Wrong turn indicator

[ssny1088]

Have a 97 ranger. About a week ago, noticed that wrong turn indicator lights up on dash, but only when headlights are on. Checked, all lights are working,including 4 ways and proper signal outside lights. Not much of an issue, just annoying. Anyone had this issue?

 

[adsm08]

My 87 did this to me a few weeks ago. It stopped before I got home, and I never did figure out what caused it. Hasn't happened since either.

 

[Curious Hound]

How in the world does a vehicle from 97 know that you made a wrong turn? Why doesn't my 97 F150 have a wrong turn indicator?

 

[RonD]

Check trailer light wiring for exposed/bare wires, this time of year water and minerals(salts) can get inside trailer connections because of their location behind drivers side rear tire

It happens either when there is a short between the turn wires or a failing Ground wire, if the "right" turn bulbs have a failing ground, then the "wrong" turn bulb's Ground is used, which cause those bulbs to light up because voltage is passing thru them

 

[Uncle Gump]

To add to what RonD said...

If it's truly a ground issue... the "wrong" indicator will illuminate at half intensity because it's now connected in series with the "right" turn signal.

 

[ssny1088]

LOL Eric.Should have said opposite. Was thinking some kind of ground issue. Does light at half intensity. Weird that only happens with headlights on. Think I'll adopt the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" attitude on this one. proper signal does light. Leave well enough alone I guess.

 

[Curious Hound]

LOL Eric.Should have said opposite. Was thinking some kind of ground issue. Does light at half intensity. Weird that only happens with headlights on. Think I'll adopt the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" attitude on this one. proper signal does light. Leave well enough alone I guess.

Something is degrading. As mentioned above, it is most likely a ground issue. Loose and/or corroded connection. It takes some time to track down. But it will not fix itself. It will get worse over time. So it might be better to find and fix it before it fails completely, which will probably be at a time when you are too busy to work on it.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I just reread the original post...

If you just turn the headlamps ON... does the turn indicator illuminate? Or do you have to have headlamps ON and a turn signal activation?

If it's just turning ON the headlamps… you may be describing a wonky bulb.

Wonky bulb = park and turn filaments shorted together.

If it requires both... grounding issue.