Hi all. Couldn't find my specific issue with search function, so posting a new thread. If I need to post more information, please let me know.

Vehicle: 2010 Ranger XLT. 4.0L V6 engine. 2WD.

Issue: Turn signals stop blinking after a random amount of blinks (usually 1-3, sometimes more). The light goes dark and the ticking sound stops. This happens with both left and right turn signals. Occurs when night lamps are on and off.

Other information: Hazards work fine, oddly enough; sound and blinking is normal. I often will hear a "double click" from the turn signals. The flasher in the dash was replaced a few years ago; in that case, the blinker would go on and stay on without blinking. The relevant fuse is intact; for those interested, 15A fuse #17 in passenger fuse panel.


Based on other research, I've read it could be the multifunction switch (the turn signal lever/stalk), a wiring issue, the flasher (again), or maybe the planets not correctly aligned. I'd prefer not to buy parts until I have a better idea of the most likely problem. Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

Welcome to the forum

Fuse #17 is just for the 4-way flasher, always powered
Fuse #20 is for the turn signals, power with key ON only

Yes, turn and 4-way share the same flasher but use different power paths and circuits inside the flasher

Do this, back up to wall or garage door, so you can see Turn and Brakes lights in the rear on or off
Or have someone watching
Turn on the key, engine off
Press brake pedal and hold it down, both brake lights will be on(yes and the 3rd light on the cab, lol)
Turn on either turn signal brake light will go OFF in that side, brake and turn share 1 bulb
Bulb will start to flash, wait.............
When it stops flashing does the Brake Light come back on?

If so then multi-function switch is your problem, the brake light "override" for turn signals in in the multi-function switch

If brake light doesn't come back on then turn off turn signal lever and make sure it comes back on then
If so I would replace the Flasher as the first step

I assume you have not swapped out any bulbs to different types, i.e. LEDs, right?

 

Thanks for the reply. I checked the fuse box and #20 has a wire hooked up to it. I've attached a picture. Not sure what it is but not messing with it this late at night.

I tried out what you said. Power ON, engine OFF. Brake lights both go on when depressed. When I hit the turn signal on either side, that brake light goes out, then comes back on when I set the multi-switch back to neutral position. I could not get the turn signals to show up without the engine on. The brake lights would go out and stay out, but the turn signals would not come on.

No LEDs. I did have to replace the pigtail wiring for one of the license plate lights last year due to the old one being too stuck to remove.

 

So multi-function switch is working as designed, not the problem

That of course is NOT a factory wire added to fuse 20, I would pull it out and put a 10amp fuse in its place and see if turn signals start working again

Fuse 20 is Key On power so that wire could be for any number of things

In general the 2004 to 2011 Rangers that use the SJB(smart junction box) have had issues with corrosion on the connectors
Picture here of one of the connectors: https://i1.wp.com/sparkys-answers.co...0/DSC09929.jpg

And here:https://i0.wp.com/sparkys-answers.co...00%2C300&ssl=1

While kick panel is off I would pull off each connector and have a look, you just need to lift the lever on a connector to push it up a bit then pull it off
This cleans the contacts as well, simple act of unplugging and plugging back in, cleans the metal contacts

 

I suspected the wire was not original. It might be related to the hardwired dashcam that was installed a few years ago but not sure. I'll pick up some fuses if I get some free time this week; working 2 jobs does not allow me much free time. I'll take a look at the connectors when I have some time.

 

Fuses were fine. I replaced the flash relay, and it's working again. Second time I've had to replace it and different problem from the first time.

Thanks again for your suggestions!

 

Good work

Thanks for the update and THE FIX

"new" no longer means "tested and works"
New now means "YOU TEST IT, and we will replace it if it doesn't work"

 

Wonderful. Always loved paying top dollar to be a beta tester! /s