Turn signal sometimes comes on with brakes

[Ilikemice]

1999 XLT Explorer, 4.0 SOHC auto

So sometimes my turn signal comes on when I apply my brakes... It happens most mornings when I put my foot on the brake to put it to D, the right side turn signal illuminates until I take my foot off the brake to drive off. It sometimes happens when I'm using my turn signals and slowing to turn when on the road, the signal stays on and the light on the dash flickers if I feather the brake, appearing that the turn signal is somehow linked to the brake lights.

It doesn't flash, it just illuminates constantly along with the brake lights. The rear lights have separate orange turn signals, if it helps. I had a look at the wiring behind the rear lights but it seems okay. I'm not sure where to start. I read that the multifunction switch can cause similar issues, but I'll need to fiddle with it when the issue arises again...

Any ideas?

 

[swshawaii]

Maybe? Tilt the wheel up, easy enough to check. GL

http://www.mysporttrac.com/shared/msgboard9e.asp?BOARDNAME=MSG&VIEW=1248839&sitename=mysporttrac

 

[boominXplorer]

Do you have any aftermarket trailer wiring? I had a U-haul plug and play box go bad on me once and caused that same issue.

 

[bilzy7]

I have the opposite problem. My left turn signal when turned on sometimes will not light up and I end up having to turn on the right blinker and then my left works perfectly. It only happens in cold cold weather. I assume I either need a new module or a new turn signal assembly on the steering wheel.

 

[boominXplorer]

I have the opposite problem. My left turn signal when turned on sometimes will not light up and I end up having to turn on the right blinker and then my left works perfectly. It only happens in cold cold weather. I assume I either need a new module or a new turn signal assembly on the steering wheel.

You need a new multifunction switch

 

[bilzy7]

Ya, a nice 82 dolla piece if I remember correctly... Yay! I hate that I had a 99 ranger and I had so much I wanted to take off as far as new parts and parts that were stock but in better condition then my explorers... My wife had it towed when she was mad at me...

 

[Ilikemice]

Thanks for the replies. I'll try the suggestions out tomorrow and see if I can get a video if it happens. It's a completely stock Explorer with what I believe is a plug-in trailer harness but it's nothing aftermarket. I'll check the socket and see if everything's intact.

 

[drbenz]

Sounds a lot like a ground problem, if the brake lights can't get a good ground the electricity goes to ground anywhere it can, usually through other bulbs. One other possibility is an incorrect bulb or improperly installed bulb shorting across terminals.

 

[Ilikemice]

A small update from my tests this morning as I was running late for work...

Foot on the brake, the right side turn signal came on as a solid light. I kept my foot on the brake and wiggled the MF switch, switching from right to left turn signals. When signalling right the light on the dash stayed on but kinda pulsed, BUT also a bit of wispy smoke came from the steering column! I don't know if it's because of rapidly switching left/right or because of the turn signal problem... I didn't want to keep trying

Tilting the column did nothing. The light stayed on at all angles.

 

[gonenuke]

If smoke came out of the column pull the steering column cover and look for fried wires. But this is a major indication that you will need a multifunction switch
.

 

[Ilikemice]

I pulled the upper and lower column covers (I have no idea how I managed the upper - it wouldn't get past the shifter!). The wiring looks intact, though when trying to get the covers off the turn signals came off and on a few times which was odd even though I was nowhere near the switch. The only thing "wrong" really was the harness on the back of the switch was a bit wobbly, but nothing major. I'll try to get another MF switch and see what happens.

Does anybody else's switch smoke if they rapidly switch left/right turn signals?

 

[drbenz]

No, nothing should smoke when you work it even quickly.