2002 Turn Signal/Headlight Issues

[JerrodNichols]

I am having an issue with the left turn signal on my 2002 Ranger XLT. Without headlights on, all lights function normally. When the headlights are on, the following happens:

Left turn signal:
Solid front turn signal light, solid slightly brighter rear left light, solid significantly dimmer rear right light.

Right turn signal:
Normal operation of right front and rear lights, solid slightly brighter rear left light.

From reading many forums and things before posting this, here is what I have so far: I have sanded down G103, the 2 ring terminals that go to it, and the related screw to clean metal. I cut and capped off all trailer wires at clean wire. I replaced the front left turn signal bulb and the rear bulb and socket. I already know it seems to be a ground issue, my question is about next steps or diagnostics since I've done everything I know how to do. I do not really want to run a new ground wire from any sockets, but if that is the only thing you can think of, where is the best place for the new ground to go into?

 

[RobbieD]

You've actually done some pretty solid troubleshooting and repair work so far.

The next thing that I'd do, is check each of the headlight ground terminals and wires, with an ohm meter for good continuity back to the battery ground terminal. A bad reading will lead you down the right path to locate the problem area. Look carefully for corrosion at/in the headlight connectors when you do that.

Without headlights on, all lights function normally

Points to the problem being on the headlight side of things, which in most cases affecting the other lights is either a bad or open circuit on the ground side of the bulb.

Good luck, and welcome to TRS.