95 Ranger Turn Signal problem

[stevejmason]

Hi All, I am new to the forum - hope someone with some experience can help me out.

The other night my left turn signal indicator started flickering. Right turn indicator was fine. I could see out the side window that the left turn signal was flickering as well. This was happening without the left turn signal switch being on.

The next morning the problem was gone but now whenever i try to signal either right or left, both sides come on like I had my emergency flashers on.

This is not a safe condition to be driving with. I am one of those idiots who always uses his turn signals (that allows me to cuss people who don't!)

any advice??

 

[chbtech]

This may not be your problem, but I had a 94 F-150 that had what felt like a loose signal lever and I was having problems getting it to signal at all. The solution was replacement of the signal module behind the steering wheel in the steering column. May be your problem too if the signal lever feels sloppy.

 

[stevejmason]

thanks chbtech - I checked the signal lever and it feels Ok to me.

however, now that you mention the signal lever and I don't know if this is related to my signal issue but every once in a while the wipers start up on their own, I have to turn the switch on the end of the signal lever back and forth a few times to get the wipers to go off.

Do you think maybe I have a problem in the steering column? seems I read somewhere a few years ago that some Rangers are prone to electrical problems in the steering column.

I replaced the flasher unit today and it did not help.

I was hoping I wouldn't have to take this thing to the shop. I am pretty handy but I don't think I am up for tearing into the steering column.

 

[chbtech]

The proper name for the signal module I refered to is the "Multi-Function Switch". I found a thread that seems somewhat related to your problem. It's "2000 Ranger Electrical Problem" on page 16 of this forum with a last post of 05-12-2006. It might give you some ideas or things to check before taking it to a shop $$$$.

 

[orange98]

Hi All, I am new to the forum - hope someone with some experience can help me out.

The other night my left turn signal indicator started flickering. Right turn indicator was fine. I could see out the side window that the left turn signal was flickering as well. This was happening without the left turn signal switch being on.

The next morning the problem was gone but now whenever i try to signal either right or left, both sides come on like I had my emergency flashers on.

This is not a safe condition to be driving with. I am one of those idiots who always uses his turn signals (that allows me to cuss people who don't!)

any advice??

check the bulbs and check to see if any of the wires are frayed

 

[stevejmason]

took the truck to the shop as i had no luck on my own with this.
It was indeed, the Multi-Function Switch, which amounts to a whole new tunr-signal lever assembly.
$80 for the switch and $45 for labor.
not so bad.

 

[chbtech]

Well IMO you did OK. To come away from a garage with a bill less than $500 is pretty good these days.

 

[stevejmason]

chbtech - yes I was pleasantley surprised as i was expecing it to be higher.

I had the cam sensor replaced at the same time and that added another $125to the bill.

Can anyone tell me what the cam sensor really does? I had an Engine Light on the dash but other than I could not tell anything was wrong.

Mileage and performance never varied. Seems like I spent $125 to have the engine light go off.


I think its time to start looking for another Ranger. My old girl has 168,000 miles on her. This is the 2nd Ranger I've owned. Its been a great truck but she's gettin tired. Previous was an 85 and I ran it to 180,000 before giving it to my Dad for a work vehicle.

The only complaint I've had about this 95 I currently have is that the 3.0 litre engine does not have enough zip. I bought it when it had 18,000 mile on it. I tried a chip way back (cannot recall brand) when I bought it but all I ever got was bad pinging from the chips I tried.

IMO these Rangers are great trucks. My next one wil have 4WD and a gutsier engine.