2004 Exp XLT - Left turn and brake lights out (again)

[Tranquillity]

Hi everyone. My 2004 Explorer XLT seems to be having a similar recurring problem. The first time (about a year ago), my dash lights, fog lights, and left turn and brake lights went out. I took it in to a shop, and he said it was the fuse. It was the wrong amperage and everything. He replaced it and told me everything should work fine unless there's another underlying problem.

Fast forward, and now my left turn and brake lights are out again. The other lights that went out last time are okay. The left blinker on the dash also blinks at like twice the speed.

I've found a thread on here about the wire harness by the steering column. I think I found what was being referred to and it seems like everything is connected. My steering wheel was already up at the highest position as well.

Could anyone shed some light on what could be the problem? I can spend a few bucks and change out a fuse or two, but I'm having trouble finding out which ones to change. Any help would be awesome, thanks!

 

[Number4]

The blinker on the dash will flash fast when a bulb in that circuit is out. It's just your car letting you know before your friendly neighborhood cop.

The socket the bulb is in may be bad. It might be corroded leading to high resistance, eventually blowing the bulb. If it is, you should be able to tell by looking at the metal contacts. You can scuff it up with some fine sandpaper or spice in a replacement.

 

[Tranquillity]

Thanks so much for your reply! Definitely going to look into this. Would both bulbs be bad at the same time, or if I fix one will the other one work again?

 

[Number4]

Just need to fix the bad one.

 

[Tranquillity]

Update: It's fixed! Thanks so much! My troubleshooting focus was on the fuses, since the light blew last time due to the wrong fuse. I didn't even think it would be the bulb/socket. Did a little more research and got the bulb grease and new bulb from autozone. $8 fix and I'm SUPER happy. Thanks!!!