1996 Ford Explorer XLT tail lights and side lights wont turn on manually

Asked by Roy Jan 23, 2023 at 02:27 PM about the 1996 Ford Explorer 4 Dr XLT SUV

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Yes, my tail lights, dashboard, and signal (side lights) wont turn on when I
turn the  light switch on inside of the car. The only lights that turn when you
turn the inside switch on is the front head lights. The signal lights flash when
you pull the signal arm down and the brake lights work when you press the
brake pedal whether the light switch is fully turned on/off. Now my Explorer
has a automatice feature that you can turn so that all outside lights turn on
when it gets dark. When I turn this feature on inside of the car all the outside
lights work and the dashboard lights up. So that tells me that the fuses must
be ok. So the problem should be the light switch. So I replaced the switch,
but the problem persists. Is their a relay under the hood or fuse that I'm not
seeing, because all lights work when you put the lights on automatic turn on
mode. Funny thing when we had a cold spell for a week all the lights from
the switch worked, then when it warmed back up, they went out again. What
do you check as the culprit for this problem. The first problems I was having
with the switch was just the side lights wouldn't turn on an you had to jiggle
the switch a little to turn them on then only the full lights on option worked,
and now just the front head lights work from the switch.
Any advice what could be the problem or what to check

3 Answers

202,375

My guess is a defect in wiring in the steering column; maybe the multi-switch.

1 people found this helpful.
202,375

My guess is a defect in wiring in the steering column. Maybe the multi-switch.

1 people found this helpful.
307,235

Sounds like a possible wiring or connector issue from the headlight switch to the light control module. Wiring diagram time.

Your Answer:

Explorer

Looking for a Used Explorer in your area?

CarGurus has 63,718 nationwide Explorer listings starting at $1,000.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

1996 Ford Explorer

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    OJ
    Reputation
    30,850
  • #2
    TransAm77
    Reputation
    7,790
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    7,280
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford F-150
6,043 Great Deals out of 131,894 listings starting at $900
Used Ford Expedition
836 Great Deals out of 22,993 listings starting at $1,050
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
1,010 Great Deals out of 20,301 listings starting at $1,100
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
2,572 Great Deals out of 49,983 listings starting at $750
Used Toyota 4Runner
1,206 Great Deals out of 18,727 listings starting at $1,800
Used GMC Yukon
629 Great Deals out of 11,272 listings starting at $1,950

Used Cars for Sale

2024 Ford Explorer For Sale
5 Great Deals out of 32,415 listings starting at $32,145
2023 Ford Explorer For Sale
216 Great Deals out of 8,431 listings starting at $27,925
2022 Ford Explorer For Sale
313 Great Deals out of 3,410 listings starting at $16,500
2021 Ford Explorer For Sale
488 Great Deals out of 5,432 listings starting at $13,900
2020 Ford Explorer For Sale
309 Great Deals out of 3,435 listings starting at $13,900

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.