No turn signal and issues with instrument cluster

[meghan0924]

I just recently bought my 2004 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer edition a couple of months ago. I didn't have any issues with it besides my EGR, which has since been replaced. However, a couple of weeks ago i noticed my turn signal would flicker on once when trying to be used. Then turn off. When I would brake and use a turn signal, my brake light on that side would go out. A friend of mine said he could look at it to see if he could fix it without going to the dealership or a mechanic. He started riffling through the electrical wiring underneath the steering column and the passenger glove compartment. He put everything back together however, almost all of my warning lights on my instrument cluster were on and my message center would not display any of my milage or trips or anything. I also noticed that once he was done with it. My odometer would not display my speed and the tachometer would not display my RPMs either. I am not sure what he did but could use the help in trying to fix this. Any ideas?

 

[J_C]

Welcome to the forum!

For the initial problem of turn signal, I would have suspected the steering column, multi-function switch, either the contacts inside are fouled, or the connector to it, has wire(s)/contacts pulling out the back. That MFS is not very hard or expensive to DIY repair if you have the basic hand tools needed.

Now that your friend has fiddled with it????????? I can only guess that some disturbed wiring has a break in it or a short to ground, or some connector has been pulled off or damaged. You might have another, different friend look at it, or on the other hand, if you do that, then the next person might cause more problems.

Safest answer is take it to a shop that has a designated electrical technician rather than just a general mechanic that does everything, at least to get a diagnosis but I would pause before having any expensive major modules replaced as that seems to be the default position that some shops take, to replace the big ticket item then if it still doesn't work, conceal the mistake by finding and fixing the real problem, then customer gets billed for the big ticket item. Be sure to mention that you only had the turn signal issue before the wiring was disturbed.