Multifunction switch or wiring problem

[RustyD]

First post here so just in case the signature doesn't work. 2000 Eddie Bauer 5.4 4x4 Expedition.

One of my blinkers was on the fritz for a while and I couldn't figure it out. Then one day all of my blinkers, hazard, and brake lights all stopped working. So, multifunction switch right? Why the brake lights are tied into the turn signal switch is beyond me but I digress.

I pulled the steering column cover off and removed the switch. The top wiring harness clips are all completely broke off, including the little clips that hold the wires in the harness. So I ordered a new switch and a new wiring harness.
Yesterday I put the new switch in and wired up the new harness. As I went to push the harness into the switch the top clip immediately broke off. Great. Well I got it seated in as well as I could. Looked pretty tight. Turned the vehicle on to test and nothing works.

Next steps, I suppose I need to tear the dash apart and follow the wires. Before I do that, though, does anyone here have any ideas on simpler things I could look into?
Also, does anyone have a diagram for the wiring harness? What wires go where? So I can verify I hooked it up correctly.
I'm headed to work and won't be home for a couple of days but I could post some more pics then if needed.

Any ideas are appreciated. I'm at my wits end with this thing.

 

[AWAR]

These are copies of factory manuals. Here is how to get there. We can answer more questions.

 

[Gary Waugh]

The brakes are linked to the indicator switch because your car does not have independent orange indicator lights at the back of the car, it flashes the brake light on the appropriate side of the car. The only way the brake switch can know if it should illuminate both brake lights, or just one light and flash the other is by connecting it to the indicator switch!! Hope that helps explain why the indicator and brake switch are linked together.

 

[RustyD]

Thank you for the responses. I appreciate it. Those Lemon Manuals are a game changer! Thanks!
Now I just need some time to work on it. I haven't abandoned the thread I just work a silly schedule and don't have much free time.

 

[RustyD]

Okay, I got it working. The problem ended up being that I'm an idiot. At one point I was frustrated and just messing with it at work and didn't take the time to unhook the battery. I must have shorted something. I popped a fuse. So, replacing the switch and harness actually DID fix it. I just had to replace the fuse I broke.

Still glad I posted here. Learned about why the brakes are tied in and about the lemon manuals.
Thanks guys!

 

[Gary Waugh]

We have all done it at some time (popped a fuse without realizing) . Glad you got it fixed..