Why do the Side View Mirror Turn Signals Activate When Applying the Brakes on a 2005 Ford Ranger

Question:

when installing after market turn signal indicators for my mirrors , they blink correctly when turn signal activated but also come on when brakes applied? Wires are connected to correct turn signal wire only plus grounded seperately each to frame of truck. 2005 Ford Ranger. Any way to make them only come on when turn signal activated and not when brakes applied?

asked by: Bill R

Expert Reply:

It sounds like your after market turn signals might be tapped into the wrong turn signal circuit on your 2005 Ford Ranger. Your after market turn signals should be wired into the front turn signal circuits coming from near your headlights, which does not contain a brake signal.

If you have the wires spliced into the rear turn signals, then that will explain your problem. The rear turn signal circuit on your truck is combined with the brake signal. The lights on your mirrors will pick up any signal that goes through that circuit whether it is the turn or the brake.

I would recommend testing the wire that you tapped into using a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 and test for a signal when applying the brakes. If you do get a signal, then that would explain the issue that you are having.

You will want to locate the turn signal circuits coming from near your headlights and splice into those circuits for proper turn signal function.

expert reply by: John H