer years than your 95, but Ford usually keeps the same general design for a while, albeit changing it a little every so often for whatever reason they deem necessary. the flasher relay is likely an 'ep27', which takes the form (appearance wise) of a 5 pin relay. |
Originally Posted by TheArcticWolf1911
(Post 2101806)
The hazard circuit and turn signal circuit use the same flasher/relay. I'm pretty sure it's located under the dash. For my 99, the flasher is hanging on it's own harness in plain sight. For my father's 03, the flasher relay is at the top of a relay box towards the radio up under the dash.
Granted these are newer years than your 95, but Ford usually keeps the same general design for a while, albeit changing it a little every so often for whatever reason they deem necessary. the flasher relay is likely an 'ep27', which takes the form (appearance wise) of a 5 pin relay. |
I would suspect either the multifunction switch or its wiring connector. I know you said you’ve replaced it twice already but, as you’ve described, it leads back to the switch.
To test, I’d recommend removing the multifunction switch. Thoroughly inspect the wiring connector for signs of overheating/melting or lose terminals within the socket. If it looks good, reconnect the wiring harness to the multifunction switch. Next you’ll need to identify the following wires at the multifunction switch wiring connector: LT Blue wire (Turn signal power input from flasher) White with Red stripe wire (hazard lamps power input from flasher). White with LT Blue stripe wire (right turn signal output from the multifunction switch) LT Green with White stripe wire (left turn signal output from the multifunction switch) With key on, utilizing either a voltmeter or test light, back probe the LT Blue wire in the connector. You should have battery voltage. Do the same for the White with Red stripe wire. You should have battery voltage. Next move the switch to a left turn and do the same for the LT Green with White stripe wire. If no power is present the problem is in the switch. The hazard distribute power through the multifunction switch from the White with Red stripe wire (input) to both the White with LT Blue stripe and the LT Green with White stripe wires (output). And yes, there is only one flasher relay for both turn and hazard. |
Originally Posted by Rev
(Post 2101822)
I would suspect either the multifunction switch or its wiring connector. I know you said you’ve replaced it twice already but, as you’ve described, it leads back to the switch.
To test, I’d recommend removing the multifunction switch. Thoroughly inspect the wiring connector for signs of overheating/melting or lose terminals within the socket. If it looks good, reconnect the wiring harness to the multifunction switch. Next you’ll need to identify the following wires at the multifunction switch wiring connector: LT Blue wire (Turn signal power input from flasher) White with Red stripe wire (hazard lamps power input from flasher). White with LT Blue stripe wire (right turn signal output from the multifunction switch) LT Green with White stripe wire (left turn signal output from the multifunction switch) With key on, utilizing either a voltmeter or test light, back probe the LT Blue wire in the connector. You should have battery voltage. Do the same for the White with Red stripe wire. You should have battery voltage. Next move the switch to a left turn and do the same for the LT Green with White stripe wire. If no power is present the problem is in the switch. The hazard distribute power through the multifunction switch from the White with Red stripe wire (input) to both the White with LT Blue stripe and the LT Green with White stripe wires (output). And yes, there is only one flasher relay for both turn and hazard. |
Originally Posted by Rev
(Post 2101822)
I would suspect either the multifunction switch or its wiring connector. I know you said you’ve replaced it twice already but, as you’ve described, it leads back to the switch.
To test, I’d recommend removing the multifunction switch. Thoroughly inspect the wiring connector for signs of overheating/melting or lose terminals within the socket. If it looks good, reconnect the wiring harness to the multifunction switch. Next you’ll need to identify the following wires at the multifunction switch wiring connector: LT Blue wire (Turn signal power input from flasher) White with Red stripe wire (hazard lamps power input from flasher). White with LT Blue stripe wire (right turn signal output from the multifunction switch) LT Green with White stripe wire (left turn signal output from the multifunction switch) With key on, utilizing either a voltmeter or test light, back probe the LT Blue wire in the connector. You should have battery voltage. Do the same for the White with Red stripe wire. You should have battery voltage. Next move the switch to a left turn and do the same for the LT Green with White stripe wire. If no power is present the problem is in the switch. The hazard distribute power through the multifunction switch from the White with Red stripe wire (input) to both the White with LT Blue stripe and the LT Green with White stripe wires (output). And yes, there is only one flasher relay for both turn and hazard. |
YIKES!!!!!
Even if it isn't your core problem, it certainly isn't helping. It looks like someone has been there before you. Idealy, to take care of this, you would want to cut the damaged section of wire out and solder in a new length then wrap the whole thing in electrical tape. Idealy you would want to use split loom but a good dose of cheap tape will suit well. Although I'd heavily recommend a grommet for the whole they're coming out of. Best way to figure out what this wire does is to, again, use a test light and activate various signals. With this kind of damage, it's a good idea to inspect your other harnesses, too. You could also follow the brown wire and see where it goes. |
Originally Posted by TheArcticWolf1911
(Post 2101850)
YIKES!!!!!
Even if it isn't your core problem, it certainly isn't helping. It looks like someone has been there before you. Idealy, to take care of this, you would want to cut the damaged section of wire out and solder in a new length then wrap the whole thing in electrical tape. Idealy you would want to use split loom but a good dose of cheap tape will suit well. Although I'd heavily recommend a grommet for the whole they're coming out of. Best way to figure out what this wire does is to, again, use a test light and activate various signals. With this kind of damage, it's a good idea to inspect your other harnesses, too. You could also follow the brown wire and see where it goes. |
Try this, unplug the wiring harness from the multifunction switch. With key on, take a short jumper wire and connect one end to the LT Blue wire and the other to the LT Green with White stripe wire. Have someone outside to see if the left turn signal lamps work.
Does the right turn signal indicator lamp in the dash flash when you signal a right turn? If the wiring in the picture is factory. Left rear Park/Stop Lamp: LT Green wire (Brake lamp), Brown wire (Park lamp). Left rear Turn Lamp: LT Green with Orange stripe wire Left and Right rear License Plate Lamps: Brown Wire. Right rear Park/Stop Lamp: LT Green wire (Brake lamp). Brown wire (Park light). Right rear Turn Lamp: Orange with LT Blue stripe. Left and Right Back-up Lamps: Black with Pink Stripe. All Brown wires listed are spliced together as part of the rear Parking Lamp circuit. Check the chewed brown wire for power with the parking lamps on. All Black wires are ground. |
Thank you Rev. Def the info I need. I think that should get me to where I need.
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Originally Posted by Rev
(Post 2101852)
Does the right turn signal indicator lamp in the dash flash when you signal a right turn?
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