Combination brake/turn-signal light

[Shane Hanrahan]

My driver side brake/turn-signal light has stopped working in the rear. I changed the bulb with a new one (exact same part number) and it still does not work. The reverse light above it still works, as do all of the lights on the passenger side rear, all front lights, and center lights. I got under it and traced the wires all the way to the front and did not notice any damage that might be causing this issue. I called the dealer and priced a new light socket, but they want $90 for the thing, so, before shelling out $90 or going on a junkyard scavenger hunt for a part that may not even fix my problem... I figured I would see if anyone has had a similar problem, knows what might be causing it, or has any suggestions on how to fix it. Please Help!

 

[Kevin Palmer]

Tilt your column, if it works, then you have a common issue with the wire harness that runs in the column.



If you go to the FAQ section or do a search you will find MANY posts about the issue and the solution...

 

[Kevin Palmer]

Here is the FAQ link...

 

[Richard L]

Coastiejoe is correct. It is a common problem on Sport Tracs to have insufficient slack in the wiring harness in the steering column and tilting the wheel up or down will cause irratic operation of any of the components with wiring that goes through the column. This can include, horn, cruise, head lights, tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, wipers, ignition and starter.



The only real trick is that if the wire was pulled from the connector in the steering column, it may no longer work even if you change the steering wheel tilt, so be sure to remove the covers and check the wiring harness for broken wires and wires that were pulled out of the connector. Then you can pull up a little more slack up into the column and insure that the wheel can tilt the ful range without pulling on the wires.



...Rich

 

[Shane Hanrahan]

Thanks for the info you guys. When I use the left turn signal it clicks really fast as if the bulb is out, but when I changed the bulb it still didn't work. Not sure if it still sounds like the same issue to you guys, but I will definitely give this a try and see how it goes.