Touchy Turn Signal Switch?

[murkinstock]

So I've had this problem since I've owned the truck. When I turn the turn signal on and I make my turn almost IMMEDIATELY when I go to turn the steering wheel straight, my turn signal will turn off. Sometimes when I'm waiting at a light to turn and I have my signal on, the littlest movement (in the opposite direction I'm trying to turn) will make it shut off. Sometimes I don't even notice I move and it will shut off! It is insanely annoying.

So I have to hold it until I'm pretty much straight again. I'm also worried about it because I don't want to get pulled over and get a ticket from a cop who thought I didn't use my signal but really it just turned off before I was even 1/4 through the my turn.

So is it normal? Is there a remedy for this? If I get a new switch will it fix it? Sorry...

Thank you! - Murk

 

[FR-425]

You probably have intermittent brake lights too. Same source.

Multi-function switch.

I bought one from this seller. Works fine for two years now.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SM487-Wiper...rd|Model:Explorer&hash=item3a8299c33f&vxp=mtr

 

[natenkiki2004]

That's where I got mine too, cheapest around, I researched it plenty. Works great and I have no complaints. My old one sagged and I had to hold it while turning the wheel or it would disengage prematurely. It also caused trailer lights to be funky but that could be the wires were easily pulled out of the vehicles' side of the connector. New switch and everything's firmly connected and it all works. Good to know FR-425 has 2 years on his. One less thing to worry about

I should say though, my Ex was stolen at least once and the steering column was/is all screwed up. The new turn signal will disengage sometimes prematurely but nowhere near as easily as the stock worn-out one did. The new switch made things so much better but there still might be something funky with my column. Definitely go for the new switch, it's cheaper than a ticket

 

[murkinstock]

Sounds good to me! I will definitely get one as soon as possible! Thanks!

 

[briwayjones]

Yup multifunction switch. Very common problem in gen1 and 2 Explorers.

 

[cloaked_chaos]

Also make sure your steering wheel is centered when you are driving straight (you will need to get an alignment if it isn't). This will help avoid the issue you are experiencing.

 

[murkinstock]

So could the multifuntion switch have anything to do with why my brake lights also shut off quickly? Or is that just a Ford thing, because I've seen plenty of F-150's and stuff doing it.
(Going down a hill and their brake lights are intermittently blinking, even though they are on their brakes the whole time.)

Example: If I push my peddle all the way down, the brake lights will come on, but just barely ease up, and my brake lights will shut off. So I could still be stopping pretty fast and my brake light would be off.

I'm thinking this is just a older Ford thing with the way the brake light switch works but I'm not too sure.

And yes my steering wheel is perfectly straight when I'm going straight, except it does wander a lot because of the steering box. It's also on my list of things to replace.It's a decent sized list because the previous owner couldn't do anything for it apparently. Poor truck. I've already put close to $800 into it just trying to get it going good! Good thing I like this vehicle!

Thanks guys!

 

[cloaked_chaos]

The brake light issue would be the brake light switch. You can buy one on RockAuto for as cheap as $1.97 or you can get the motorcraft one for only $13.46

 

[murkinstock]

Okay, I'll look into it.