Rapid Flashing Turn Signal on 97 Explorer

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Aug 26, 2007 | 08:54 AM

mark b

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Rapid Flashing Turn Signal on 97 Explorer

The right turn signal on my 97 Explorer 4WD with 114,000 miles has started blinking very rapidly (indicator on the dash always blinks rapidly), but the left turn indicator still blinks at the normal speed. What could be causing this?

Mark B

Aug 26, 2007 | 09:52 AM

94yj

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sounds like you have a turn signal bulb burned out or a bad electrical connection but i would look at the frt and rear turn signal first

Aug 26, 2007 | 03:06 PM

87 XLT

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Whats it do when you turn on the hazards?

Aug 26, 2007 | 03:54 PM

caseys

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From: pacific northwest

I agree with the burned out bulb...that is what mine does when the bulb is out.

Aug 26, 2007 | 04:35 PM

87 XLT

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Yep, it could be a burned out bulb.

When I had this same problem on my 95 Taurus the hazards-same bulbs as turn signals- worked fine.

Fixed it by replacing the multifunction switch.

Aug 26, 2007 | 05:01 PM

marragtop

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From: Baltimore

Turn flashers on and look at both tail lights and front indicators. You will probably see one of the right side out.

Aug 26, 2007 | 06:44 PM

mark b

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It looks like it does have something to do with the bulb. When I first looked at the front flashers, they both seemed to work, but after looking again, the right front one (on the side) was not flashing. I pulled the headlamp assembly out and when I went to remove the bulb holder the bulb started flashing and the indicator slowed down to normal speed. But then when I put everything back together the bulb was not flashing again. Took it apart again, and the bulb was working on and off as I wiggled it in the holder, but finally stopped working completely. I removed the bulb so I can get a replacement tomorrow but none of the filaments seem broken. I guess I'll try a new bulb and if that doesn't work it could be the bulb holder or something else on that side.

Mark B

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Aug 27, 2007 | 01:38 AM

94yj

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or a bad connection at the light socket where the bulb plugs in

Aug 27, 2007 | 04:16 PM

#10

quicklook2

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From: Lakewood, Ohio

probably a 'chinese' bulb.

no blinky, just winky.

Aug 27, 2007 | 04:34 PM

#11

deltasoft

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From: GARLAND, TX

yup....3 things....bulb, light socket or wire..

Goodluck at least u've identified the one causing issue out of the 4 locations...

Aug 28, 2007 | 12:01 PM

#12

mark b

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Well, it turns out it was the light socket! I first tried switching the bulbs on the right and left side, and both bulbs were OK. Then I switched the light sockets and found the one on the right side did not work when switched to the left side. I picked up a new socket from the local Ford dealer for only $11, and both sides work fine.

Thanks to all of you for your help!

Mark B.