No brake or turn signal lights HELP!

Alaskanredneck · 10-16-2008, 11:50 PM

Ok so I have a 91 EB EX 4x4 4 door and its green with black tires and sort of clear windows.
Here's my problem my tail lights stopped working about the same time as my left hand turn signal. the left hand turn signal on the out side would not do anything but the little arrow would kinda half halfheartedly flash sorta kinda if it felt like it. I have no idea about the brake lights.
So I figured check the fuses all checked out fine with the crappy yellow fuse checker from "little fuse". I decided to change the flasher. Yippy i now have turn signals I proudly exclaim to my wife... you still don't have brake lights she laughs back. Well Its to dark and cold and the kiddo is screaming I will deal with in the morning. half way home with the turn signal on there is a quick light light under the dash and no more turn signals and my wife almost falls out of the truck laughing. I assume i blew one of those previously checked good fuses but now I'm stuck and don't know what to check next.
Someone please help me regain some dignity and tell me where to look next
thanks
P.S. i do not have a test light other the the "little fuse" checker thingy and the police officer said i have two weeks to get it fixed

boggs1227 · 10-17-2008, 08:18 AM

unless he wrote you a ticket then tell him to stick it .... did you check the peddle switch ? maybe every time you hit the brakes your shorting out under the dash ( has happened before here in this forum).

the blinkers i want to say that they share the same circut as the brakes but i could be wrong .

Alaskanredneck · 10-17-2008, 11:09 AM

He wrote me what we here in alaska call a fix it ticket. so it only counts if i dont get it fixed in two weeks. I plan on replacing the stop light switch when i get to work as I work at an auto parts warehouse wahoo cheep motorcraft.

boggs1227 · 10-17-2008, 11:38 AM

forgot to meantion to you ...if you don't have a voltage tester / multi-meter you can make one your self with 2 pieces of wire and a 12 volt light bulb . like the ones that go into the 3rd brake light ( forget what type bulb that is ) but they have wire leads that are pressed up on the bulb ...bend those wires back ( their in a looped fashion) just wrap the wires around the ends on the bulb and wrap a little electrical tape on it to hold it together and wala....instant voltage checker .

Alaskanredneck · 10-17-2008, 12:08 PM

Sweet i'll try it

Alan_V · 10-17-2008, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alaskanredneck

Sweet i'll try it

Sounds like you have an intermittant short to ground and damaged wiring. Put a fuse (or a ciruit breaker if you have one) in it and turn on the signals. Crawl under the dash where you saw the flash and grab the harness and wiggle it hard (okay, yank on it). This time, being as you're under there, you may be able to locate the flash. Then fix the wire.

Alaskanredneck · 10-17-2008, 06:14 PM

the flash came from the fuse i was assuming from the fuse blowing when i pulled it it looked smoked. I checked the wiring evertything looks fine other than the trailer wiring that the dipshit previous owner scotch locked on to the wires

boggs1227 · 10-17-2008, 06:28 PM

must be the season for the dash light failures....i don't think your the only one here thats had that fuse go out ...that means that like all other things on these trucks is that they do indeed go out at around the same time .

.......guess i'm next (lol)

Alaskanredneck · 10-17-2008, 07:10 PM

ok i just jumped a wire across the brake switch terminal and still no brake lights and i put a new fuse in the turn signal still blows when i put the left turn signal on. ANY MORE IDEAS?

Alaskanredneck · 10-17-2008, 08:40 PM

Please any ideas at all, I have to drive my 1 yr old daughter around in this vehicle and i cannot afford to take it to a shop right now. anyhelp would be great. damn i sound desperate

Alaskanredneck · 10-17-2008, 08:57 PM

I just checked the brakelight fuse its blown too so i changed it too hit the brakes and it blew again where could this damn short be i checked the tail light comector on the left side and it tests fine.
btw i bought a multi tester so if anyone has ideas as to what to prob let me know and maybe tell me what to turn the dial to on the tester thanks

Alaskanredneck · 10-17-2008, 11:30 PM

bump

Alaskanredneck · 10-18-2008, 02:46 AM

anyone?

rwenzing · 10-18-2008, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alaskanredneck

I checked the wiring evertything looks fine other than the trailer wiring that the dipshit previous owner scotch locked on to the wires

If you haven't already done so, you should start by taking the PO's trailer wiring mod out of the equation. Owner mods are rarely up to the standards of OEM.

It sounds like the fuse blows for brakes and left turns. Both of those go through the left turn/stop wire. I don't have a 94 Ex schematic but the color code is probably light green w/ orange stripe. The LG/O travels forward through the interior in a harness on the driver side and ends at the steering column.

If the wiring checks out, then it is possible that the turn/hazard stalk switch on the steering column has failed internally. The brake, hazard and turn circuits pass through this switch assembly.

Alan_V · 10-19-2008, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwenzing

If you haven't already done so, you should start by taking the PO's trailer wiring mod out of the equation. Owner mods are rarely up to the standards of OEM.

It sounds like the fuse blows for brakes and left turns. Both of those go through the left turn/stop wire. I don't have a 94 Ex schematic but the color code is probably light green w/ orange stripe. The LG/O travels forward through the interior in a harness on the driver side and ends at the steering column.

If the wiring checks out, then it is possible that the turn/hazard stalk switch on the steering column has failed internally. The brake, hazard and turn circuits pass through this switch assembly.

I haven't been on since Friday, but that's basically what I would have said.
Sorry for the delay.

MrQ · 10-19-2008, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alaskanredneck

let me know and maybe tell me what to turn the dial to on the tester thanks

The multi tester has several functions. The one you want is DC (Direct Current) usually marked like this
"___ "
```
It needs to be set for 12 or 20 volt, however your device is set.

Mickelsons · 10-20-2008, 10:36 AM

Have you checked or replaced your left turn/brake light bulb? I have seen people install the wrong one, or the bulb itself short out internally, I would check that also if you have not yet.

Alaskanredneck · 10-21-2008, 12:37 AM

ok so i took out all of the trailer brake and light wiring and replaced the fuses and flashers i have brake lights again checked the turn signals they work but they were flittering went off cleaning up and pulling out the disconnected wires and what do you know i still have brake lights but no turn signals i do have flashers, the bulb in the back is brand new and functioning with brake lights and flashers i replaced the turn signal switch so im now at a loss as to what is making my truck not want to let me tell people which direction im going any one got any ideas now?
btw thank you for the pic of the multi meter that really helped i just dont know where to probe now.

Alaskanredneck · 10-21-2008, 10:58 AM

bump

Mickelsons · 10-21-2008, 11:03 AM

Are the front lights working with your flashers? and parking lights?

10-16-2008, 11:50 PM	#1
Alaskanredneck Wannabe Elite Explorer Anchorage, AK 96 XLT 4.0 4X4 Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 203 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	No brake or turn signal lights HELP! FIXED Ok so I have a 91 EB EX 4x4 4 door and its green with black tires and sort of clear windows. Here's my problem my tail lights stopped working about the same time as my left hand turn signal. the left hand turn signal on the out side would not do anything but the little arrow would kinda half halfheartedly flash sorta kinda if it felt like it. I have no idea about the brake lights. So I figured check the fuses all checked out fine with the crappy yellow fuse checker from "little fuse". I decided to change the flasher. Yippy i now have turn signals I proudly exclaim to my wife... you still don't have brake lights she laughs back. Well Its to dark and cold and the kiddo is screaming I will deal with in the morning. half way home with the turn signal on there is a quick light light under the dash and no more turn signals and my wife almost falls out of the truck laughing. I assume i blew one of those previously checked good fuses but now I'm stuck and don't know what to check next. Someone please help me regain some dignity and tell me where to look next thanks P.S. i do not have a test light other the the "little fuse" checker thingy and the police officer said i have two weeks to get it fixed Last edited by Alaskanredneck; 10-22-2008 at 11:12 AM.

10-17-2008, 08:18 AM	#2
boggs1227 Wannabe Elite Explorer Flowery Branch , Georgia, 1994 sport 2wd auto 2005 colorado 2wd 5spd Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 1,521 Vehicle Specs	unless he wrote you a ticket then tell him to stick it .... did you check the peddle switch ? maybe every time you hit the brakes your shorting out under the dash ( has happened before here in this forum). the blinkers i want to say that they share the same circut as the brakes but i could be wrong . __________________ Scott .

10-17-2008, 11:38 AM	#4
boggs1227 Wannabe Elite Explorer Flowery Branch , Georgia, 1994 sport 2wd auto 2005 colorado 2wd 5spd Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 1,521 Vehicle Specs	forgot to meantion to you ...if you don't have a voltage tester / multi-meter you can make one your self with 2 pieces of wire and a 12 volt light bulb . like the ones that go into the 3rd brake light ( forget what type bulb that is ) but they have wire leads that are pressed up on the bulb ...bend those wires back ( their in a looped fashion) just wrap the wires around the ends on the bulb and wrap a little electrical tape on it to hold it together and wala....instant voltage checker . __________________ Scott .

10-17-2008, 06:28 PM	#8
boggs1227 Wannabe Elite Explorer Flowery Branch , Georgia, 1994 sport 2wd auto 2005 colorado 2wd 5spd Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 1,521 Vehicle Specs	must be the season for the dash light failures....i don't think your the only one here thats had that fuse go out ...that means that like all other things on these trucks is that they do indeed go out at around the same time . .......guess i'm next (lol) __________________ Scott .

10-17-2008, 11:09 AM	#3
Alaskanredneck Wannabe Elite Explorer Anchorage, AK 96 XLT 4.0 4X4 Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 203 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	He wrote me what we here in alaska call a fix it ticket. so it only counts if i dont get it fixed in two weeks. I plan on replacing the stop light switch when i get to work as I work at an auto parts warehouse wahoo cheep motorcraft.

10-17-2008, 12:08 PM	#5
Alaskanredneck Wannabe Elite Explorer Anchorage, AK 96 XLT 4.0 4X4 Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 203 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Sweet i'll try it

10-17-2008, 06:14 PM	#7
Alaskanredneck Wannabe Elite Explorer Anchorage, AK 96 XLT 4.0 4X4 Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 203 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	the flash came from the fuse i was assuming from the fuse blowing when i pulled it it looked smoked. I checked the wiring evertything looks fine other than the trailer wiring that the dipshit previous owner scotch locked on to the wires

10-17-2008, 07:10 PM	#9
Alaskanredneck Wannabe Elite Explorer Anchorage, AK 96 XLT 4.0 4X4 Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 203 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	ok i just jumped a wire across the brake switch terminal and still no brake lights and i put a new fuse in the turn signal still blows when i put the left turn signal on. ANY MORE IDEAS?

10-17-2008, 08:40 PM	#10
Alaskanredneck Wannabe Elite Explorer Anchorage, AK 96 XLT 4.0 4X4 Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 203 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Please any ideas at all, I have to drive my 1 yr old daughter around in this vehicle and i cannot afford to take it to a shop right now. anyhelp would be great. damn i sound desperate

10-17-2008, 08:57 PM	#11
Alaskanredneck Wannabe Elite Explorer Anchorage, AK 96 XLT 4.0 4X4 Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 203 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	I just checked the brakelight fuse its blown too so i changed it too hit the brakes and it blew again where could this damn short be i checked the tail light comector on the left side and it tests fine. btw i bought a multi tester so if anyone has ideas as to what to prob let me know and maybe tell me what to turn the dial to on the tester thanks

10-17-2008, 11:30 PM	#12
Alaskanredneck Wannabe Elite Explorer Anchorage, AK 96 XLT 4.0 4X4 Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 203 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	bump

10-18-2008, 02:46 AM	#13
Alaskanredneck Wannabe Elite Explorer Anchorage, AK 96 XLT 4.0 4X4 Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 203 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	anyone?

10-20-2008, 10:36 AM	#17
Mickelsons Wannabe Elite Explorer Boring, Oregon '91 explorer Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 155 Vehicle Specs	Have you checked or replaced your left turn/brake light bulb? I have seen people install the wrong one, or the bulb itself short out internally, I would check that also if you have not yet.

10-21-2008, 12:37 AM	#18
Alaskanredneck Wannabe Elite Explorer Anchorage, AK 96 XLT 4.0 4X4 Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 203 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	ok so i took out all of the trailer brake and light wiring and replaced the fuses and flashers i have brake lights again checked the turn signals they work but they were flittering went off cleaning up and pulling out the disconnected wires and what do you know i still have brake lights but no turn signals i do have flashers, the bulb in the back is brand new and functioning with brake lights and flashers i replaced the turn signal switch so im now at a loss as to what is making my truck not want to let me tell people which direction im going any one got any ideas now? btw thank you for the pic of the multi meter that really helped i just dont know where to probe now.

10-21-2008, 10:58 AM	#19
Alaskanredneck Wannabe Elite Explorer Anchorage, AK 96 XLT 4.0 4X4 Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 203 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	bump

10-21-2008, 11:03 AM	#20
Mickelsons Wannabe Elite Explorer Boring, Oregon '91 explorer Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 155 Vehicle Specs	Are the front lights working with your flashers? and parking lights?