right side blinker and brake light failing

[jimonlight]

Hi everyone,

I searched about 20 pages on the forum looking for an answer to this (believe me, I am not the kind of new guy to not look first before asking), but I have stalled out.

My new to me 2002 Explorer Sport has an issue with the right side blinkers (front and back) and with the passenger side rear brake light. On the right side, the blinkers are only working in the front, and are rapid - about twice as fast as normal. My assumption is a relay or short of some sort. The used dealer told me that there's some "butterfly cable" or something that they suspect is wrong, but I don't know.

Also, the passenger's rear brake light will not turn on. The reverse lights work on that side though.

What should I look for first? I am a lighting designer, so electrical issues should be no problem for me to fix. Any suggestions?

Thanks a lot, I'm grateful to have found the forum!

Jim

 

[Carguy3J]

............On the right side, the blinkers are only working in the front, and are rapid - about twice as fast as normal. My assumption is a relay or short of some sort. The used dealer told me that there's some "butterfly cable" or something that they suspect is wrong, but I don't know.

Also, the passenger's rear brake light will not turn on. The reverse lights work on that side though.

.................

I think you just answered your own question. My guess would be that you have a bulb out in the right rear. That would also explain the rapid flashing of the working front bulb.

You might also want to replace the flasher, which should be located on the fuse panel.

 

[jimonlight]

Thanks CarGuy! What does a flasher run? I can jump in the car and run down to O'Reilly or AutoZone, as they're both close. I am just wondering about the cost for my own cognizance.

Jim

 

[Carguy3J]

Thanks CarGuy! What does a flasher run? I can jump in the car and run down to O'Reilly or AutoZone, as they're both close. I am just wondering about the cost for my own cognizance.

Jim

Off the top of my head, about $5-$10.

 

[jimonlight]

Well, I think I tracked down the problem of my right rear turn signal and brake lamp not working - I could be wrong, but I gotta believe this has SOMETHING to do with it!

Multi-function switch connector!

I have checked everything else - the flasher is fine, the fuses and links are all solid, and I paid the ten bucks or whatever it was to Motorcraft to be able to download some technician's manuals for it. All symptoms are pointing towards the MFS somehow. The 9-pin connector also had two pins totally loose from the harness as well.

To look at that connector - do you think the insulation is totally effed, or do you think that harness might still be okay? Does anyone know where to get one? I think this is it:
(dead link)
I haven't tried AutoZone or O'Reilly yet. Rock Auto was the only price I checked on.

Thoughts?

 

[Carguy3J]

Yes, that connector is shot. You should be able to buy a wiring "pigtail" with a new connector, with sufficient lengts of wire to splice it in. Do it right, with solder and heat shrink tubing over the connections.
Clearly there was a shortm that melted the connector. Whether the connector itself was the problem, or a side effect of a bad multi-function switch, I don't know. That switch is a pretty common failure point on Explorers, and Fords in general. I would replace it anyway, just to be safe. The switch should be about $50. I would def. get the pigtail from Rock, as Autozone is rediculous on the price they want for oem connectors; don't know why?

 

[jimonlight]

you know, I am curious - I removed the MFS this evening, cleaned it all up, re-lubed it with dielectric gel, and re-installed it. It still does not work. My assumption is that the fried harness is just screwing things up, but is it possible that the MFS can just simply go bad?

I ask because I am wrapping my brain around this tail light issue, and it is stumping me to no end. I have no right rear brake light OR signal light, but I do have the rear right light that comes on when the car is running. Does this sound like multi-function switch to you guys?

Oh - also - does anyone have a pinout of the two harnesses for the MFS? It kinda looks like someone tried to fix this once before, discovered some broken plastic retaining clips inside the harness, accidentally pulled a few leads out, but stuck them back in the wrong holes. Who knows, I am trying to anticipate everything.

 

[Carguy3J]

The mfs on these things frequently fail, and do a wide range of very wierd things. Just replace it, and the wire connector.

Do a search on the forum for multi function switch, or turn signal switch, or various spellings,etc... There are tons of threads on it.

You should be able to get a pinout either from a cooperative dealer, or get a sunscription to www.Alldatadiy.com for your vehicle.

 

[jimonlight]

Fixed!

It's done!

I went to our local Pick and Pull place and found a later-model Explorer, took the nicest multifunction switch I could find (found one practically brand new), and cut out a set of the wiring harnesses.

I ended up tinning the ends of the wire on the harness side, and butt-crimping the lot of them. I also removed a small piece of the little wire trough that sits in the column to make room for the excess leads. Works great, and fixed the problem!

Yeehaaaa! Thanks for the tips, everybody!

 

[brmille007@gmail]

Same exact problem. Some questions regarding fix.

Hello Jim,

I've got the same vehicle as you 2002 Ford Explorer Sport 2 door. And I'm having the same problem (right turn signal, rear right brake light not working).

How did you get the steering column out? I took out the three screws and the plastic part is loose. How do I get the steering column to pull out to check the multi function switch (as I see in your pic)?

Thanks, Brian

 

[archlab]

I have this exact problem, except that it's on the Driver's Side. I tried changing the rear light bulb (not the problem), & got a new flasher (also not the problem...but the flasher clicking is a t a normal rhythm now).

When I was under the dash, at the box containing the relays, I noticed that there was a lot of heat at a couple of them. I tried swapping them around to see if one of the relays was bad, but nothing changed, so I think the relays & flashers are OK.

After seeing this post, I am gonna 'go back in' & check that connector. If it's not the culprit, then I guess there's gotta be a short somewhere from the pedal/dash to the back of the body. I hope not though, that'll be a pain to track.

 

[archlab]

OOps, missed the MFS posts

I guess that seems to be the culprit. I didn't reas all ofthe replies, so I described my issue beore I read the whole thing.

 

[brmille007@gmail]

replaced bulb, fixed problem

It seems I got ahead of myself thinking the problem was more complex then it was. Once I changed the bulb everything worked fine. I did straighten out the wiring which seemed a bit crimped and this may have increased the contact between frayed wires. All I know it that it's working fine now. This forum is so useful, thanks guys.

Hello Jim,

I've got the same vehicle as you 2002 Ford Explorer Sport 2 door. And I'm having the same problem (right turn signal, rear right brake light not working).

How did you get the steering column out? I took out the three screws and the plastic part is loose. How do I get the steering column to pull out to check the multi function switch (as I see in your pic)?

Thanks, Brian

 

[Benn13]

I'm having a similar problem. I have an 02 explorer 4dr, the driver side brake lite and rear turn signal stopped working today. The front turn signal is flashing like it's on crack but all the other lites are fine. I replaced the bulb, not the problem, checked the fuses under the hood they looked good. I dont know if the fuse is under the dash or if a fuse is even the problem. Can u please give any suggestions.

 

[88FordBroncoII]

Hey Carguy, I have a 88 Bronco II and i was wondering since you seem pretty good with cars that you might answer my question. Ok so my tail lights work back and front. My turn signals used to work. (i fixed them then didnt mess with the truck for a while and now they dont work). And my brake lights dont work. So if you could, please tell me what to check or do!

Zack