Tail Lights

1987rangerxlt · Mar 18, 2009

I have a 1987 Ranger XLT 2.9L 4x4 and a cop pulled up along side me the other day to let me know my tail lights were not working. It was day light so it must have been the brakes.

I have the front right head light removed since there was the accident on Jan. 1st. Could that have something to do with it? Also, the front right turn signal is removed. The wires could be touching ground.

1987rangerxlt · Mar 18, 2009

Fuses

I looked at the fuses under the steering column and they all look good so it must have something to do with that headlight being removed.

Cyberbeer · Mar 18, 2009

Headlight removed should have nothing to do with brake lights not working. Check the brake button its on the brake pedal. Are the parking lights working, turn signals?

smokeymcpot · Mar 18, 2009

probably just need some bulbs mane..

1987rangerxlt · Mar 18, 2009

Bulbs

I'll check them tomorrow then. Thanks. :icon_twisted:

1987rangerxlt · Mar 19, 2009

Tonight!

I decided to check it out tonight and took the driver's side tail light off to look at the bulb which looked fine.

Then I put it all back together and turned on the headlights and the tail lights came on.

So that leads me to believe it to be the brake light switch on the pedal. I'll try spraying it with some contact cleaner.

1987rangerxlt · Mar 19, 2009

Cyberbeer

Cyberbeer did say something about the turn signals working and that made me think of the fact that the lever has been broken for a few years. I never use the turn signals any more!

I wonder how the turn signal lever affects the brake lights.

1987rangerxlt · Mar 19, 2009

Niehoff Ignition Combination Switch

I just ordered the ignition combination switch listed in the title of this message since, like I said, I haven't been able to use my turn signals for a few years. I had no idea that my brake lights were out too, until that kind officer pulled up along side and let me know.

Hopefully the switch will also fix the brake lights. The employee behind the counter said that it also has a dimmer switch which my current turn signal doesn't have. I hope he ordered the right one.

1987rangerxlt · Mar 19, 2009

Picked it up!

It looks right but there are no instructions on how to install the new part. I hope I don't break anything.

Anyone know of some good websites that have instructions on dismantling a steering wheel/ingnition/turn signal switch?

1987rangerxlt · Mar 19, 2009

I got it in!

It was quite easy although I couldn't figure out how to get the lever out of the old part. Any ideas?

Now the lights come on when I flip the switch but they don't flash. I'll try a new flasher next. :icon_thumby:

odie1969 · Mar 19, 2009

Sorry I might have missed it. but did you get the brake lights working? If not I would deff. go to the JY and get a couple of brake switches and try them. I really don't think the turn signal switch should have have anything to do with the brakes lights,

Cyberbeer · Mar 19, 2009

Nah turn signal switch will have nothing to do with brakes. 87Ranger If you havent already installed the switch I would check the flasher first. You can easily test a flasher with a battery, one side is ground one is hot. If it ticks its good, if not its bad.

Course the flashers are cheap from any parts store and are easy to install so you could try that and return it if it doesnt fix the problem.

As far as the brakes go, have someone watch the lights while you wiggle the brake pedal switch and see if the brakes come on.

Here are instructions for removing the TS switch.

1. Disconnect battery ground cable (two ground cables on diesel engines).
2. On models equipped with tilt steering column, remove upper extension shroud by depressing top and bottom of shroud and releasing it from retaining plate on left side.
3. On all models, remove steering column trim shroud halves.
4. Remove switch lever by grasping and using a twisting and pulling motion straight out from switch.
5. Peel back foam shield from switch, then disconnect electrical connectors, Fig. 4.
6. Remove 2 switch attaching screws and the switch.
7. Reverse procedure to install.

1987rangerxlt · Mar 19, 2009

Turn Signals Work Now

The flasher did fix the turn signal. I needed the new lever anyways. But the brake lights still don't come on.

I'll try wiggling it tomorrow. Otherwise, I'll buy a whole new pedal because on internet searches it seems that the switch comes with a pedal.

Thanks,

Jeff

Cyberbeer · Mar 20, 2009

No it doesnt. You can buy the switch standalone. Click here for autozone link.

Pay very close attention to how you remove the old button. There is a cotter pin and nylon washer. If you put it back together wrong the brakes wont come on right.

1987rangerxlt · Mar 20, 2009

Won't come on right?

The brakes won't come on right or just the light?

Thanks for the Autozone link. I'm going to put the new one on and see if that solves my problem.

Tail Lights

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