My right/front turn signal is giving me fits!
Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. I have replaced the bulb and the old one was fine. the right/rear signal works fine all of the time. It blinks fast like a bulb is out. I tried to find something in my chiltons but to no avail.
Where should I begin trouble-shooting?

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1998 F150 XLT, extended cab 3 door,Pacific Green, towing package, 4.6L V8, 3.55 LS,

Performance Mods
SUPERCHIP, K&N FIPK, Dual Exhaust (18" glasspack), Bosh Platinum +4 spark plugs

Apearance Mods
Lund deflector, Profile Windstream side window air deflectors, Prostripe silver multistripe, Diamond Plate Toolbox, Diamond Blue(HID) simulator Fog Lights, High output headlights (80watt low/ 100watt high)

Electronic Mods
Whistler Radar Dectector, Uniden Police Scanner, 29WX-ST Cobra CB Radio, with a Texas Star 100watt modulator and a Wilson 2000 Trucker antenna. A Clarion Security System with Keyless Entry,

Audio Mods
Kenwood KDC-6011 CD player/changer control head unit.
JL 10" sub-woofer
Fultron "Depth Charge" amp 200w max.
4, TR570-CX JL Audio Coaxial Speakers (factory location)

Come see my truck and my grandfather's truck at http://www.geocities.com/vienna/strasse/1992

 

Since knowone evedently knows anything about this or doesn't care I'll let those of you having this problem know what I do so far.
I'm replacing the flasher today but I don't think that is what it is. I believe that it is the muti-function switch in the steering column.
This part requires the removal of the steering wheel and airbag to replace so who knows how much it will take in labor to have it fixed. The Ford house quoted me $77 for the part alone.

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1998 F150 XLT, extended cab 3 door,Pacific Green, towing package, 4.6L V8, 3.55 LS,

Performance Mods
SUPERCHIP, K&N FIPK, Dual Exhaust (18" glasspack), Bosh Platinum +4 spark plugs

Apearance Mods
Lund deflector, Profile Windstream side window air deflectors, Prostripe silver multistripe, Diamond Plate Toolbox, Diamond Blue(HID) simulator Fog Lights, High output headlights (80watt low/ 100watt high)

Electronic Mods
Whistler Radar Dectector, Uniden Police Scanner, 29WX-ST Cobra CB Radio, with a Texas Star 100watt modulator and a Wilson 2000 Trucker antenna. A Clarion Security System with Keyless Entry,

Audio Mods
Kenwood KDC-6011 CD player/changer control head unit.
JL 10" sub-woofer
Fultron "Depth Charge" amp 200w max.
4, TR570-CX JL Audio Coaxial Speakers (factory location)

Come see my truck and my grandfather's truck at http://www.geocities.com/vienna/strasse/1992


[This message has been edited by Jolly_Green_Giant (edited 09-05-2000).]

 

Jolly
Check if the 4-way flashers blink it. I'm not sure, but I think if the switch is bad, the rear won't work either. That leaves the socket or wiring. Might even have a fuse in that circuit. I would check a lot before replacing the multi-function switch--even take it to a shop.

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97 Lariet-sc-4.6-4x off road-auto-3.55 LS-
superchip-K&N-3"
pvc air box mod-Granetelli MAF

 

Jolly Green,
I am having a similiar problem with my 97 f-150 xlt. Sometimes the signal works and sometimes it does not. I did notice that when it does not work, I have no light on the panel and I hear the rapid flashing. I know that when the bulb is bad it will flash rapidly but you will have a panel light. Therefore, I feel that it is the multi-function switch as well. I can get mine to work if I move the wheel a bit and then turn the signal back on. I have not replaced the switch as yet because I have never worked on a column with an airbag. I have several concerns
1. Does anyone know if the airbag can be set off by mistake?
2. Does the switch go in one location or does it have to be adjusted?
Let me know if you try it and if you have any problems. The local dealer wants $200+ to replace this switch. I can think of something better to do with the money. Chip, sway bar, etc.

 

YES the bag can be set off by accident. That's why anytime you do anything to your truck disconnect the battery.
I have looked the switch up in my Haynes manual. Just one litte screw holds it in. it's getting to the D@mn thing that's the problem.

There are two flashers in the F-150. One for the signals and one for the emergency flashers. My emergency flashers work fine. and the only signal that is having problems is the front/right. The other three work fine. I also get the quick "click" from the flasher but no light on the dash.

I installed the new flasher (which wasn't a picnic) and had no effect. It might be a short or something because I've noticed that when it is cool inside (ie. morning or after the air has been on) it starts to work.

I will take it to my mechanic WHICH ISN'T AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP and is a napa mechanic. I'll have him check for shorts and fuses before he installs a new switch. Those Jack@sses at the ford place wouldn't even tell me where the flasher was unless I had them change it. BIG LAUGH. I just pulled out the Haynes and flashed them the bird.

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1998 F150 XLT, extended cab 3 door,Pacific Green, towing package, 4.6L V8, 3.55 LS,

Performance Mods
SUPERCHIP, K&N FIPK, Dual Exhaust (18" glasspack), Bosh Platinum +4 spark plugs

Apearance Mods
Lund deflector, Profile Windstream side window air deflectors, Prostripe silver multistripe, Diamond Plate Toolbox, Diamond Blue(HID) simulator Fog Lights, High output headlights (80watt low/ 100watt high)

Electronic Mods
Whistler Radar Dectector, Uniden Police Scanner, 29WX-ST Cobra CB Radio, with a Texas Star 100watt modulator and a Wilson 2000 Trucker antenna. A Clarion Security System with Keyless Entry,

Audio Mods
Kenwood KDC-6011 CD player/changer control head unit.
JL 10" sub-woofer
Fultron "Depth Charge" amp 200w max.
4, TR570-CX JL Audio Coaxial Speakers (factory location)

Come see my truck and my grandfather's truck at http://www.geocities.com/vienna/strasse/1992

 

checked the Chilton's & looked at the switch diagram. It looks like the switch is a goood possibility. It uses a different circuit for the rear & different contact for the 4-ways. I should have checked closer before the first post.

------------------
97 Lariet-sc-4.6-4x off road-auto-3.55 LS-
superchip-K&N-3"
pvc air box mod-Granetelli MAF

 

Jolly Green,
I was wondering if you ever resolved your signal problem. If it was the multi-function switch, did you replace it or take it to the dealer. If you did it how difficult was it and is there anything I should look for when I do this? Thanks for the input.

 

I have the same problem with my left/front turn signal. Did anybody get it fixed yet?
Roberto

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'97 F150 XLT SC, 2WD, 4.6 Auto
* 3" Bullseye spindles
* 2" Superlift angled blocks in rear
* Rancho RS5000's
* AR Baja's 16X8
* Gorilla locknuts (all 20 lugnuts are locknuts)
* 285-75-16 Firestone Wilderness AT III's
* E150 "Triton V8" emblems
* Donmar Sunroof
* Sony CD player
* SuperChip
* K&N Filter
* Bedliner
* Weathertech Ventvisors
* Ford locking gas cap
* Delta aluminum toolbox
* Putco shorty chrome bedrails
* 4:10 US Gear ring & pinion, complete with gear whine.
(It's the Turbo, Son, it's the Turbo!)

 

I have yet to see a vehicle with separate flashers for left and right sides. In other words, if one side is working fine, it ain't the flasher. The problem is elsewhere.

 

Dear Jolly Green

Have you tested for a bad or loose earth cable from the unit. I had a similar problem and found it to be a loose eath terminal.

 

Just got mine out of the shop. Was doing the same thing right front would not blink and back one flashed fast. Thay replaced the turn single ame ***. Works as good as new now. DAVID98

 

Took mine to the Ford dealer. 147.00 for parts and labor, good as new again.
Roberto