a few questions...

[wiresix]

so I just picked up a 94 explorer XLT, and I have a few questions. I'm stubborn, and even thought I know very little about working on cars, I'm never afraid to try. the best way to learn is by doing! these are my problems:

1. (most important Q) the left rear blinker, and brake light light not work. I know the bulbs are good, cause it'll come on with the running lights. it doesnt work with hazard either. when I turn the left blinker on, there is no clicking. the front light comes on, but just stays on. it seems to flash just fine on the right side if not just a little slow, but I don't know what it was like before...

2. if I punch the gas, the engine kind of hesitates with a little bog down before it picks up. it's not bad, just irritating. any ideas what this might be?

3. I'm not sure if I'm explaining this right, but the tranny (AT) flairs or revs too high before shifting into 3rd. it mostly happens when I'm accelerating slowly. I checked, and the tranny fluid is a just a little over filled, could this be causing the problem? should I worry about it, or just leave it alone?

any and all advice is more than welcome! especially with #1 because I need it legal

thanks guys! I look forward to having some fun on this forum for quite some time. maybe someday, I'll be the one giving the advice!

 

[JTX]

Welcome to the site! How many miles does the explorer have? I good tune up may fix the hesitation. Also, the brake light could be a wire problem, doubtful though. Triple check your bulb and the female connector.

 

[wiresix]

it's got 133k miles on it. the bulb works. I pulled it out, and watched it light up.

I like to think I'm good with wiring because I've been doing high voltage electrical for 4 years, but I'm kinda stumped. I dont even know where to look.

I'm confused that the front signal light just sticks "on" when I turn the left blinkers switched on, but nothing for the back. and also how this could be related to the brake on the same side. or is it..?? if I knew how this stuff worked it would be a lot easier. I am just so lost!

help please!

thanks for the advice on the tune up. I'll jump on that

 

[MrShorty]

I'm confused that the front signal light just sticks "on" when I turn the left blinkers switched on, but nothing for the back. and also how this could be related to the brake on the same side. or is it..?? if I knew how this stuff worked it would be a lot easier. I am just so lost!

The front light sticking on is one way that some older cars indicate a burned out bulb (or other break in the signal light circuit). The flasher only flashes when both bulbs are working.

Assuming your '94 does not have the separate amber turn in the rear (I'm pretty sure it doesn't), the turn and brake light use the same filament. Each bulb has two filaments in it, one for the tail light, and a second, brighter filament for the turn/brake signal. If the fault is in the common portion of the circuit, it wouldn't be at all unusual to lose both signal and brake on that one side.

If you are absolutely certain the bulb is ok, then you next need to check the rest of the wiring. Do you have a wiring diagram? Even the diagrams in Chiltons are ok for these circuits, and you can get these diagrams at www.autozone.com (click vehicle repair guides).

 

[fixxxer]

Check for corrosion in the bulb socket. It could also be the turn-signal switch in the multi-function-switch as well.

 

[CHEESYPOOFS]

well i dont know about the rest but if u really want to improve your responsivness u could get a cold air intake

 

[wiresix]

The front light sticking on is one way that some older cars indicate a burned out bulb (or other break in the signal light circuit). The flasher only flashes when both bulbs are working.

Assuming your '94 does not have the separate amber turn in the rear (I'm pretty sure it doesn't), the turn and brake light use the same filament. Each bulb has two filaments in it, one for the tail light, and a second, brighter filament for the turn/brake signal. If the fault is in the common portion of the circuit, it wouldn't be at all unusual to lose both signal and brake on that one side.

If you are absolutely certain the bulb is ok, then you next need to check the rest of the wiring. Do you have a wiring diagram? Even the diagrams in Chiltons are ok for these circuits, and you can get these diagrams at www.autozone.com (click vehicle repair guides).

I dang I feel stupid. I had no idea they had two filaments. talk about an easy fix! I bet thats it. I'll check it out asap. I hope it is....

thanks for all the input. I'll run through the list.

 

[bgh1441]

Mine did that to but the bulb filaments were fine and intact, but was just a bad bulb. Replace and you should be fine.

 

[Michiganbear]

+1 on the bad bulbs. they are cheap, and easy to replace. I would always change out a bulb before chasing down other possible issues.

 

[Masterd]

About the tranny flare....

Check the color of the tranny fluid...if its red or dirty brown, but not black...flush the fluid, change the filter, and adjust the bands.

A4LD's are known to be a rather weak and finicky tranny...some go 300k some go 30k.

 

[wiresix]

About the tranny flare....

Check the color of the tranny fluid...if its red or dirty brown, but not black...flush the fluid, change the filter, and adjust the bands.

A4LD's are known to be a rather weak and finicky tranny...some go 300k some go 30k.

it's not black, but it's pretty dirty. I've never touched a tranny before, are those things I will be able to do my self? considering I that I do have common sense, and have done other repairs on cars...

also, it was a bad bulb. $4 something at autozone, and no more problem. thanks for the help on that guys