07 Ford Explorer turn signals not working, could it be the lever even if the arrows on the dashboard do flash?

Question

Hi,
I'm hoping you can help me get my turn signals working on my 07 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0. The shop tells me it's the lever but I don't think so. The blinkers flash fast on the dashboard but not outside, hazards don't work either, when braking only the top bulb turns on (the one above the rear windshield). Driving lights front and back work fine (I think they are not the same bulbs used for turn/brake signals). As soon as I hit the brakes or turn signal, a message on the dashboard tells me to check each bulb. This message on the dashboard leads me to think it's not the lever or the flasher. Also important this truck suffered an accident on the lower driver's side, right on the step and maybe some cables got cut, a wiring diagram would be helpful to check that. I appreciate the help.
Thanks!

Answer 1

Gotta love all the experts here. Everyone is telling you this or that. Well, here's my nickel of wisdom: There can be several reasons why the system doesn't work properly. I'd start with the most obvious and cheapest places to check: Fuses. If all are good then check the bulbs. If all are good then, like someone said, check the blinker module, it could be that simple.



Or the problem could be worse, it could be a loose connection or a bad "Multi-Function Switch", (MFS) the name for the blinker control arm thing.



Just because you get a light warning to check the bulbs doesn't mean the bulbs are the problem. The warning is telling you the lights are failing. For whatever reason, they are NOT lighting when they are supposed to.



Start simple and eliminate all the cheap possibilities first. Even if you have to buy new bulbs and it turns out that's not the problem, keep them in the glove box. That way when one DOES burn out you have replacements on hand. I always keep a couple spares in my GB.



The blinker module will be more expensive but not as expensive as replacing the MFS. Depending on how much it costs, you might decide to swap it just out of curiosity. But in the end you may find that Ford KNOWS how to test their circuits and prove them out. If they say it's the MFS then it probably is.



As for the cut wiring in the door (rocker panel); check it yourself. It's easy to match color for color in the harness. If a wire is broken you'll see it. And likely if it were broken in an accident, the fuse would have blown too. So if it was working after the accident then it's probably not a broken wire.



One last point to look at: The brake light switch. I've seen them cause some weird things to happen. And part of the switch that controls the upper brake light is usually on its own circuit.



Hope this helps.



Happy New Year.



'')

Answer 2

There's a module called a "Smart Junction box" that works the center brake light. That's a very likely place to find the problem, because that's where the wiring to the side brake lights splits from the center light. That module going bad or the connections to the side brake lights being bad could cause both your problems.

The mechanic is wrong. Some switches have separate leads to the computer that works the dash indicators, but not your Explorer. If the dash indicators are working, the switch is working.

Answer 3

The wires for the turn signal and all the rear lights run down the left frame rail. You indicated that the fronts don't work but I think you are not looking closely, they may be blinking just as fast as the dash indicator and your missing it. There are two plugs in the frame rail one at the front at the firewall and the other is in the very back by the last cross member. I'd start testing at the back and come forward, I think you will find the accident has cut some of the wires.

Answer 4

Pull the bulbs out and look at them...may bulbs have more then one filament....one for the brake light and one for the turn signals. If you look carefully you can see if one or both are broken and there is your problem. I doubt that your turn signal lever itself is a problem but Ford does have a connection circuit/box located on the top of the steering column the you have to remove the plastic steering column cover to get to...easy to remove....2 or 3 screws under the column just behind the steering wheel. Fords are famous for the connections comming loose there and all you have to do upon inspection is push them back in.

Answer 5

I won't even try to guess. Of course, in the manufacturer's infinite wisdom, they have come up with ways to make a very simple system a nightmare. This model has a smart junction box with sensors for the turn signal/flasher unit. The outputs to the lights come from what is called an HSD in the junction box.



Good luck.

Answer 6

Bulbs or the unit could be wires at this point

Answer 7

Try replacing the flasher unit first.