Blinkers working intermittently or not at all

[michaelkwhitworth]

I replaced the multi-function switch twice on 2004 Expedition. I took the first one back under warranty thinking/hoping I may have got a bad one. I replaced the relay as well even though the flashers worked. Still have the Problem. I'm at a total loss.

 

[stamp11127]

Welcome to the site.

Can you read and understand wiring diagrams, have a test light or multimeter and know how to use it?

 

[michaelkwhitworth]

I can get a test light and have a very basic level of understanding wiring diagrams.

 

[stamp11127]

Here are the diagrams for 2004.

 

[michaelkwhitworth]

So you think its a short somewhere?

 

[stamp11127]

Shorts (to ground) usually blow fuses, so not a short. You have an intermittent "open" in the circuit. Now you just need to find where it is located.

 

[JoeD]

Have you tried changing the tilt angle of the steering wheel? If I remember correctly, there were problems with a harness being a tad short.

When these were new the steering wheel would spring up with a lot of force, and thats about when ours began this intermittent problem.

Our 04 has this issue, we can go for a month and it doesnt happen, then it will show up. My findings are that it occurs more often when the cabin temperature gets hot.

Sorry for being vague, I only drive it once in while - its the wifes.

 

[michaelkwhitworth]

I checked the tilt on the steering wheel. That doesn't seem to be the problem. Unfortunately I'm not experienced enough with electrical to track down an open/short.

 

[JoeD]

Is your problem intermittent?

 

[1955moose]

He stated his blinkers working intermittently or not at all. Michael, try wiggling the wires at the multi-switch, and the relay. If you live in a climate where you get humidity or heavy rain, it's possible it's a dirty/rusty connection going to one of the plugs involving your signals. Also check the fuse connection for turn signal/ flasher. Mine is fuse 23 a 10 amp inside drivers fuse box. Check your owners book if it's same location. Your problem could be intermittent due to the connection could be reconnecting after going over a bump. Let us know what you find.


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[JoeD]

He stated his blinkers working intermittently or not at all. Michael, try wiggling the wires at the multi-switch, and the relay. If you live in a climate where you get humidity or heavy rain, it's possible it's a dirty/rusty connection going to one of the plugs involving your signals. Also check the fuse connection for turn signal/ flasher. Mine is fuse 23 a 10 amp inside drivers fuse box. Check your owners book if it's same location. Your problem could be intermittent due to the connection could be reconnecting after going over a bump. Let us know what you find.


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Im trying to get him to say if its fully dead now.

Mine is so intermittent, you cant troubleshoot. My issue happens but cant duplicate in the driveway or some place safe.

 

[stamp11127]

Look at diagram 09-01 at the two wires connecting the indicator flasher relay with the multifunction switch. One is light blue and the other white with red stripe. The light blue is what powers the turn signals. That is the wire to concentrate on if the hazards work and the turn signals don't.

 

[1955moose]

I understand. Intermittent electrical issues are the worst to diagnose. You may want to copy the PDF that Stamp sent, and start checking wires, relays, fuses, to hopefully get yours diagnosed.


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[JoeD]

I understand. Intermittent electrical issues are the worst to diagnose. You may want to copy the PDF that Stamp sent, and start checking wires, relays, fuses, to hopefully get yours diagnosed.


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I just saved them

Thanks Stamp

 

[stamp11127]

Troubleshooting this is fairly easy since it is straightforward "old school". You use the test light on the wire/connector in question farthest from the battery. At this point you have no light, keep checking connections on that circuit while moving towards the battery. Eventually you will find power. Then the problem is just prior to the last connector that was checked.

In your case pin 4 of the mfs, no power then check pin 44 of the flasher relay and so on.

 

[JoeD]

One thing I havent tried is to see if the hazards are affected, that I can do anywhere

 

[reidar]

My '04 just started this too after our trip from UT to San Diego CA.
One thing I did notice, blinkers are fine when the lights are out. With them on, my left side does not work at all. Hazards even work with the lights off. I think I have a bulb issue, which may not be the case with yours. But see if they work with your lights off.

 

[Lionwood]

I'm having the exact same problem with my '01, although they hardly work at all anymore. The hazards work though, strangely enough, I'm stumped.

 

[1955moose]

Yours could be as easy as moisture got into one of the sockets, causing an issue with the power or ground to that bulb. In reality it's probably more difficult than that, but you never know.


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[DKDNU]

I'm having the exact same problem with my '01, although they hardly work at all anymore. The hazards work though, strangely enough, I'm stumped.

I'm having the same problem with my 03 Exped. The signal will come on and go out but the flashers work fine. Has anyone figured this out yet?