Hi all!

I have a 1995 2.3L Ranger XLT
for about a year I've been having issues with my turn signals. when I first start the truck, they will work only for a few clicks and then stop working.

Things I've checked so far:
- Hazards still work fine. not affected by this problem
- i swapped out the fuse for the turn signals. tried multiple fuses and still have the same problem. even switched it with the hazards fuse, same Amperage, and still don't work and the hazards still worked.
- i replaced the turn signal signal switch and still has the same problem.
- occasionally when its not working and I'm driving, I'll hear a clicking noise in the steering column, almost like a ratchet, as if something is spinning and not catching?

not sure what my next step would be. if i had to guess it sounds like a mechanical issue? as if something isn't catching in the steering column? any help is appreciated!

Thank you!

- Jon

 

Welcome to the forum

Did you replace the flasher, its a dual unit, different pathways inside for turn and hazard?
Because hazards work doesn't mean turn signal pathway will work

Does the turn signal light on the dash stay on and just not flash or does it go off when it fails?

 

I didn't replace the bulb behind the dash.

The bulbs stop working when the turn signal stops as well. and the clicking noise that normal happens when a turn signal is active also stops. its as if after a few cycles on and off the whole function fails. I haven't been able to pinpoint a potential cause or series of events that make it happen. It's too inconsistent

 

Did you replace the flasher?

 

I did not replace the flasher

what part is the flasher? behind the dash?

 

In 1995 Ranger flasher should be just above gas/brake pedal on its own wiring harness, might be clipped to metal dash behind the plastic lower panel

It will be square plastic housing maybe just above OBD plug in

Get a new one first, then you will know what to feel around for, you should be able to unclip it and pull it down enough to unplug it and plug the new one in

Its usually blue, but can be yellow, looks like this: https://www.partsgeek.com/assets/dim...37-1795392.jpg

 

Got the flasher relay. Going to try and replace it now. I’ll let you know if that’s the problem

 

ya so i tried replacing it and it hasn't helped

i'm almost convinced its something involving the mechanics in the steering column. something where maybe a tooth doesn't catch every once in a while.
i don't think its a power thing, bc hazards still work

 

The multi-function switch, turn signal arm , does have a clip that sticks out when turn signal arm is up or down, turn signal on, and there are pins on the steering wheel that can touch that clip when its out, when turning in the direction of the signal the pins just pass over the clip, when turning steering wheel in the opposite direction the pins catch on the clip and move the arm back to "no signal" position, center

This is a mechanical system not electric, but turn signal arm should move back to "neutral" position if this is the issue, which you don't mention

Problem would be in the multi-function switch not the steering wheel pins, the "clip" part is broken and catching on a pin in either direction of steering wheel motion

 

So, that was the first thing i changed was the multi function switch

and when that didn't help, thats why i came here. not sure what the next move would be

 

Open up the clam shell again and watch the mechanics of the arm and steering wheel

You didn't say whether or not the turn signal arm is being reset to center or not when signals stop working?