Looking for help with a turn signal problem. My right turn signal does not work properly. If turned it on normally, it would not flash, and the flasher would make a buzzing noise. If I moved the lever part way, but not up into the "locked" position, the signal would operate normally. My first thought was something funny in the flasher, since that's what was making the noise. A new flasher got rid of the noise, but didn't correct the problem. Even more interesting, while the right turn signals do not operate with the stalk fully engaged (locked in the right turn mode) the new flasher *does* click. The signals continue to work if the stalk is just moved up to where the flashing starts, and not brought up into the locked positon. If moved fully up, the flasher clicks, but the lights do not flash--neither the front nor rear signals, nor the dash indicator. Front and rear bulbs are good, and the hazard lights work properly. My next step is to pull the switch out of the column and test continuity through the switch. Anyone have this happen before? Any suggestions on what to look for? Nothing makes a whole lot of sense to me, given that it will work properly if the stalk isn't clicked all the way up. The switch appears to work, since it does turn the flasher on (flasher clicks) when moved fully into position--just no lights. Further, I don't know exactly how power is routed here...does it go through the switch to the flasher and directly to the lights, or do we have relays involved somewhere? I found a bank of relays near the battery that operate with the flasher, but none of them seem to have any bearing on the operation of the turn signals. Thanks for any insights anyone can offer! Andy 1996 Explorer XLT 4.0L

My 98 did that except for the buzzing sound. It was the turn signal module located on the steering column. Bought a new one from Ford. You have to remove the tilt lever and upper and lower plastic pieces on the steering column to get to it. If I remember correctly there are a couple of screws holding it in. It's kind of a pain cause it is in a tight spot. Hope this helps

Ian, Thanks for the information. It was indeed the multi-function switch in the column. I took it out and metered the terminals, and found that when the right turn signal was applied fully, there was high resistance through the switch. Figuring I had nothing to lose, I disassembled it to see what I could find. Most of the contacts inside had begun to oxydize, which would account for the flaky contact. I cleaned everything out with rubbing alcohol and Q-Tips as best I could, dried it and applied dielectric grease to all the contacts, then reassembled. Everything works normally now! Andy