turn signals

[73idi88f350]

well my truck lost its signals about 4months ago started out blowing the fuse and then i threw i little higher one in just to see what would happen and it was then fine for a short time.. then it started to flash really fast and then pop that fuse.. so i thought maybe something with the flasher so i change it 4 bucks.. same deal but now i notice don't remember becuase when i stopped using them for the time for lack of time to look into it.. now i have some time. but now only the drivers side works and will flash normal for about 2 blinks and then start flashing really fast and the passenger one does nothing.well im using the cluster to judge that.. but if i pull the E flasher deal both sides flash and i dont notice them get faster like the drivers.. so i think im in need of what wires to pin for where to where. now im thinking maybe its a short. this is on the truck in my sig

 

[LCAM-01XA]

Put the turn signals on, walk around truck, see if all that should flash like they should. Then do the same with the 4-ways. Keep in mind that the 4-ways use a separate switch and flasher from the regular turn signals. Reason beeing 4-ways need to be able to operate with ignition off, whereas turn signals Ford decided should only operate with ignition on. Also put a cinder block on the brake pedal and walk behind truck and see if both brake lights work. Brake lights and turn signals share the same switch, so if 4-ways confirm that both bulbs are good but you have a bulb out with the brake or the turn signals, my prime suspect would be the turn signal switch in the column.

To replace said switch is quite annoying, especially if you have a tilt column... But see what the bulbs are actually doing first.

 

[73idi88f350]

i know for sure both rear brake lights work ill do this test and check it out. didnt know the flasher system was different then the turn signal system..

 

[MIDNIGHT RIDER]

One important question when having signal problems is in what condition is any trailer wiring --- on the truck, of course.

Also, more than once, I have seen double-element 1157-type bulbs short internally and cause all sorts of weird occurences.

Also, everything LCAM already said.

The switch underneath the steering-wheel is notorious for failing, especially if a trailer is occasionally connected; the wimpy switch is not capable of handling the few lights on the truck; connect a trailer to the system and it is sure to fail.

One of my favorite improvements on my truck is my externally-mounted Signal-Stat non-cancelling turn-signal switch.

 

[LCAM-01XA]

The switch underneath the steering-wheel is notorious for failing, especially if a trailer is occasionally connected; the wimpy switch is not capable of handling the few lights on the truck; connect a trailer to the system and it is sure to fail.

Ya know, that always had me puzzled: a fullsize passenger car Ford with tow package has 3 relays (running lights, left brake/turn, and right brake/turn), yet our trucks only get a single running lights relay and that's it? Nevermind the passenger car switch actually has better contacts than ours, and the car is less likely to pull a trailer with multiple brake/turn lamps...

That said, the factory switches are not all that bad - I've powered six 1157 and 3157 turn signals per side with it without problems, it's the plastic cam teeth braking off and not holding the lever in neutral position that made me replace it. That brakes on-off switch on the pedal sure hated lighting up all those brake lights at the same time tho, I could feel it warming up while waiting at traffic lights

 

[MIDNIGHT RIDER]

Smoke coming from under the steering-wheel is why I sought a better solution.

My truck and trailers have so many brake-lights/signals that I have also built a turn-signal relay box with individual fuses for each light and tandem relays for each side/direction.

As deaf as I am, I can hear the relays clicking over the noise of the engine; it sounds really cool and heavy-duty and makes the un-knowing wonder what it is.

 

[73idi88f350]

my signal switch has been broke but wasn't causing a problem, i had the truck off and tried it and could hear the signal switch shorting out while in the turn right position, my truck has tilt. where can i get a good switch from?

 

[LCAM-01XA]

Idk man, when mine went completely floppy I just tossed it and went full stand-alone. I'd say go OEM, if the factory one lasted so long the same can be expected from a factory replacement as well. Of the aftermarket direct-replacements I have no idea which is good and which is junk.

 

[jaluhn83]

For the OP - replace the switch and all 4 turn bulbs. If that doesn't fix it you've got a short somewhere. Check the trailer connector wiring / connector, it's not uncommon to find **** poor wiring on these or the connector is damaged and shorting.

 

[MIDNIGHT RIDER]

Also, it is not un-heard of for the wiring through the column to get pinched and create a short-circuit.

 

[73idi88f350]

Idk man, when mine went completely floppy I just tossed it and went full stand-alone. I'd say go OEM, if the factory one lasted so long the same can be expected from a factory replacement as well. Of the aftermarket direct-replacements I have no idea which is good and which is junk.

how did you manage that.. im sure im gonna need just the switch its old and tired, and broken. tho it was still working till this happen..

 

[LCAM-01XA]

How did I manage the stand-alone? They make them, not for our trucks per se, but universal - get a 7-wire one and match the wiring. You can even get one that has a button on the lever for high-low beams, or whatever other use you can think of - Napa has myriads of models to chose from. Actually wiring up one of those is easy (as long as it's a 6-wire or 7-wire), it's mounting them that sucks, but while browsing thru big truck junkyards an old Bulldog may just produce a usable bracket... and apparently so can a Freightshaker. If all else fails the universal mount is usually a giant hose clamp that wraps around the column, looks redneck as all heck but gets the job done I guess.

 

[f-two-fiddy]

I'd almost bet that if the OP checks out back, there will be a hacked up trailer harness causing the headache

 

[73idi88f350]

I'd almost bet that if the OP checks out back, there will be a hacked up trailer harness causing the headache

maybe if the switch wasnt broken i think the switch is the best first step....