Explorer Turn Signal Problem - PLEASE HELP.

[OneLever]

when the hazard is turned on both the front/rear right/left blinkers flash. In this case, I believe the bulbs and wiring to the bulbs are working...

1. turn signals don't work (left or right)
2. brake light doesn't come on (right and left side). Center brake light works.

Because the lamps flash correctly when the hazard switch is activated the wiring to them and their grounds are likely fine as you said. Since you just replaced the turn flasher that rules it out as a suspect. Leaving your multifunction switch as the likely cause of both the problems above.

Some of the brake light circuit goes through the MFS to get to the trailer adapter. So if there are internal shorts of the MFS contacts I could see that wreaking havoc with the brake lights. Also, be aware that the turn flasher gets power for the turn signal pulse and the hazard pulse from two different Interior fuse panel fuses. On my year they are fuse 21 & 22, but on your year they may be different. I would deal with the MFS and recheck all the interior fuses.

3. compass/thermometer (console on ceiling of suv) doesn't turn on (is dark)

Press the "Mode" button a few times to make sure that you didn't accidently turn the display off. If it still doesn't work after you've dealt with the problem above here is a thread that may help you: Link

I will be taking apart the MFS tomorrow and see if there are any loose wiring. I'm curious if there is anything else that I should be paying attention to.

Be careful when taking the two connectors off the MFS. Try to pry both clips at the same time to avoid breaking them. I used two small jeweler's screwdrivers to do this. Check if any wires have come loose and are no longer seated inside the connectors. There is also a black wire in that area, on top of the steering column, which I've heard people say sometimes breaks and shorts out. Finally, you will need some dielectric grease and electrical parts cleaner to refurbish the MFS.

 

[joey12345]

Problem Resolved. This is a chronicle of my steps that I went through to solve this problem. Hopefully it will help others in the future.

1. The brake lights (right and left) had nothing to do with the turn signal problem. Apparently, both bulbs went bad at the same time everything else did. I checked the bulbs with a multimeter and there was no continuity. Replacing the rear bulbs solved this problem.

2. After looking at the fuse box again, I noticed that fuse #10 was blown and replacing that fused solved the issue with the center compass/thermometer console. I don't remember what fuse #10 does, but it seems to control a whole bunch of things including part of the MFS (Multifunction Switch) and Compass/therm Console. Unfortunately, I replaced the fuse after I changed out the MFS and the Turn Signal/Hazard Flasher relay.

3. I originally replaced the Turn Signal/Hazard Flasher relay and nothing changed, so I put the original back in place. (Note that the original Flasher "clicked" whenever the hazard was enabled, which lead me to believe nothing was wrong with the original flasher/relay.

I then took the MFS off and check it with the multimeter. The hazards, high beam, low beam, wiper had continuity. The left/right turn signal did NOT. (Note, I was never able to deduce if it was only the fuse #10 or the MFS, and at this point, I'm not going to back track further by putting the original MFS back. It's just too much of a hassle. I did check the fuse #10 the previous day and it worked fine... which might mean I was hallucinating something since fuse #10 was related the compass console which I mentioned in an earlier post was powered off. Let's just say it doesn't add up.) I believe that my MFS could have shorted/malfunctioned and blown the fuse, but I'll never know.

I hope this helps anyone in the future. In summary:
1. check fuses (all of them if need be (consult owners manual)
2. examine wiring leading with flasher relay and MFS (take the plate/covering off the relay and MFS is a pain in the butt, btw)
3. check MFS with multimeter
4. check flasher/relay

Thanks,

Joey

1. Ford Explorer 1998 v6, automatic
2. the dash lights come on. However the compass/thermomenter console is "off". I noticed this the exact same time that I noticed the left/right blinker wasn't working. I believe this is a separate issue though, but who knows.
3. When the the MFS is activated nothing turns on (NO left or right blinker in the front or rear).

However, when the hazard is turned on both the front/rear right/left blinkers flash. In this case, I believe the bulbs and wiring to the bulbs are working.

I will be taking apart the MFS tomorrow and see if there are any loose wiring. I'm curious if there is anything else that I should be paying attention to.

Additionally, I'm not sure how any of this has at all has to do with my brake lights not working?!?

In summary 3 things that went wrong this morning:
1. turn signals don't work (left or right)
2. brake light doesn't come on (right and left side). Center brake light works.
3. compass/thermometer (console on ceiling of suv) doesn't turn on (is dark)

Thanks for any assistance you might be able to offer. This is a very weird series of events/coincidences.

-Joey

 

[OneLever]

Glad to see you got it fixed!

 

[BrooklynBay]

Thanks for the update!

 

[Sid168]

Hi all.
Just started having turn signals problem. I wanted to share my plan of attack and if anyone has any suggestions/corrections to my plan much appreciated.

Details:
- 99' Sport
- Turn signals don't come on; no dash indicator for signal, no clicking sound
- hazards do work (on dash and exterior)
- brake lights do work
- wipers, washer, high beams (all other functions on multi function switch) do work
- possibly unrelated left side of dash display doesn't light up anymore (but hasn't for a long time prior to signal issue)
- (edited after rereading Joey's) also possibly unrelated: display for temp/direction hasn't worked for a long time

Plan of attack:
- check fuses and replace if any blown
- find relay (first time doing this)
- replace relay (taking it to NAPA to ensure matching part)
- open column to check/reattach multifunction connections

This is all based on what I've read above. Thanks a lot to all those offering up experience. Awesome that theres an Explorer Forum (first time here, found yesterday). My brother has really relied on his SS forum to help keep his running and I'm at 161k eyeing 250k+ as a goal.

Thanks everybody.
Sid

 

[OneLever]

Welcome to the forum!

- brake lights do work

Do the front parking lights come on along with the rear brake lights? I assume this is what you mean. That could also mean that the brake lights come on when the brake pedal is pushed.

- possibly unrelated left side of dash display doesn't light up anymore (but hasn't for a long time prior to signal issue)

The illumination bulbs for the dash go out over time. Here is a write up on converting them to LEDs. If you stick with the stock bulbs they are type 194 and there are six of them here is a post with more info.

- (edited after rereading Joey's) also possibly unrelated: display for temp/direction hasn't worked for a long time

There is a link on this in post #21 above.

Plan of attack:
- check fuses and replace if any blown
- find relay (first time doing this)
- replace relay (taking it to NAPA to ensure matching part)
- open column to check/reattach multifunction connections

That's a good way to start. This link should help you: Link

 

[Sid168]

OneLever: Awesome. Thanks for taking the time to hit each of those and throwing in the links too. Above and beyond for sure.

I'll read up and work through the suggestions and report back.

Pretty psyched ExplorerForum exists.
Thanks again.
Sid

Edit: Overenthusiastic and missed the question. Yes to parking lights w rear brakes. That had been mentioned as a possible piece of info to help diagnostic so I threw it in there.

 

[Lncgnzls100]

No right brake light or turn signal

Ok I've seen dozens of these posts. I replaced my mfs on a 02Sport, right signal rear and brake light are no working. All others are fine. I went to the dealer and bought a wiring kit since my connector was broke and wires were falling out. Does anyone have a wiring schematic for the 2 connectors that plug into the mfs? I have a feeling I have a wire misplaced some where. Apparently ford doesn't sell a direct replacement harness for the mfs, at least that what I was told. Any help would be awesome. The truck is my girlfriends first vehicle so I am doing some tlc so I will be road ready for him. Thanks again for the help

 

[OneLever]

Hello Lncgnzls100 and welcome to the forum. Your explorer falls into the third generation of explorers and most of this info was for second generation explorers. If you look at this thread by BigRondo you can see pictures of the connectors for a vehicle of the same year as yours: Link
I recommend asking further questions about your issue in that thread. BigRondo may be able to post close up pictures of the connector for you if need be.

 

[DoubleK]

Once again a similar problem, but a little different. 99 Explorer Sport

The right turn signal stays on along with the dash indicator even if the key is off/out. No indication (sound) from the relay that it is trying to flash. The left turn signal still works fine, but the flashers do nothing when turned on. I seem to remember them working fine last time I used the vehicle, but with the way the lights stay on after turning it off it may have gone overlooked.

My assumption would be a stuck relay, but we all know what happens when one assumes. Any information would be appreciated, thanks in advance.

 

[DoubleK]

Once again a similar problem, but a little different. 99 Explorer Sport

The right turn signal stays on along with the dash indicator even if the key is off/out. No indication (sound) from the relay that it is trying to flash. The left turn signal still works fine, but the flashers do nothing when turned on. I seem to remember them working fine last time I used the vehicle, but with the way the lights stay on after turning it off it may have gone overlooked.

My assumption would be a stuck relay, but we all know what happens when one assumes. Any information would be appreciated, thanks in advance.

Sorry guys, it turned out to be the aftermarket trailer wiring harness module that shorted out. Had me going for a while.

 

[Sid168]

Update: Checked all the fuses (manual little ambiguous about which fuse is for signals so I checked all of them) and replaced the flasher relay. Still no signals.

Bummer. Onto the MFS and wiring.

My own experience reinforces not trying to get to the flasher by removing the plastic facing and metal plate under the steering column. At first I didn't think I could see enough or get in enough to get the relay out without doing it. Wasted a lot of time and energy not getting it completely off only to finally find a way to get a 2nd hand (arm was the challenge) under there to yank the relay from the wiring.

Was hoping option A (fuse) or B (relay) would get the signals working again. No such luck. Luckily in NJ you don't stand out much not signaling.

Will report back.

 

[circusubet]

I Can't Believe It!

I had this same problem as 762MM below,

"Quote:
Originally Posted by Mbrooks420
Yes, thats the multifunction switch, and the connector you are looking for plugs into that, and is under the plastic steering column cover on the top.
Thanks! Upon conducting another inspection, I decided to put the steering wheel back in it's original/my driving position (pretty much all the way up)... and what do you know... the freakin turn signals/hazards are working once again, as if nothing ever happened. The plug must've slipped back in its' place.

Anyway, I don't like to rely on something that works only "part-time", so I'll be removing the cover soon and strapping everything in there with zip ties to prevent another incident. Funny how car manufacturers will put these ridiculous anti-disconnect safeties on all kinds of stuff that never physically moves (such as my Explorer's PITA DRL module was - took an hour to get it off!), yet they don't properly secure this one that, after all, is very likely to come loose.

And then they wonder why they need a bail-out, lol...

Thanks for your help, it is much appreciated. Peace!"


I had searched other sites and got a hit on this one. Read through the thread I had tried most already, bulbs, fuses and so on. Came upon 762's post went back out to the truck and whata know!, Put the column back up and all is well in the world, sigs work, hazards too!

I also will be going into the column and looking for looseness.

Ten years ago you would have been VERY LUCKY to find some one who could diagnose this let alone find it.

Thank you all that post fixes and suggestions.

Thx.
John

 

[captbill]

dash lights and signals

My first post and I hope I'm doing this correctly! I have a 1997 EB auto V-6 AWD. I am having some issues with the interior lights; specifically the dash and signal operations. I just replaced the light out module and that fixed my low beam, high beam and fog light issues. Now when driving during the daylight, all signals work correctly, including the hazard lights. As soon as I turn the parking lights or the headlights on, the signals stop working and the hazards too. The dash lights infront of the steering column go out as well as the HVAC lights. The Radio lights work fine. If you look hard both of the signal lights in the dash are dimly lit, but neither one works. The high beam indicator is also dimly lit. The headlights and foglights continue to function properly. Now heres the kicker, if I take it out at night and run over a big pothole or a speed bump, everything pops on and works perfectly! Then the next hole or bump and the afore mentioned lights go back out. I have been trying to absorb some of the other posts and it seems like it could be:
MFS switch
Headlight and or dimmer switch
loose connection in the MFS switch
a relay
a ground wire somewhere.
I have checked the fuses all seem to be ok but Im not sure how to test them as mentioned here before.
Any thoughts on where to begin or which option I should check first? Or something else I may have not mentioned?
Thanks in advance!
Bill

 

[Santamarina]

Turn Signal & Emergency Light Problem

Hi guys...! New girl on forum.

I'm the new owner of an Explorer XLT 2000, a couple of days after receiving the truck the turn lights & emergency lights stopped working. It no longer goes *click-click-click*, either, so I suspect the relay got fried.

I bought the relay, but cant' find the frigging thing in the car! Reading the post I figured "steering column" meant to remove the plastic panel that goes below the steering wheel (over the knees, right?), and the metal panel that goes below that one. But there's nothing in there that vaguely resembles the relay I got.

Help, please? Any of you guys could point out for me in a bit of detail where does this goes?

Thanks in advance,

Sol

 

[BigRondo]

Hi guys...! New girl on forum.

I'm the new owner of an Explorer XLT 2000, a couple of days after receiving the truck the turn lights & emergency lights stopped working. It no longer goes *click-click-click*, either, so I suspect the relay got fried.

I bought the relay, but cant' find the frigging thing in the car! Reading the post I figured "steering column" meant to remove the plastic panel that goes below the steering wheel (over the knees, right?), and the metal panel that goes below that one. But there's nothing in there that vaguely resembles the relay I got.

Help, please? Any of you guys could point out for me in a bit of detail where does this goes?

Thanks in advance,

Sol

Welcome aboard!!

The location of the flasher relay should be contained in the owner's manual. If you don't have an owner's manual, Dead Link Removed.

Hope this helps out.

 

[kjmccart]

Turn signal issues.

Hey everyone, I have a 2000 Ford Explorer, and the turn signals have suddenly stopped working. I have not moved the steering wheel, so I don't believe anything got crimped, and I took it to AUTOZONE, and the guy said that all of my fuses under my hood, and in the side panel looked good. He looked at the box under the drivers dash, but could not tell me whether or not any needed to be replaced, and couldn't tell me which one was for turn signals. Please, if anyone knows anything about the different relays under the dash, and could give me specific instructions on how to fix my turn signals, that would be great. All other lights work, just not turn signals... Thanks
Krystal

 

[CalFed]

I had the same problem and took the steering column cover off. I pressed on the upper wiring plug and the turn signals started working again. I plan to either zip tie the plug to the MFS or put a few drops of RTV on the plug/MFS recepticle and button it up.

I do not see anything that looks like an easy place to zip tie the plug. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[TonyC934]

I just found this forum and thread and am having similar issues.

1997 Ford Explorer 4.0L SOHC Engine

Yesterday my turn signals stopped working and then started malfunctioning. They won't come on at all, or else the right signal/blinker won't go off, even when I have the key out of the ignition. I finally got it them to turn off by depressing the hazard lights to the on position. Then all the lights stopped blinking.

So the hazard lights and turn signals aren't working properly. Brake lights and headlights seem fine.

The vehicle certainly has many issues and half of the dash lights haven't been illuminated for months. And the car alarm/remote door locks and electronic door lock keypad stopped working a few months ago as well. I don't know if related, but just thought I would mention it.

But does anyone have an idea of where i should start troubleshooting before I take it in to the mechanic? I suppose I'll check the interior fuse box although doesn't sound like that is the problem from what others have said below.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide..

 

[urbangeek408]

thank you guys. this post helped me fix my issue with my turn signals/hazard problem. all it took was putting my steering column back to its original position. You guys saved me hundreds of potential money down the drain