Turn Signal Switch Problems of Ford Explorer

While stopped at a traffic light I switched on my turn signal to indicate a right turn and noticed the normal click of the turn signal was not occurring. I looked down at my instrument panel and saw the right turn light was lit but not flashing. The rest of the trip I had to continually turn on and turn off the turn signal to let others now my intentions since the signals would no longer flash. Finally I rapidly worked the switch up and down and was able to get the turn signals to operate correctly again. Also on other occasions the signal would click very fast which and the actual signal light would not flash or light but would eventually start working again. I assumed it was a burned-out bulb but when it came back on again I knew that was not the case. I saw a recall recently for the turn signal switch on ranger pickups and excursion suvs in the age range of my vehicle and this seems to be exactly what is happening with my Explorer.

See all problems of the 2005 Ford Explorer 🔎.

There were smoke from steering column. To be exact, from "hazards button" on top of steering column behind steering. It happened several times but only few seconds and stop. My garage mechanic changed assembly with "turn signal wiper switch" and I think fixed it. It is scary since it happened while driving high speed.

See all problems of the 1999 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Explorer. While driving 40 mph, she noticed smoke coming from the steering column when she engaged the signal switch. The contact stated that the failure only occurred when she engaged the signal switch. As of February 14, 2008, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 64,347. Updated 03-04-08 updated 03/04/08.

See all problems of the 2000 Ford Explorer 🔎.

When using the left turn signal, flashing pauses, then smoke drifts up from the area of the emergency flasher switch opening. With so few complaints, I assume the remedy is to allow the vehicle to catch fire and file suit against Ford. Would seem more reasonable for Ford to investigate and resolve their quality issue.

The rear windshield wiper does not clear the entire window, the left turn signal did not wait until the turn was made before going off. The consumer believes something may have come loose which caused a gas leak while driving. The dealer refused to repair the wiper and turn signal under warranty.

After sitting in a turn lane for 2-3 minutes with turn signal on, wisps of smoke began coming from steering column. Upon repeating the scenario in driveway same wisps of smoke were observed, and orange glow could be seen inside steering column when looking through cracks around hazard warning flasher button. In both instances, turn signals being turned off stopped the smoke before any damage could be done. Vehicle was taken to dealer, and turn signal module was replaced. Old part was not returned to me. Dealer service manager stated the module had shorted out.

The turn signal shift popped up when the turn signal was used.

When activating turn signals there is a cranking sound, signals will only work intermittently. . The dealer replaced the multi function switch.

See all problems of the 1998 Ford Explorer 🔎.

On three separate occasion the multi-function switch failed. Contacted the dealer, and was told it was the cruise control. Consumer states you could smell the plastic burning. Please provide any further information. . This vehicle wa snot included in the recall.

Dealer had to replace multi-function switch for second time because of smoke coming from steering column. Feel free to provide any further information.

When using left turn signal there is smoke coming from switch. Vehicle not taken to dealer yet.

While engaging the turn signal and making a turn, the windshield wipers will engage. The dealer has been contacted and I was told this was part of a recall for 1999 models, but he hadn't heard about this on the 2000 models. Said it is result of failed "multi-function switch".

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle began to smoke when the turn signals were utilized. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the multi-function switch was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 00v072000 and was able to have the multi-function switch replaced again at the manufacturer's expense. The failure recurred a third time, but the manufacturer refused to assume liability since the vehicle was previously repaired. The current and failure mileages were less than 93,113.

When sitting at stop with turn signal engaged windshield wipers start without engaging switch.

Windshield washer comes on intermittently while driving. Vehicle taken to dealer twice, multi function switch was replaced the first time. It did not remedy the problem. Second time dealer could not find cause. The consumer stated that the vehicle was at the dealer for one day in cold weather outside, problem was replicated and they found relays overheating and sticking caused by shorted malfunction switch on prior repair and they replaced both relays.

See all problems of the 1997 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Winshield wipers sometimes go on when turn signal is used. This is distracting and could potentially cause an accident.

While driving on highway approximately 55mph and when the turn signal is on the windshield wipers run. Windshield wipers will come on if vehicle hits a bump in the road. Contacted dealer and manufacturer.

While driving windshield wipers are inadvertently working. This also happens when trying to use turn signals.

Windshield wipers are inoperable. When the turn signal is activated the wipers will activate. The dealer has been notified.

Multi-turn function turn signal/ windshield washer, intermittent wiper and high-beam malfunctions. Washers fails to activate when stalk is "pushed in" for washer request (eventually washer will function after several "pushes" washer pump not broken), activating turn signal(s) activates windshield wiper (activating turn signal should not turn your wipers on), wipers turn on without user intervention (wipers turn on by themself).

Windshield wipers would go on or off on by themselves. Would sometimes stop in middle of operation. Vehicle would fail to start if steering wheel is not in correct position. The signal lever will not operate properly if the wheels are slightly turned.

Consumer experiencing signal lights failure. Whenever consumer engages turn signal the switch disengages by itself before turn is made. Dealer notified and replaced the parts. Condition still unresolved.

2000 Ford Explorer had smoke emitting from the steering column when using the turn signals. The dealer replaced the turn signal switch.

Turn signals and the windshield wipers share the same multi- functional switch. When applying the right or left turn signal, the windshield wipers come on. Please give any further details.

Windshield wipers activate without being turned on, seemingly in conjunction with having turned, or using turn signals.

Intermittently when the turn signal is activated windshield wipers come on. Recently windshield wipers have intermittently come on . The dealer has been notified.

The windshield wipers come on without manual opreration or when the signal lights are operated. Please give any further details.

Windshield wipers come on when in on/off position, and when using the turn signals. They don't activate when turned on, cause unknown. Please give any further details.

While driving vehicle & no rain, windshiel wipers came on for no reason. When they are in use, they would fail to work at high or intermittent. The turn signal is erratic. Been to dealer & mechanic repaired problem. Since then, problem with wipers have reappeared. The parts are on back order.

The turn signal control when first activated will not lock in place to indicate the turning direction unless the steering wheel is moved in the opposite direction, dealer is aware of defect and says that it is a poor engineering design. Nlm.

Multi-purpose directional switch, does not operate the windsheild wipers properly, however, the signals work. Consumer has replaced the switch once before, and the problem has reoccurred. Dealer has been contacted.

While driving at 10-15 mph and when attemtping to make a right hand turn, gradually depressed brake pedal and pedal traveled to floorboard, causing extended stopping distance, and resulting in an accident. Also, emergency parking brake/ fuel pump and other parts were replaced before accident. Consumer has contacted dealer. Please bad check valve caused delay in starting the vehcile. The emergency brake was hard to release due to leak of greasing. Brakes made high pitch squeal because front brakes and pads were glazed over. Head light failed due to bad connection at lmultifunction switch.

See all problems of the 2001 Ford Explorer 🔎.

When turn signal is applied or vehicle hits a bump, windshield wipers come on. Dealer has not seen vehicle.