Turn signals (blinkers) not working why?

Tiny
CLASSICVICKY1956
  • MEMBER
  • 2011 FORD RANGER
  • 2.3L
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 57,201 MILES
Truck listed above - Book at Walmart indicated replacement bulb is 4157 which I installed. Worked at first but next day back to same issue. Checked on line and replacement bulb was listed as 3156 which is big difference. Installed the 3156 and still no rear turn signal on right side. Front right signal is flashing fast but working. Left side is no issue.
Friday, November 8th, 2019 AT 9:10 AM

34 Replies

Tiny
BMDOUBLE
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,139 POSTS
According to Sylvania the rear turn signal bulb should be a 4157. You could possibly have a faulty bulb socket due to loose terminals that will make a break contact with the bulb, thus the bulb that worked for a day. You can do some basic circuit tests at the socket to check for power and ground as this will verify if your issue is with the bulb or the circuit/s. I attached a basic test with a voltmeter to verify power and ground with the turn signal switch in the right turn position with the key on. If you don't show voltage place the ground lead on a good chassis ground, if it then reads voltage... bam! a bad ground, to which you can either wire in your own ground or hunt for the broken/corroded wire. This guide can help us fix it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/turn-signals-not-working-blinker

If there is still no voltage reading after trying a different voltmeter ground, remove the column shroud to access the switch and check voltage at the yellow wire, if no voltage there=bad switch, If voltage good, trace the circuit until you find the broken wire or run your own wire from the switch to the rear (no fun). Hope this helps!
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Friday, November 8th, 2019 AT 11:29 AM
Tiny
CLASSICVICKY1956
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Thanks for the tip. Since it worked once new 4157 bulb was inserted, did not think it could be a ground issue. Will check that per your suggestion.
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Friday, November 8th, 2019 AT 12:00 PM
Tiny
BMDOUBLE
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,139 POSTS
Excellent! Let us know what you find!
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Friday, November 8th, 2019 AT 3:38 PM
Tiny
JOHNELLIOTT
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 FORD RANGER
My rear turn signal/hazard light do not flash. I have noticed that all of the lights work when needed-(reverse lights light up and rear drive lights light up), but they do not flash when I turn the signal on. The front turn signals/hazard light work fine, but the rear ones do not. Also all of the fuses in the cab are fine. I was wondering what a possible cause might be. I was thinking it might be the flasher relay. What do you think?

Right turn signal and brake light not working. After checking bulbs and fuses, the left side turn signal and brake light stopped working. Bulbs are good as are fuses and put back where they were. Brake light above back window also out. Stereo spit out a cassette (Bluetooth?)Repeatedly before brake and turn signals quit. Daughters truck.

Thanks, george
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 AT 2:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 46,582 POSTS
It does sounds like the flasher unit but to be sure this guide can help us fix it I have added the flasher location int ehdaigrams below.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/turn-signals-not-working-blinker

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what happens. They call it an indicator relay
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 AT 2:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MISTYDAWN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 FORD RANGER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 123,235 MILES
None off my blinkers will work, i've replaced all the fuses. I think it has some thing to do with the clicker box under the dash. But i, m not sure witch one it would be. Do u know where I could get a diagram that would tell me?
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 AT 2:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,569 POSTS
Hi,

First, I attached the wiring schematic for the entire exterior lighting system for your review. I had to cut the pics in half to make them readable; however, I did overlap them so you can follow from one to the next.

If you look at pic 1, I highlighted the flasher and its location. pics 2, 3, and 4 are the remainder of the schematic.

If you look at pic 5, it shows the location of the auxiliary relay box #1. The last pic indicates the flasher's location.

Here is a link you may find helpful when testing:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,

See pics below.
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 AT 2:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOHNELLIOTT
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 FORD RANGER
  • 4.3L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 158,000 MILES
Right turn signal and brake light not working. After checking bulbs and fuses, the left side turn signal and brake light stopped working. Bulbs are good as are fuses and put back where they were. Brake light above back window also out. Stereo spit out a cassette (Bluetooth?)Repeatedly before brake and turn signals quit. Daughters truck.
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 AT 2:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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Hello,

It sounds like the multi function switch is not working. To confirm lets use this guide to check for power at the switch with the blinker and brake light wiring diagrams below, also lets check for power at the fuses.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 AT 2:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOHNELLIOTT
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  • 1 POST
I replaced the multi-function switch, no change. I'm taking it to a shop, feel like I’m over my head. I appreciate the help. It’s good to know there is help out there. Thank you much.
John Elliott
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 AT 2:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 46,582 POSTS
Can you please check fuse # 3 and #7 in the fuse box inside the truck?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 AT 2:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOHNELLIOTT
  • MEMBER
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I did check fuses and bulbs. Truck is in shop and they haven’t found anything yet. Probably three hours at $80.00 per.
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 AT 2:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MARKREGAN
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 2001 FORD RANGER
  • 2.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • 275,000 MILES
Hi, want to try replacing the relay for the turn signals and hazard lights as they are not working. Have searched the internet for tons of diagram/illustrations and cannot find the auxiliary relay box where the relay for said signals/hazard lights go. Any help? Thank you very much. PS. I have not wrenched on a car (1967 Chevelle) since 1984).
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 AT 2:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
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There is a flasher relay that sounds like it is bad here is the location. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what you find.
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 AT 2:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMDOUBLE
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,139 POSTS
It is mounted below the air filter housing. I’ve added a picture along with the relay box layout. Hope this helps!
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 AT 2:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOHNELLIOTT
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  • 1 POST
It was the flasher. It is fixed and I’m pleased with the cost and the work. Thank you, it’s nice to have a place to go and learn from like here with you.
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 AT 2:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MARKREGAN
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks for your response/answer. Is that below the cabin air filter, kind of under the dash, almost behind the stereo area, to the right of the gas pedal (more or less)? I see a box up there that sort of looks like that. Thanks again.
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 AT 2:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
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Glad you could get it fixed, that kind of problem can be tough. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 AT 2:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMDOUBLE
  • MECHANIC
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Yes that's the one, my apologies for a bad picture!
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 AT 2:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOHN WARREN
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  • 1 POST
  • 2000 FORD RANGER
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 182,000 MILES
I've replaced the Signal Relay and they still don't work. Not really sure where to look next. They had been working fine until a couple weeks ago then they worked erratically and now nothing at all. Everything else works OK.
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 AT 2:01 PM (Merged)

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