Left Rear turn signal/brake light quit working...

[sgoss66]

Hi all --

I am having an issue with the driver's side rear brake light and turn signal on my 2008 Sport Trac, and I thought I'd post here as well -- as I'd presume the solution would be similar. I changed the bulb -- but that was not the issue.

Here's a link to the thread, where I describe the issue in more detail...

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=403245

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thanks!

Steve

 

[polizi212]

It would appear that you have a issue in the wiring either the power side going to the bulb or to the ground. you will need to follow the wiring and check the wires along the way from the bulb to the main harness. you need to look for breaks in the wire or heavy corrosion and check the grounds.

 

[sgoss66]

polizi -- the "main harness" being inside the steering column? I have seen other references to the "multi-function switch" -- is this what you are referring to when you say "the main harness?" If so, I can dig into the steering column and have a look.

I was hoping it was just a fuse issue or something like that...but I doubted there was a specific fuse which affects JUST the left rear brake light and turn signal...I figured that any fuse would be protecting a circuit containing many more components than just those two...

It sounds like this may not be a simple thing to troubleshoot/fix, which is what I was afraid of...

Steve

 

[polizi212]

Start at the rear light and check all the wires from the bulbs and try to check all the wiring that you can see, It is possible that the multi function switch is bad but you have to eliminate bad wires first.

 

[sgoss66]

OK, will do. If I recall correctly, there are a number of wires going into the bulb socket, all wrapped together with electrical tape. I'll get back in there, unwrap the electrical tape, and have a look, inside the rear light "housing."

Steve

 

[polizi212]

Also Check the wires where they travel back towards the front of the truck make sure none are damaged as well. Keep us updated on what you find/ dont find.

 

[sgoss66]

OK polizi -- where are those wires routed, as they head from back to front...or will it be obvious once I start looking?

Steve

 

[polizi212]

I dont have the exact path they take but you will see when you get in there!

 

[sgoss66]

Sounds good, thanks...

Steve

 

[sgoss66]

OK, folks...the good news is -- problem solved.

Thanks for all your help. The bad news is, I'm quite embarrassed to admit what the issue was...

...after swapping bulbs, checking grounds, visibly inspecting the wiring run from rear to front -- including the trailer hitch wiring, removing the steering column shrouds and checking all the connectors and wiring inside the column, checking fuses, etc...

...it turned out that I replaced the WRONG BULB. The top bulb is the turn signal bulb, and I replaced the bottom one, by accident -- thus, why the problem persisted after I "changed the bulb."

I'm ashamed...

Nothing to see here, move along...

Steve