Aloha!

[rangerwahine]

Hiya everyone! I'm a longtime lurker, but just registered today!

I was given a 96 Ranger xlt 6cyl 3.0 4x4 a couple years back and it's been sitting in my garage waiting for my attention. I finally finished and sold my 93ZJ and my 72 Beetle, so it's time for my Ranger.

She's got 167k + miles. Exact mileage unknown as odometer doesn't work. Speedo works tho.

I'm fortunate to have multiple Rangers to pull parts from which is great as I can learn from that instead of relying on YouTube all the time.

I need to transfer title but in order to do that I have to get my state's safety check first. In order to pass safety check I need to figure a few electrical gremlins and I need your help with that please.

1.) Only the third or top brake light works. Brake light switch checks out with multimeter. Both rear turn signals and flashers work.

2.) No reverse lights! I've gone through the wiring harnesses and checked wires from the fuse box to the bumper. I'm aware of the wiring harness at the rear bumper problem-but flashers and signals both work. I did a visual and manually (my hands) followed wires which are intact and have factory wire wrap in great condition. No visible cuts..

3.) No running lights in rear with headlights on! Which is a big problem because I can't drive it at night at all. I will put bulbs in the license plate holder sockets and get them going. There is power to all 3 sockets in both rear light assemblies, but the running or reverse lights still don't illuminate.

4.) I also miss going off road and the 4x4 doesn'twork. The 4x4 flashes in increments of 6 then stops and repeats while key is on. The dash is open and I have replacement actuator and the GEM if they need swapped. I'm just not sure what the process is to go about checking the actuator.

5.) The defroster or vent doesn't work nor did the fan in any position work. Is that indicative of blender door? I know how to replace the blower motor but blender door, not so much. The dash is off so I just need the steps to try and fix this. Vacuum lines so far look intact but i didn't dive deep down that rabbit hole.

So here's a bit about me...
I am new to wrenching, very new (9 years). First thing I ever did was replace rear brakes on my 2012 F150, because my best friend gave the brakes as a Mother's day gift and he was tired of me complaining about squeaky brakes. That set me in motion to fix my own vehicles. I'm a retired registered nurse. I've lived in Hawaii since the 80s. I'm a grandmother of 4 AND I'm a natural blonde lol! And Single!!

Mahalo nui loa to all of you. Thank you so much.

 

[bobbywalter]

assuming all fuses are good.

sounds...like ground and potentially a light switch issue.


you are sure the power is transferring on the trans for the reverse lights? you continuity checked it with it in reverse from switch to bulb?

 

[bobbywalter]

that said, iirc that model had the more complicated signal and brake setups.

where the signals were split from the brake lights. total pia to deal with.

 

[ShhhhhDougsHere]

I too I'm a novice around here.

I just wanted to say welcome to TheRangerStation family.

 

[rangerwahine]

Mahalo

I too I'm a novice around here.

I just wanted to say welcome to TheRangerStation family.

 

[rangerwahine]

assuming all fuses are good.

sounds...like ground and potentially a light switch issue.


you are sure the power is transferring on the trans for the reverse lights? you continuity checked it with it in reverse from switch to bulb?

Well now I dont think I checked from the trans towards the back for the reverse lights. I'm pretty sure I just went down the rail to the rear bumper. So thank you so much for this. I'll check it out hopefully in a couple of hours.

 

[rangerwahine]

Well now I dont think I checked from the trans towards the back for the reverse lights. I'm pretty sure I just went down the rail to the rear bumper. So thank you so much for this. I'll check it out hopefully in a couple of hours.

Lights switch issue for the running lights? I did replace the multi function stick with a brand new one as no signals, wipers worked. I keep thinking it's a ground too. The right rest turn signal wad working for 2 days, then stopped again. This was after I closed tail gate and started driving. Thank you so much for your advice. Yes all fuses and light bulb sockets all work, all the way around.