Hi! I need to replace the turn signal flasher on a 1983 Ford E150 Clubwagon. Would anyone be able to provide the steps to get behind the instrument panel to replace the turn signal flasher? Do I need to remove the dash?

So far I pulled the top 3 screws, 4 bottom screws of the instrument panel, but am only able to pull the instrument panel out about 3 inches since the power to the panel is still attached, with the speedo cable, and other items that make the gagues work. But I'm not sure how to get at these items to remove them so to get access to the turn signal flasher. I could be going about this all wrong and was looking for some additional guidance since the Hayes manual isn't as detailed as I hoped.

Thanks in advance.

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Iff you are talking the flasher , the you need to buy some and plug them in ....they are square and have 3 connections.......some People call them relays....just switch them out....
On the other hand if the lever action is Bucked.......the you need to remove the steering wheel and replace the assembly..
hope this helps

 

TWO flashers behind the dash, notice in the lower pic where they are located.

Both look the same (round with 2 spade connectors aka prongs), but the 4 way flasher is a Heavy/Duty Unit, has a louder CLICK.

But, if your Econoline has a tow package, the 4 way H/D flasher is also used for the turn signals.

The 4 way H/D flasher was also installed by dealers in place of the turn signal flasher for people that are hard of hearing.

 

Thanks for the info. How would I go about getting access to the turn signal flashers behind the instrument cluster? Remove the top of the dash? Take out the panel to the left of the instrument cluster and reach behind there? Reaching from underneath the instrument cluster doesn't provide much access.

 

If it's just the flashers you shouldn't have to take anything apart.

First buy the part you need so you know what it looks like, then get down by the brake pedal and look up behind the dash toward the headlight switch and they should be there. Unplug old, plug in new. It's been a while but I think I had to feel around a bit.

 

Got it! Thanks!

 

I have been looking at my manual for my 1985 e150 and there is no clear set of instructions for changing the flasher unit. Did you try removing the light/wiper switch panel to access the flasher? I pulled the light/wiper panel from a van at the junk yard and it all came out together. The hardest part was removing the electrical connectors off the switches. I was not looking for the flasher though but do believe you might be able to gain access to the flasher through the opening once you have the switches out of the way.

The drawing in my manual is the same as the one NumberDummy posted for you and in my manual is labeled (Fig 1).

I only found 2 references about the flasher (other then troubleshooting)

1- On E-150 -- E-350, the turn signal flasher is attached to the lower reinforcement of the instrument panel on the L.H. side of the steering column (Fig. 1). The hazard warning flasher is taped to the main wiring assembly in the lower L.H. corner of the instrument panel (Fig. 1)

2- E150-E350, twist the flasher unit 90 degrees counter -clockwise, remove and disconnect the wiring connector. Install by connecting the connector and inserting the flasher unit into the retaining hole and twist 90 degrees clockwise (Fig. 1)

Maybe this will help a little. Also NumberDummy made the comment about possibly being only one flasher unit so I don't know which one you have but my manual was in reference to having both.

If you wind up pulling the dash, I would replace all the bulbs while you have it out as well as lube the speed odometer cable Lubing the speed odometer cable is yet another subject. If I remember correctly, you have to be very careful not to get the lubricant too close to the end where it connects into the dash as the grease will migrate into the odometer..

 

You must have posted while I was typing my reply.. Were you able to just reach up under the dash like Brnfree suggested? Would be good to know for reference when i need to change mine one day!

 

Thanks, ordered LED flasher and LED brake bulbs, red.

 

Where did I say there is only one flasher? I did not, because I'm not stupid.

4 way flashers have been standard equipment since 1967, so...there are two flashers, one for the turn signals, t'other for the 4 ways.

Prior years, 4 way flashers were optional, but here again, there are two flashers if so equipped.

 

I am sorry Number Dummy,, I misunderstood what you wrote when you said: "But, if your Econoline has a tow package, the 4 way H/D flasher is also used for the turn signals."

After reading better I see that you are saying the 4 way flasher is a H/D unit and a standard flasher unit is used for the turn signals.
But if the van has a tow package then a H/D flasher unit is also used for the turn signals... So that is one H/D flasher unit for the 4 way and One H/D flasher unit for the turn signals.
Again I am sorry about that.. I think I can delete that mistake out of my original comment..But it is there and you have already commented on it...
AND NO I would never think of you as stupid! That would fit me better for not understanding your comment!!!

 

I took this out when my signalss made awful noise. Tried to put it back in and smoke came out steering wheel. Now it won’t start. Fuel pump is brand new but doesn’t seem to be coming on when turning key. Could the two be related?

 

92 club wagon with tow package turn signals buzzed so I took this out. Tried to put back in later to drive it , smoke came out steering wheel, now it won’t start. I know I have electrical issue but not sure whawere to start or mid this turn signal thing has any connection or was coincidental. Any suggestions? Installed brand new fuel pump which works but doesn’t seem to come on when starting.