Parking/Running lights short?

[Exporunner]

I'd check your fuses, or even the ground wires.

all fuses have been checked. Could it be the lever on the column messing all that up?

 

[mr cribb]

all fuses have been checked. Could it be the lever on the column messing all that up?

Could be... another member had a similar issue, and his was the combination switch I think.

 

[Exporunner]

Could be... another member had a similar issue, and his was the combination switch I think.

is that what that switch is called? combination switch?

 

[mr cribb]

I believe so

Fordexplorerguy1 is his handle on here.... look him up

 

[r3d]

*update* I put my explorer in neutral - i press on the brake pedal a few times watching the voltmeter drop - then i notice -the- burning smell ; it is the master light switch - i just need to get into the dash to get that switch yay.

 

[mr cribb]

*update* I put my explorer in neutral - i press on the brake pedal a few times watching the voltmeter drop - then i notice -the- burning smell ; it is the master light switch - i just need to get into the dash to get that switch yay.

Here's how I do it:

1) remove the under steering column plastic and metal knee destroyer and hood release w/ a 7mm socket

2) remove ashtray and the 2 screws that attach the plastic trim 7mm as well

3) loosen the 2 9/16 bolts that hold the column up lowering it just enough to pull the plastic trim from the dash/ gauge cluster. (If you drop the bolts to the column all the way I haven't noticed any damage to the column or surrounding areas)

4) light switch is now accessible

I have an extra switch laying around if you want it PM me if you do.

 

[TooFarFromFenway]

quick resolve - blowing fuses? bypass fuses... a little wire with poor ingenuity - and veua'la' I have all my lights working. nothing burning, i can tell i have a few shorts because my 4x4 button and low range button dont do anything but make my voltagemeter drop when i push em

I would NEVER recommend this to ANYONE for ANY reason! It is INCREDIBLY dangerous, and could very easily cause a fire.

DO NOT take this advice.

Nothing personal, but being an electrician, I cannot in good faith let this stay posted without a disclaimer.

If it's temporary, sure, no problem. Permanent solution? Nope.

 

[r3d]

**UPDATE** I took the dash panel from covering my instrument panel; took out my master light switch - NO ISSUE there. I turned my explorer on, put it into neutral and hit the brakes a few times - saw the smoke again; it was coming from my hazard button. Took the steering collom cover and hit the brake a few more times- saw the smoke from the same place. I removed my multifunction turn-signal switch ( unplugged the set of three ) hit the brakes a few times no smoke. I found out the problem was the circuit board from my multifunction switch is fried ( or short ). YAY $50 dollar part found my problem.

no wires were melting or burning - just smoke from the inside of the multifunction signal switch.

! No fire no worry !

 

[r3d]

all fuses have been checked. Could it be the lever on the column messing all that up?

!! Now i know ! yes it is the stupid lever.

 

[mr cribb]

Just to be clear I don't have an extra multifunction switch, I have an EXTRA MASTER LIGHT SWITCH

 

[Exporunner]

So pulled the column off and found the switch wasn't even connected.. Looks like I forgot to plug it back in when I took my dash out. Guess that's what happens when I do stuff when it's cold and dark out

 

[r3d]

*short* update.

I replaced my fuses - i replaced my multifunction switch ( which was burnt out ) I thought that was the reason for the short... I still have something causing my fuses to blow... so frustrated.