How To Address The 2006 Ford Fusion Turn Signal Problems?

The Ford Motor Company received good news when the ‘Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’ named the 2013 Ford Fusion as the ‘Top Safety Pick’. It is a significant achievement for Ford, as only cars that receive ‘Good’ ratings in the frontal impact, side impact, head restraint, and roof strength crash testing are qualified to achieve this.

While it is good news for the 2013 model, the previous Ford fusion models, such as 2006, have been showing major problems, among which the turn signal problem is the main issue. If not attended on time, it can pose a threat to your life while you are driving. Also, it is legally mandatory to hold properly functioning turn Signal lights. This guide will give a detailed view of the various 2006 Ford Fusion turn signal problems and the solutions for them.

Some Common Turn Signal Problems in Ford Fusion 2006

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The common turn signal problems reported by Ford Fusion 2006 owners are as follows:

The turn signal lamps do not blink on turning the multifunction switch.
The turn signals are always ON.
Only one turn signal is always ON, and the other is always OFF.
Fast or slow flashing.
All turn signals flashing at the same time.

The turn signal problems can also give rise to other problems in your car. Hence, remember the following points.

Your brake light’s wiring goes through the turn signal switch. A problem in the turn signal can eventually lead to a future problem in the brake lights as well.
Ford Fusion 2006 also encompasses a multifunction switch which is a common control for turn signals, running lights and headlight.

Some Basics about Turn Signal Operation

The turn signal system holds an extremely simple method of operation. It is a stand-alone unit which is designed to perfection, as it is one of the inevitable requirements while driving a car. Hence, they are designed to work without fail and hold only a few least-complicated parts. So, 2006 Ford Fusion turn signal problems are pretty simple to diagnose and correct.

The power for the turn signal lights come from the ‘Junction Box’ through the fuse to the flasher unit, which is plugged into it. The flasher unit contains the ‘bi-metallic spring’ which heats up and cools down alternatively due to the two-sided metal operation. This effect causes the flasher light to go on and off as an action of blinking.

Materials You Will Need

Before getting your hands on, cross-check with the checklist below, to ensure that you have the following materials with you:

Digital Multimeter (Volt-Ohm meter)
Car owner’s manual for your Ford Fusion 2006 model
Standard hand tools

How to Solve the Ford Fusion 2006 Turn Signal Problems?

1. The Turn Signals Do Not Turn ON

The usual cause of turn signals not turning ON is a defective flasher unit or a blown fuse. Perform the following steps to correct the problem.

Check the vehicle fuse if it is blown. The fuse box may vary from one to several in number according to the vehicle model. Search the location of the fuse box in your Ford Fusion 2006 owner’s manual.
If the fuse is blown, then you have to replace a new one to resolve the issue. When you purchase a new fuse, ensure that the amperage value is the same as that of the blown fuse.
If the fuse is not blown, check for the flasher unit. This is present in the fuse box. To change the flasher module, consult a vehicle mechanic. If you wish to DIY, get the owner’s manual of your Ford Fusion 2006 and check the parts individually on the manual to figure out which of them have been blown out. If a particular transistor or diode is disconnected from the circuitry, you have to replace the same part exactly and solder it back. You can find the exact specifications of each device from the owner’s manual.

2. Turn the Signal Always ON

This situation occurs rarely. But if you encounter one, then the only solution is to contact the dealer. The dealers use some of the best OBD2 Bluetooth scanner tools to reprogram your Smart Junction Box (SJB). Under worst cases, the SJB will have to be replaced. Unfortunately, Ford has not recalled anything regarding this issue.

3. One Turn Signal is Always ON, and another is Always OFF

When either the driver-side or passenger-side turn signal works, it means that the bulb has become defective. This is because when the bulb is blown out, there is no current flow in the area where the bulb is not working. This reduced current flow prevents the flasher unit from attaining a particular temperature that will turn off the turn signal.

Replacing the blown-out bulb will resolve this problem. While replacing the bulb, check the owner’s manual for the specifications or take the blown-out bulb to the automobile spare parts store to get a new one.

4. Fast or Slow Flashing

When your turn signal flashes too fast or too slow, the main reason is the usage of the inappropriate bulb. While changing a blown-out bulb, it is most common for anyone to replace a bulb that does meet the required specifications.

When the newly replaced bulbs are high-power bulbs, then they draw more current, which eventually heats up the flasher strip of the flasher unit and makes it wear out. This will cause all the four turn signals to flash too fast or too slow.

Replacing the correct bulb and changing the flasher unit is essential to resolve this problem. While replacing the bulb, ensure that you refer to the owner’s manual, which will indicate the right bulb that has to be inserted. The bulb sockets are coated with grease to repel water. The manufacturer performs this action. Hence, while replacing the bulb, do not remove the grease from the bulb socket.

5. All Turn Signals Flashing at Once

Under this condition, inspect the turn signal switch, if there is a short between the brake lamp circuit and a signal circuit. Open up the column plug and harness for shorts. Check the current value of the harness using a digital multimeter. If a short is indicated, then get the switch or harness replaced accordingly.

Tips to Avoid 2006 Ford Fusion Turn Signal Problems

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By following the below tips, you can avoid the failure of turn signal problems:

Get your vehicle serviced regularly. This helps in identifying minor problems on time and prevents them from creating havoc on your drive.
Clean and maintain the vehicle regularly, even while not in use. Use best car buffer to bring back the shine to your old car. Check for all the parts to see if they are working, including the turn signals.
Do not perform quick switching or ping-ponging between lanes to confuse or irritate other drivers. By avoiding such activities and using the turn signals at the right place, you can save a lot on repair costs and, ultimately, your life.

Conclusion

The usage of turn signals is a must and legally obligatory to follow. A 2014 national study conducted by the Society of Automotive Engineers says that nearly 50% of the time, drivers fail to make a lane change. Even while making a lane change, 25% of the time, drivers forget to turn signals. It is not rocket science to understand that while making a lane change, you have to turn on the blinkers. A small act of negligence can cost a life.

We hope that this guide has addressed the common 2006 Ford Fusion turn signal problems. Leave your valuable comments in the below section and pass on the techniques that you followed and worked successfully for you. Cars also face certain types of transmission problems; please have a look at them too.