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98 Ranger turn signals/hazards


RangerRick98

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I have a 1998 Ranger and it recently blew a fuse for the hazard lights. I have replaced the fuse several time since then. It works for a day or two then will blow again, usually when the turn signal is on. The turn signals blink fast like there is a short circuit or a bulb is out. You can tell when the fuse it about to blow again because the turn signal will blink fast, then slow down, then go fast again right before it blows. Any ideas on what my issue could be?
 


RonD

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Welcome to TRS :)

What fuse number is blowing?

There are two
#10 7.5amp << turns on power to Flasher when key is on
#21 15amp << powers the lights

So if key is on fuse 21 is connected to lights, if there was a short in the wiring, turn signals off, then fuse would still blow

I assume you have turned on signals and walked around checking that all lights are working?
And both left and right signals flash fast.

What about E-flashers?
All work blows fuse


Most exterior light issues come from Trailer Light wiring, splices that get corroded and short out, so I would start there.
If you can find the Main tail light connector under the bed at the rear, unplug it
Then try turn signals to see if they still flash fast
If not then problem will be in tail light wiring, or trailer lights

If it still flashes fast then problem is most likely in cab

The multi-function switch(turn signal stalk) can short, have to do some disassembly to check it.

Anything new added to vehicle recently?
Maybe pinched a wire or put a screw thru a wire?
 
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adsm08

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Its a bulb.
 

RangerRick98

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It's the #21 15 amp fuse. The fuse doesn't blow until you turn the turn signals on, and yes it blows with emergency flashers too. I knew I had one bulb out, but another had blown, so two of the four bulbs in the front were bad. I replaced them and stopped flashing fast. It was fine for about two days, then the fuse started blowing again. It also seems to have gotten worse. When I first bought the truck I replaced the trailer light wiring because the previous owner had completely butchered it, but the problem just started recently. I will look over the trailer light wiring again.
 
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