branks, hazards and turn sig went out

[skier4x4]

I've checke dthe fuses but don't know much about electircal stuff
My dad is away on business and I called him about the problems and he had a bunch of ideas but he said try this place so here I am and I need help. I'm afraid to drive it. My turn signals, 4x hazards and now my brake lights won't work.
If a bulb goes out do both brake lights fail to work? I don't know what to check. Can anybody help. I'm not helpless because I'm a young woman I just need a place to start and it seems like there's something very wrong for all this to happen in one week. Are they all related somehow on some type of fuse or relay together? My manual doesn't say much about it?
I don't know how to use diagnostic equipment for electrical repairs. Any ideas, it's a 94 Explorer 6 cylinder the fuse isn't blown I checked that. I don't want to start replacing things. Thanks for anything you friends can do to guide me.

 

[budwich]

well, you potentially going to have fun with your problem if you aren't very "electrical". Anyways, to try isolate the problem a bit more, couple questions. When you said you "checked the fuse"... I assume that you "just looked at it"....right???? so you can't really rule out a fuse with out really checking as you need a meter to "check" the fuse. Then, which fuse (s) did you check? There are a couple (at least on my 96 diagram).

Next, when you put your signal light on, do you hear the flasher clicking? do you see your indicator light in your dash showing which light is flashing (right or left). Brake lights come thru a different fuse than your "other stuff".... you need to check that fuse.

Lastly, did all this happen at exactly the same time??? and to answer one of your questions, no, if one bulb goes, it can't cause both sides to go out on your brakes.

Most likely your problems are fuse related. Could be a flasher problem (but not for brakes) or it could be a multi function switch problem ... ie. the switch on your column (but again not for your brakes). You might have a wiring issue with any wiring related to trailer connections.

You might want to ask for assistance from one of your friends.... electrical issues are tough even for "seasoned" troubleshooters.

 

[410Fortune]

Skier this sounds like a multi function switch issue, although it should not effect your brake lights the multi function switch is mounted on your steering column, it is the stalk that you use for turn signals.
The base of this stalk has relays and switches that constrol alot of things.
It is common for older ones to fail, you can get a junk yard replacement far cheaper then a new unit, I have also seen people rebuild them (clean inside) but there are alot of small parts and this is not a super expensive item.

The brake lights are controlled by a brake light switch which is mounted on top of the brake pedal under your dash. You can check it quite easily, sometimes they just need to be cleaned, but a good visual inspection (upside down in the drivers seat, head under the dash) is a good place to start.