96 GT Turn Signals Not Working + Weird Radio Issue

[BAM96GT]

Hey everyone,

I just picked up a 1996 Mustang GT (4.6L) and ran into an electrical issue I’m hoping to get some insight on.

What's Happening:​

• Turn signals don’t work at all.
• Headlights (high/low beams), brake lights, reverse lights, and hazards all work fine.
• Replaced the fuse and the relay, but no luck.
• Radio issue: My AM/FM button doesn’t work, and it seems stuck in TAPE mode.

My Thoughts:​

• I’m thinking maybe the turn signal switch (multifunction switch) is bad?
• Not sure if the radio issue is related or just a separate problem.

Anyone run into something similar? Could there be a shared ground or wiring issue causing both problems? Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!

 

[ttocs]

do they come on and stay on or just not come on at all?

 

[BAM96GT]

@ttocs

Not coming on at all. No clicking or anything.

 

[ttocs]

well to start simple, you said you checked THE fuse? I assume you looked it up in the manual and then went to find the one that it said should be related? You would be amazed how often I find a fuse that seems to have nothing to do with the problem at hand but when I replaced it, it started working again. When I suspect a fuse(which is normally the first part of electrical troubleshooting) I don't even bother with the manual. If you just get on your back on the floor and pull/visually inspect each one, or turn the key on and drag a meter down both sides of the metal that are exposed on the back to see there is voltage on both sides, I swear these take less time then going through the manual. After you do this to the one under the dash, then do it to the one under the hood as it has fuses that power things inside that fusebox.

 

[BAM96GT]

well to start simple, you said you checked THE fuse? I assume you looked it up in the manual and then went to find the one that it said should be related? You would be amazed how often I find a fuse that seems to have nothing to do with the problem at hand but when I replaced it, it started working again. When I suspect a fuse(which is normally the first part of electrical troubleshooting) I don't even bother with the manual. If you just get on your back on the floor and pull/visually inspect each one, or turn the key on and drag a meter down both sides of the metal that are exposed on the back to see there is voltage on both sides, I swear these take less time then going through the manual. After you do this to the one under the dash, then do it to the one under the hood as it has fuses that power things inside that fusebox.

I will certainly try this tonight and let you know.

 

[BAM96GT]

Update: manually inspected all fuses. Started taking the interior trim around the steering wheel to investigate the issue and test the switch. As we were testing it, it magically started working. One thing I noticed is that the negative terminal is crimped down all the way but still loose. I’m going to replace the negative terminal in hopes this issue doesn’t pop up again.

 

[ttocs]

which negative terminal? Assuming you mean the battery terminal, that is where I would be looking. If you can wiggle your battery connections even an itty bitty litty bit then it is not tight enough. You should be able to grab them and give a VERY hard twist/tug/pull and nothing should move.

 

[BAM96GT]

which negative terminal? Assuming you mean the battery terminal, that is where I would be looking. If you can wiggle your battery connections even an itty bitty litty bit then it is not tight enough. You should be able to grab them and give a VERY hard twist/tug/pull and nothing should move.

Yes, battery terminal.

 

[ttocs]

that is probably your problem