Turn Signals stop working w/ brakes applied
#1
Turn Signals stop working w/ brakes applied
Just noticed this tonight.
While making a left turn, I had the blinker on and had the brakes applied and noticed the indicator on the instrument cluster was blinking. Once off the brakes, it took it a few seconds for it to resume blinking.
When I got home, I checked to see if the right signal did the same and it did. I also checked the rear lights and when the signal is on and the brakes are applied the light does not blink nor does it brighten up like they're supposed to when the brakes are applied, it stays dim as if both the blinker and brakes are off.
I did a quick search and couldn't find anybody with this particular problem. I have not checked any of the bulbs or wiring, but I'm thinking it might be the turn signal switch/ lever.
Any ideas of what the problem might be?
While making a left turn, I had the blinker on and had the brakes applied and noticed the indicator on the instrument cluster was blinking. Once off the brakes, it took it a few seconds for it to resume blinking.
When I got home, I checked to see if the right signal did the same and it did. I also checked the rear lights and when the signal is on and the brakes are applied the light does not blink nor does it brighten up like they're supposed to when the brakes are applied, it stays dim as if both the blinker and brakes are off.
I did a quick search and couldn't find anybody with this particular problem. I have not checked any of the bulbs or wiring, but I'm thinking it might be the turn signal switch/ lever.
Any ideas of what the problem might be?
#3
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Chicago and Mt Carroll IL
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Hope this helps. Nearly identical problem in my 97 ranger. After some obvious parts changing and backyard diagnostics, my trustworthy mechanic got creative and went all analytic on me (must have enjoyed the challenge) and 75 bucks later disconnected my aftermarket trailer wiring harness that had a burnt chassis ground wire. Yet another reason to opt for motorcraft parts when possible.
#5
#6
Update
Well, just to let you all know, I've replaced the turn signal stalk and all the bulbs and the problem is still there.
What else is there that could cause this? I troubleshooted and messed with some of the wires and when I would move the wiring on the rear driver side tail light the siganl seemed to work. What else could I look at along this wire for problems?
What else is there that could cause this? I troubleshooted and messed with some of the wires and when I would move the wiring on the rear driver side tail light the siganl seemed to work. What else could I look at along this wire for problems?
#7
Join Date: Mar 2009
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Still sounds like a loose or corroded ground wire to me, even if it's not related to a trailer harness. Check all related wiring for positive connections and disconnect and clean, then reinstall, any ground wiring present, if any. You might also check for moisture or water within the housings themselves which could create a ground fault. Good luck.
-Ed
-Ed
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#8
Still sounds like a loose or corroded ground wire to me, even if it's not related to a trailer harness. Check all related wiring for positive connections and disconnect and clean, then reinstall, any ground wiring present, if any. You might also check for moisture or water within the housings themselves which could create a ground fault. Good luck.
-Ed
-Ed
#10
A lot of times, the metal housing of the tail light assembly acts as a chassis ground. Or you may simply want to remove the lenses and bulbs, clean up the contacts and then re install new bulbs. Just trying to think through the cheap and easy stuff b4 you open your pockets to a mechanic.
#11
Join Date: Mar 2009
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that would be my next step also. Wish I could be of more help here, it took weeks of playing around b4 I finally retreated to my mechanic for the ranger. In trying to think like him, you might want to also check any aftermarket electrical items that may have been installed, if any. I would have never thought of checking my trailer hitch wiring.
#13
that would be my next step also. Wish I could be of more help here, it took weeks of playing around b4 I finally retreated to my mechanic for the ranger. In trying to think like him, you might want to also check any aftermarket electrical items that may have been installed, if any. I would have never thought of checking my trailer hitch wiring.
I might not want to mess with it and just take it to the dealership or a trustworthy mechanic.
#14