Purchased new one from Advanced Auto parts. It worked for a few days and is back to doing what the other part was doing. When I engage the lever to turn right it works but when try to signal to the left it doesn't always work. It makes a noise that sounds like it is shorting out and doesn't turn the signal light on. Depending on how I have the steering wheel turned, sometimes I can hold it to allow for the signal to blink. I replaced the lever, that BTW, also operates the brights and the windshield wipers, for the very same malfunction.
I was not able to pass TX state inspection. Now I,m wondering if it isn't something else that may be causing the lever not to engage. can it be a loose wiring harness?

 

Sounds to me like the new one broke, too. I have replaced my twice already. I opened the switch up to find plastic pieces and contacts all a mess.

 

Did you actually replace the lever, or the multi-function switch? The multi-function switch is where the electrical contacts are made when the lever is moved for turn signals, high beam headlights, flash to pass, as well as the hazard lights. The MFS is probably the issue.

Also, what year is your Explorer?

-Rod

 

I replaced the multi function switch w/the lever. All one piece. It is a 98explorer.

 

Check the wiring harness that connects to the MFS. Several have been known to have loose contacts or broken wires at the connectors.

-Rod

 

Ok, I will check it out. Thanks!... I will let you know. Once I get this resolved, I really want to replace the switch on the driver side that locks and unlocks all the doors....

 

You might want to read up about that switch a bit too. I've read of a lot of folks that have replaced the switch, but I don't recall anyone following up that a new switch actually fixed the issue. Often it's a broken wire or a bad solenoid.

-Rod

 

Not sure if this applies to your '98 Ex. Common issue on the Gen1 Sport Trac's.
The steering column binds the wiring when tilted, causing breaks and shorting. GL

http://www.mysporttrac.com/MySportTr...epair_Gen1.pdf

 

Could this switch also cause the wipers to act erratic? Mine is a 99 explorer and wipers are all screwed up, and turn signal sometimes affects them.

 

Yes, the multifunction switch (MFS) also has the controls for the windshield wipers and four way flashers/hazard lights. Likewise, the wiring issues mentioned above for the MFS would also be suspect.

-Rod

 

The one from advance is likely a low quality part. I would get a genuine Motorcraft unit. You old one lasted a long time, can't go wrong with the same thing.

 

How much of a job is it to change this part?

 

U R beautiful man...bought bulbs,flasher unit and still rear-turn signal was out and front was FAST-FLASHING.Just read your post,went out to the truck and as soon as i moved the tilt-steering UP a little...the turn signal stopped fast flashing and the rear turn signal came back on and worked perfectly. Great post with pictures...i will be under that dash tomorrow and checking out the wiring as youve described. WTG guy !!!!