I have a 1996 Explorer and parents have a 1997, both of them Eddie Bauers. Sometimes when I turn on the left turn signal, it doesn't work. The exterior bulbs and the dash indicator don't light up at all. I return the lever to the center position and switch it back to left turn immeadiately and then it works. At the same time that the signal fails to activate, there is a buzz from under the dash above my feet. It continues to buzz as long as I leave the lever in the left turn position and quits as soon as it is returned to the middle. The buzz is not one of the normal sounds produced by any warning indicators, such as keys left in ignition or door open or lights on. It sounds more like the buzzers installed in cars 10 - 20 years ago. I would describe it as an electric-mechanical as opposed to a computerized-electronic generated buzz. I have not been able to reproduce the condition while not driving the vehicle so can't pinpoint the source. My parents told me yesterday that their 1997 has recently started doing the exact same thing although they were not sure as to whether it was left or right. I looked through the posts for others with similiar problem but found nothing. I figured this must be common problem since I was aware of 2 out of 2 explorers with the problem. I have 1997 Ford Truck CD Service Manual and this problem isn't addressed. Local Ford Service Dept told me it could be many things, possibly the mutifunction switch but they would have to look at it. Anyone else seen this malfunction? If so, what is the fix or procedure to check it out. Thanx for any help.

 

My guess maybe the flasher. if not do your hazards work to flash all the lights/brake lights. if you can't get any lights to come on. everyone else will sugest bad bulbs but I'm guess you checked them. Right? On some cars/trucks one bad bulb may cause all not to work properly.

 

I had the same problem with my '95 XLT. If you look under the dash area near your feet you will see a (yellow) flasher/relay that is buzzing. The relay is opening and closing so fast it is causing the buzzing sound. After replacing all my bulbs and the flasher/relay it became apparent the problem was in the multi-function switch in the steering column. If I remember correctly the switch was about $52 from the local Ford dealer. Pretty easy to replace just be careful whenever you are working around the airbag. I understand that this is a fairly common problem. Are you having any other problems with the switch, namely wiper or washer problems?

Mason

 

As for the switch under the column...

I had the same problem on my 96 Taurus GL and all I did was sprayed some WD-40 on the base of the "hazard lights" switch and pressed it up and down while spraying. Seems this switch collects a lot of dust that ends up in a cloggin it when the dust mixes with grease from the switch itself.
This would be a quick fix and perhaps your switch all it had was dust in it.

 

I had the same problem also. I had the dealer replace it for around $50.