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My right turn signal ('98 Ford Explorer XLT, V6 / 4.0) doesn't work when cold. After the interior of the vehilce warms-up, it then works fine. Otherwise, it clicks rapidly and the signal indicator on the dash doesn't flash at all.
What could it be? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Last edited by 2m3adoyle; Dec 1, 2004 at 01:09 PM.
Reason: Added Information...
Replace the flasher unit. It works on heat(bi-metallic strip), so it must be on the borderline as far as operation.
Oh, one more thing. Walk around the vehicle with the flasher on and make sure all the bulbs are working. If they are, I would replace the flasher unit.
I have already replaced the flasher unit (under the dash near the steering column) once and the same problem exists...Once it starts working, all the lights/directionals work.
Now that I think about it, I dropped the ball a little on that response because the flasher is common to both sides. So if it works for one side, it should work for the other too.
I suggested looking at the bulbs on the outside of the vehicle, because the flasher works on heat generated by the current flowing through it. The current is drawn by the bulbs. I thought if you had one little bulb out(possibly a light has two bulbs inside it, and one is burnt out?), that it may lower the current draw enough to make it not work right.
blinkers malfunctions and windshield washer is touchy
I have the exact same problem with my 1997 F150 as of 2 days ago. When its cold they flask rapidly, I can hear it by no lights are flashing. Then I turn it off and try again and there is nothing happening. Then turn off a couple of time and it starts to work. Yes, once it warms up it works fine.
Another problem I have is my windshield washer button. I have to gentley puch on it and it works 90% of the time. If I set the wipers on delay and use the blinker then some speeds work irratically.
Commets?
If you guys can't seem to find the cold weather problem, the only suggestion I have is replace the famous multi-function switch. They seem to fail all the time, but I have never heard of a cold weather type failure. But it's a shot in the dark.
I believe you have a short circuit somewhere inside the truck. The key is your statement that "it clicks rapidly and the signal indicator on the dash doesn't flash at all." The rapid clicks indicate high current draw, i.e. short circuit, as does no indicator flash. It could be in the mutifunction switch or a short in a wiring bundle. My first step would be to look for a pinched wiring bundle in the interior. Shake and move the wiring bundles when cold and see if anything changes.
To clean the contacts in the multifunction switch try turning the emergency flashers on & off a couple of times. Theres been a couple of posts saying this cleared up some strange probs with the multi switch. Worth a quick try anyways.