basic turn signal question for those who understand electronics

[oz16us]

this is a pretty straight forward question.... if I disconnect the battery and cut off the one of the rear turn signal socket off completely, should this cause the hazard/turn signal fuse to blow once I run the vehicle (assuming I cover up all wires with electric tape)?

or should the fuse be okay since it's not making a full circuit?

thanks

 

[2000StreetRod]

decreasing load

I can't think of any situation where decreasing the load by cutting a wire would blow a fuse as long as the cut ends of the wire cannot short to anything. However, decreasing the load on the flasher may change the flash rate and/or duration. I don't understand why you would want to cut the wire. If you defeat the turn signal you may not pass inspection if you have one in your area.

 

[oz16us]

to make a long story short, I cut the rear left turn signal socket because I had a strong belief that it was causing a short.... apparently, even after cutting it off completely and putting a new fuse, the fuse blew again...

to clarify, the only way a fuse would blow is if an exposed power wire touches ground correct? a loose ground cable not fully touching a reliable ground would not cause a blown fuse...is this correct? thx

 

[2000StreetRod]

blowing a fuse

. . . to clarify, the only way a fuse would blow is if an exposed power wire touches ground correct?

A fuse blows when more current flows in the circuit than it was designed for. That could be an exposed power wire to ground or it could be added or non-standard devices on the circuit. Have the lights or turn signals been altered (high current bulbs, LEDs, trailer connections, etc.)?

a loose ground cable not fully touching a reliable ground would not cause a blown fuse...is this correct? thx

yes

EDIT: There could be a short in your turn/hazard flasher unit.

 

[oz16us]

the previous owner of the vehicle, for whatever reason, divided the left rear turn signal into two separate bulbs (making an extra hole in the light housing)... I only noticed this but after 2 months into driving the vehicle. And the wires weren't just hand twisted covered in electrical tape. Either way, I cut the sockets completely off to rule out the issue of the bad socket but the fuse (after about 5 minutes of driving and only with the left signal turn on) blows...it doesn't blow when the vehicle is parked in the drive way and while moving the wheel...the fuse only blow about 1-5 minutes into driving

I'm going to have a good look at the towing electrical component in the morning...he wired something up to the green cable (I think that's for the right signal/stop tow signal). Maybe that tow connect is bad...

 

[2000StreetRod]

trailer connector

I don't know about the Sport Trac but on my Sport there is a separate connector for trailer connections. It's under the rear of the vehicle on the driver side. I purchased an Explorer adapter at the local auto parts store that plugs directly into the connector. There are separate fuses for the trailer turn signals and tail lamps. It sounds like you have a real kluge to correct.

 

[oz16us]

i think what started it was me adjusting the steering wheel up and down.... I already changed out the multifunction switch and the two connectors... i haven't been able to look at all those wires behind the steering wheel. I have already changed out the flasher, but I would like to get to the flasher relay box. Just don't know how to get to it just yet