Turn signals (or blinky bits)

[Jesse J]

well.... one of the big huge tasks is the turn signals on my truck. they don't work. I push up on the lever and the left light in the dash comes on but does not blink or anything and if I push down the right arrow will illuminate but not blink. and if I keep it in the "neutral" position they both come up. the drivers part on the tailight the topmost light stays one but the passengers one doesn't. the front lights when I push the lever down the left drivers side bulb lights up and stays on and vice versa like normal but just not blinking. Also while making this writeup out by my truck I found my drivers big bulb doesn't illuminate. frustrating 

[derf]

Did you check your blinker fluid?

 

 

 

Sorry.  Had to.

[derf]

Not blinking is usually the relay in the fuse panel.  Easy and cheap to fix.  One is for turn signals, the other is for the hazard lights.

 

Fast blink is burned out or disconnected bulb.  You won't see that until after you replace the flasher relay.

[Jesse J]

2 minutes ago, derf said:

Did you check your blinker fluid?

 

 

 

Sorry.  Had to.

2 minutes ago, derf said:

Not blinking is usually the relay in the fuse panel.  Easy and cheap to fix.  One is for turn signals, the other is for the hazard lights.

 

Fast blink is burned out or disconnected bulb.  You won't see that until after you replace the flasher relay.

well time to go to autozone. 

[Jesse J]

while I am here what parts of the the tail and headlights are supposed to light up when?

[eaglescout526]

The top two lenses on the tails light up with running and turn signals. Also your lights on and not blinking when the lever is moved sounds like the grand old classic symptom of back socket grounds. If you haven’t replaced the sockets with the newer/older style metal sockets, then the problem lies in those Ford ranger sockets. The ground tab loves to rust in those sockets. 

[Jesse J]

5 minutes ago, eaglescout526 said:

The top two lenses on the tails light up with running and turn signals. Also your lights on and not blinking when the lever is moved sounds like the grand old classic symptom of back socket grounds. If you haven’t replaced the sockets with the newer/older style metal sockets, then the problem lies in those Ford ranger sockets. The ground tab loves to rust in those sockets. 

what are sockets and how do I fix it

[eaglescout526]

5 minutes ago, Jesse J said:

what are sockets and how do I fix it

Sockets are the things the bulbs plug and twist into. Not sure if I’m readin into that right but that’s all they are. If you remove your front headlamp bezel and remove the unscrew the turn signal housing, you should find a plastic like socket plugged into the housing. 
 

And to fix you would just order newer style XJ sockets and splice them into the harness while cutting off the old socket. 

[Jesse J]

6 minutes ago, eaglescout526 said:

Sockets are the things the bulbs plug and twist into. Not sure if I’m readin into that right but that’s all they are. If you remove your front headlamp bezel and remove the unscrew the turn signal housing, you should find a plastic like socket plugged into the housing. 
 

And to fix you would just order newer style XJ sockets and splice them into the harness while cutting off the old socket. 

ok solid. maybe a trip to the j yard is in my future

[Jesse J]

is there anyway I can check if they are good just to be sure? the sockets that is

[eaglescout526]

3 minutes ago, Jesse J said:

is there anyway I can check if they are good just to be sure? the sockets that is

I mean you could go to the junkyard or you could order them new. Your call. Also just follow above what I said about removing the socket and just remove the bulb and look inside the socket. 

[Jesse J]

5 minutes ago, eaglescout526 said:

I mean you could go to the junkyard or you could order them new. Your call. Also just follow above what I said about removing the socket and just remove the bulb and look inside the socket. 

ok solid thanks for your help. I am gonna run out there quick.

[Jesse J]

should the blue wire be going into the socket. and how the hell do I get the bulb of?

[eaglescout526]

That wire should be in that socket and to remove a bulb from all sockets, just push down and turn counter clockwise

[Jesse J]

1 minute ago, eaglescout526 said:

That wire should be in that socket and to remove a bulb from all sockets, just push down and turn counter clockwise

well that might be a problem 

[eaglescout526]

That socket is also replaceable. Here let me get you some part numbers.

 

[eaglescout526]

03764863-front signal sockets

J8128931-tail/stop/turn socket

And for giggles 83502744-reverse socket

[Jesse J]

got the bulb off and this looks no good. also my turn signals only work when my running lights/ or full lights are on idk if that is normal for these trucks. and the turn signal on my drivers tailight stays on all the time

[Jesse J]

1 minute ago, eaglescout526 said:

03764863-front signal sockets

J8128931-tail/stop/turn socket

And for giggles 83502744-reverse socket

thanks!

[ghetdjc320]

Those sockets are your problem for sure. Just replace all of them while you have it out. I had all kind of lighting problems until I replaced them. Also, make sure to add some bulb grease (aka dialectic grease) when installing new bulbs.

[Jesse J]

ok cool. is it worth getting new bulbs? and where would the best place to be to buy replacement sockets

[eaglescout526]

Who ever has those part numbers that I listed the cheapest and might as well get all new bulbs and keep the old ones as spares. 

[Jesse J]

sweet. should I replace all my sockets?

[89 MJ]

Yes you should. Your DD needs to be safe for you and others. 

[ghetdjc320]

When splicing in the new connectors, be sure to at least use weatherproof butt splices that have a built in heat shrink. Soldering the connections and adding heat shrink is even better. Just don’t use the generic butt connectors as they do not seal up and they will get nasty with all the stuff the tires sling on them.