No Brake Lights or Rear Turn Signals

[Eric H]

Hey guys, I could use some help figuring this problem out. As the title states, I don't have any brake lights or rear turn signals.

1994 Ranger 4.0

Here is what I know so far...
-No brake lights when pedal is pressed
-No rear turn signals
-No reverse lights
-No rear running lights
-Yes license plate lights
-Yes third brake light when brake pedal is pressed
-Yes front turn signals
-Yes headlights
-Hazards work in front, not in rear
-Bulbs are good
-All fuses checked and good both under the hood and under the dash
-New brake light switch made no difference

I've read this might be a multifunction switch issue? Any experience with this or how to test this?

Appreciate any feedback!

 

[RobbieD]

Multifunction switch would be the prime suspect- it's the thing that what all ain't working has in common.

Pull the steering column cover pieces; remove 2 long Phillips from below and separate, remove the trim. Might be loose connectors or you may see signs of wires that have gotten hot.

You can confirm the differing lights' power going in, but not out, with a testlight or a meter.

When it's all said and done, you'll probably be putting in new multifunction switch.

Be aware, the the 1993-94 switch has a better operation, being the wipers work progressively from "off" to low intermittent and through to high; 1989-92 switches have "off" in the middle.
I've used both switches both ways, but using the wipers with the old switch is a pain the ass if you're used to the newer switch. If you have to get a replacement, just check it at the parts counter that you don't an old style switch.

Good Luck!

 

[RonD]

No, on multi-function switch if Running lights/Park lights don't work in the rear, also if Reverse lights do not work
These have no connection to multi-function switch, and in 1994 Brake lights don't either, just the turn signals

Look under drivers side rear, in the frame rail and you will see the wires for the tail lights coming from the front of the Ranger, they are all there in one bundle
And there is a connector there that connects all the tail light wires to the front of the Ranger

Unplug and check that connector
Also there should be 2 or 3 GROUND wires connected to the frame rail, those are the grounds for all the lights
You should find your problem either in the connector or the grounds
OR
DIY Trailer wiring can knock out everything, lol

 

[dvdswan]

Is there a ground at the back of the truck? Did someone work on exhaust, transmission, etc. under the truck and pinch/cut wires putting back together?

 

[Eric H]

Thanks for the replies guys. I’ll get underneath it this Saturday and take a good look at the wiring towards the back and report back.

I don’t drive the truck very often anymore and don’t know how long this has been going on. Went to install new tailights and that is the only reason I noticed there was a problem, since nothing was working. I put the originals back on until I figure it out.

 

[Eric H]

Update! Brake lights and turn signals are now working.

Thank you for the advice RonD. After tracing back the wiring on the frame rail to the rear, there was a disconnected main connector. Simple as that.

I looked around for the other end and couldn't find anything for awhile.. Finally I saw the tip of the female end hiding behind the bracket that holds the spare tire, yet I couldn't move it around and after looking with a flashlight and mirror realized it was stuck between the bed and spare tire bracket.

What I remembered was, a few months ago I replaced the fuel tank filler neck because it was corroded and leaking gas every time I filled up the tank. In doing so, I unbolted the bed, lifted it up and back to access the top of the gas tank, and i'm guessing this is where the main harness got disconnected. So when I put the bed back in place the female end got stuck. Thankfully just on the wires and not the connector itself.

I lifted the bed up, pulled out the stuck wires and after plugging back in we're back in business.

Thanks again guys