Turn SIgnal Problem

[blueonblack2001]

Hey yall, I am back again with yet another problem!
I have a 2001 Explorer Sport Trac 4.0 ltr, automatic. While visiting my husband who was home on r&r from Iraq last week, I had my father take my car to the airport so I could get back home. I got in, to discover that both my front turn signals were out. The back work, they are just flashing fast. We replaced the bulbs, and the fuses, still no signal. Also, when you turn the signals on, they make a wierd noise that sounds like a whine. Any suggestions on what I should do??? I want to know what to expect when I finally have to take it in to Ford.....

 

[Zulu95]

Multifunction Switch? Around $50 to buy.

 

[aldive]

Check the simple things first. Take a look at the turn signal bulbs.

 

[blueonblack2001]

My post mentions that I replaced the bulbs and the fuses. I'm looking for alternative answers. Malfunction switch??? Throw me a bone! What is it and where can it be found? My husband generally does this work for me, and he is in Iraq. My dad has no clue. Anything else I should look for?

 

[VOATMJ1]

My post mentions that I replaced the bulbs and the fuses. I'm looking for alternative answers. Malfunction switch??? Throw me a bone! What is it and where can it be found? My husband generally does this work for me, and he is in Iraq. My dad has no clue. Anything else I should look for?

He said the Multifunction switch, and not a Malfunction switch, although that is what you are having...a malfunction in your turn signal switch. The Multi###tion swith is the stalk that controls the wipers, turn signals, highbeams, etc. Replace that. They go bad, although for a relatively new vehicle such as an 01, I'm suprised that it has gone bad that fast. I hope that your hubby stays safe in Iraq. Been there-done that!

 

[blueonblack2001]

ahhhhh mention the mulitfunction to my dad, he doesnt seem to think thats the problem.... sigh... I think my only safe bet is to take it to the stealership and see what they say.. good lord.

Thanks for the well wishes!

 

[budwich]

check a couple of other things.... do the emergency flashers work on both front and back??? I don't believe it the multifunction switch as the "function" on the switch is the same point for both front and back.

 

[MONMIX]

Wouldnt it be nice if we did have a Malfunction switch ?

I mean some thing goes wrong and we just hit that switch and boom, the problem is gone.

 

[budwich]

It is likely that you lost a ground. The fronts are on one ground while the backs are on another... I think.... still looking a schematic although I only have a 96 for reference. In 96, there are two grounds one on each side of the engine compartment by the wheel wells... up high ... I think... hard to tell from picture. In 96, they seem to indicate this but perhaps the grounding was changed so that only one is involved in the front and one in the back. Check your front grounding.

Actually, looking at the schematic in 96 a bit closer and trying to figure out "ford speak", it appears that the grounds for the front, referred to as g100 and g102 are the same and located on the right hand side (ie. passenger side) above the wheel well. Sorry for the ramble but its late and its been a long day.

 

[blueonblack2001]

you have been a huge help budwich! I will metion this to the pops tomorrow after work and see what he says. Also.. calling the dealership in the am.... darn it....

As for the malfunction switch. HAHAHAHA... I know, im a big dork and thats a ok in my book. Oh well!

 

[budwich]

hope you find your problem.... actually, if I remember right, weren't you "playing" around with heater stuff a while back... I think its in the same general area... maybe someone loosen a bolt and didn't tighten it enough and the ground "fall off".

 

[blueonblack2001]

you may be right bud. We got the heater problem taken care of, the truck is actually running great, this is the only real problem I have. (there are small things wrong, like I snapped the center console armrest bc it got too hot out here in the desert, gonna epoxy that back and I need my brakes done... but you didnt really need to know that, did you?? I am going to figure out this ground thing first thing in the am. I will let ya know what happens. You have been a big help, thanks a ton!

 

[blueonblack2001]

I just wanted to update and let you know that problem, after 245 dollars is solved. It was the mulitfunction switch. The part itself was like 11.88. The labor was 234.00. RIP OFF. But, I did get my 70,000 tuneup, for free. That part was pretty awesome. And I found out I had 3 recalls. One (the driver side seal bolt) was fixed today, the other two, the hood striker and speed control switch, will be done monday. So, to you guys, thanks for the help, I at least had some semblance of knowledge about what I was talking to the mechanic about becuase of you all and all of your advice. So, THANKS!

 

[aldive]

It was the mulitfunction switch. The part itself was like 11.88. The labor was 234.00.

Wow; $11.88 for the MFswitch? I recently paid $66.48 at the Ford dealrt for part number YL5Z13K359AAA. http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=137784&highlight=switch

$234 for labor? It took me ( and I had never done it before ) only 10 minutes.

 

[Crizz]

just the same like in GE, execpt the spare-pts. are cheaper in the states.
A friend of mine here paid over 100 bucks for changing the thermostate ( costs for sparepart 12.50, 90.00 for work, plus VAT ) at a ´93 Explorer. I changed it at my ´90 on my own in r.a. 15 minutes incl. refilling the coolant.

 

[MONMIX]

Yeah the switch is a fairly simple swap. Less than thirty mineuts, no real special tools. As a matter of fact I think there is a write up around here some where

 

[aldive]

Yeah the switch is a fairly simple swap. Less than thirty mineuts, no real special tools. As a matter of fact I think there is a write up around here some where

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=137784&highlight=switch

 

[blueonblack2001]

it was part number E6DZ-14489-M the multifunction sleeve and a rewire. part cost was 11.08 (not 88) and the labor was the "quick service" (under 5 hours) for a total of 234.00. And I know my truck wasnt even there 5 hours. Asshats. I hate that I had to go to Ford, but since the hubtard is gone, I had no choice. I just had surgery, and couldnt do it myself.

 

[aldive]

it was part number E6DZ-14489-M the multifunction sleeve and a rewire. part cost was 11.08 (not 88) and the labor was the "quick service" (under 5 hours) for a total of 234.00.

I do not know what a multifunction sleeve is?? Sure seems a lot for labor.

Glad you got it repaired.

 

[blueonblack2001]

your guess is as good as mine. Its whats listed on the work order. Anyone have any clues? Maybe I got ripped off. Who knows, at least its fixed.