1986 Ranger 2.9: separating the rear turn signal from the rear brake light

[beerhunter]

Hiya

As per the title, I need to separate the rear turn signals from the rear brake lights.

However, looking at diagrams it seems there is only one wire to the rear lamps. How/where does the brake light feed interrelate with the flasher unit?

This is to comply with UK regs, where turn signals need to be amber.

Thanks

 

[Uncle Gump]

It all happens inside the turn signal switch.

 

[55trucker]

If you have to comply with Euro standards you might look for the entire rear body wiring harness from a later 90's Ranger that makes use of amber rear turn signals.

 

[beerhunter]

Hi

thanks both.

However if the brake light and turn signal wiring combines in the switch, then changing the rear harness won;t help as it will still be receiving the signal through one wire? Apologies if I am being dense?

How about if I cut the feed from the brake light switch. Then the power going down the existing wires will (theoretically) only carry the turn signal voltage. I can then re-direct these to new lamps with amber bulbs/lenses (or "steal" the reverse lamps, as there is already a big additional one fitted to the rear valance).

Then run new wiring from the severed brake light switch to the stop lamps.

Is there any reason why this is an awful idea? Please shout if I am missing something obvious!

Many thanks

 

[55trucker]

In my Rangers case (having amber rear turn signals) , the brake wiring does not pass thru the multi-function switch at all. From my point of view you need to duplicate the wiring harness layout for the brakes in the same manner.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Maybe this will help?

Separate Hazard Lights - Brake Lights - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks - Separate Hazard Lights - Brake Lights - Hey Folks, on my 86 F250 i need to separate brake lights from turn signals and hazard lights. these converters are not working with the hazard light function. so i need a hint for deactivating the...

www.ford-trucks.com

 

[Uncle Gump]

Looks to me like you cut the light green wire from stop lamp switch so it interrupts the brake signal to the multifunction switch. Run that wire all the way to the rear lights... with a splice to feed both sides. Cut the left LG/O and right O/LB and tie in your new stoplamp wires. Add two amber lights... and tie in the LG/O to the left turn and O/LB to the right.

I think it can be that simple.

 

[Uncle Gump]

The only functional difference would be the brake lights would illuminate while the hazard lights would still flash. With the factory wiring... the brake lights override the hazards.

 

[55trucker]

Can one still purchase pre 93 tail lamps that are euro spec?

 

[RonD]

You don't need to "reinvent the wheel"

There are modules for trailer light hook ups to do what to want, and not expensive

What you have is known as a 2-wire system, a left and right wire for turn and brake
You want to change that to a 3-wire system, left turn, right turn, and brake

Google: trailer 2-wire to 3-wire conversion

You will see modules made to be mounted at the rear of a vehicle, so weather proof
It connects to the 2 existing wires and then has 3 wires OUT, 3rd wire is for brake light

There are also 3-wire to 2-wire, you don't want that one, lol

You can add an amber bulb on each side, maybe in with the Reverse light
Or find a used 1993-1998 Ranger bed with wiring and lenses, those years have the amber turn lens and separate bulb

 

[Uncle Gump]

I've never had any luck with those converters... maybe it's a salt thing. But I personally think most are junk.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Are we sure first to third gen with amber lenses swap?

 

[55trucker]

Are we sure first to third gen with amber lenses swap?

Not that I am aware of............but perhaps after a dozen of then they will........

 

[Uncle Gump]

Not that I am aware of............but perhaps after a dozen of then they will........

I re-read Ron's post and he suggested the op replace the entire bed.

 

[55trucker]

another little piece of *food for thought*.....

will your Ranger in europe require rear *fog lamps*?

this is a mandatory feature on euro spec vehicles......it's a safety feature over there.........it's a bright red tail lamp (usually just 1) rear left.