Just a Minor Irritant

[Bluerauder]

I don't ever recall ever seeing anything about this here; but is there any adjustment on the MM turn signals. It seems that my turn signals are set with a very fine adjustment and the slightest movement of the steering wheel will turn them off. Seems more pronounced on a right hand turn. I would prefer a more coarse setting if it is possible. Maybe this was done to prevent the "constant blinker syndrome". However, my feeling is that this might be part of the reason why some folks don't use their turn signals -- 'cause keeping them on sometimes is a pain in the butt. Anyone else notice this?

[cyclone03]

You know I thought it was just me.

Anybody know if this can be fixed,or unfixed?

[SergntMac]

Bugs me too, haven't a clue.

I also wiish the dash indicator was brighter, and the ticking louder, I'm sometimes guilty of changing lanes and not turning off the signal, which bugs me when other do it.

[67435animal]

I don't ever recall ever seeing anything about this here; but is there any adjustment on the MM turn signals. It seems that my turn signals are set with a very fine adjustment and the slightest movement of the steering wheel will turn them off. Seems more pronounced on a right hand turn. I would prefer a more coarse setting if it is possible. Maybe this was done to prevent the "constant blinker syndrome". However, my feeling is that this might be part of the reason why some folks don't use their turn signals -- 'cause keeping them on sometimes is a pain in the butt. Anyone else notice this?

I have the same problem; I am sure it is the way that the switch is designed so I'll liev with it.

You might get a louder click by chnaging the flasher. Sometimes thsi works and sometimes not.

Bob

[mrjones]

[QUOTE=SergntMac]I also wiish the dash indicator was brighter, and the ticking louder, QUOTE]


I wonder if the flasher from the GM is different. I remember back in 99, I was having a new engine put in my Expedition, and we had a GM as a loaner. My wife axt me why the turn signal flasher was so loud. I figured it was so the target audience of the GM could hear it. The flasher made a much louder clicking noise than normal. The Focus (IIRC) has a loud flasher also.

[O's Fan Rich]

I'm sometimes guilty of changing lanes and not turning off the signal, which bugs me when other do it.

UHHH, Ohhhhhhh cheap shot time: Sarge, it's the grey hair, not the car.
Imagine yourself in a LeSabre now. :bounce:

I'll go back into hiding now......

[cyclone03]

Believe it or not...

Try the dealer,a while back someplace I heard they switch flashers out because theyre too loud or not loud enough.
Yes some,ah hum,older drivers want it louder.

[Joe Walsh]

Maybe this was done to prevent the "constant blinker syndrome".

I'm afraid that you are correct...remember the MM is based on the Grand Marquis...need I say more?
(I'm not busting on GM owners..but the average age of GM owners is not young)

[drobin]

[QUOTE=SergntMac]I also wiish the dash indicator was brighter, and the ticking louder, QUOTE]


I wonder if the flasher from the GM is different. I remember back in 99, I was having a new engine put in my Expedition, and we had a GM as a loaner. My wife axt me why the turn signal flasher was so loud. I figured it was so the target audience of the GM could hear it. The flasher made a much louder clicking noise than normal. The Focus (IIRC) has a loud flasher also.

Try removing the hush panel directly under the driver side dash and the turning signal flasher sound will be louder. The switch is non-adjustable ....

drobin
"Donald"

[MM03MOK]

I also wish the dash indicator was brighter, and the ticking louder......Gotta turn down the bagpipe music first! ;) http://www.britishlife.co.jp/bagpipe3-1.jpg

Someone run with this idea!!!!.....radio volume control connected to the blinker circuitry to automatically turn the radio down when the blinker's on!! Just give me a cut for the idea! Works with integrated cell phones now!

[Bluerauder]

Gotta turn down the bagpipe music first! ;) http://www.britishlife.co.jp/bagpipe3-1.jpg

Someone run with this idea!!!!.....radio volume control connected to the blinker circuitry to automatically turn the radio down when the blinker's on!! Just give me a cut for the idea! Works with integrated cell phones now!
:bump: If I could get them to stay on, I would worry about the sound. I take it that there is no solution or fix for the turn signal sensitivity.

[stevengerard]

yes Mac its age

the GM (thus MM) does use a louder flasher, try one from the lincoln (not town car) or mustang all should be the same.

[woaface]

I have trouble hearing it sometimes as well...mostly my music is overpowering it.


UHHH, Ohhhhhhh cheap shot time: Sarge, it's the grey hair, not the car.
Imagine yourself in a LeSabre now. :bounce:

I'll go back into hiding now......

[Mike Poore]

I don't ever recall ever seeing anything about this here; but is there any adjustment on the MM turn signals. It seems that my turn signals are set with a very fine adjustment and the slightest movement of the steering wheel will turn them off. Seems more pronounced on a right hand turn. I would prefer a more coarse setting if it is possible. Maybe this was done to prevent the "constant blinker syndrome". However, my feeling is that this might be part of the reason why some folks don't use their turn signals -- 'cause keeping them on sometimes is a pain in the butt. Anyone else notice this?
My 04's not acting that way, and after looking at the other posts I conclude MM made a change for the 04 models, 'cause most of the posts are from 03 owners. It's worth a call to your dealership to find out if there's been a change or TSB.

I tell you something that's somewhat bothersome: the lack of a dash signal that lights up when the cruise control in activated. All the cars in our fleet have that feature, except the old Mustangs, of course.

[jgc61sr2002]

Mike - I agree there should be a lighted indicator on the dash when the cruise control is activated. It seems to be a standard feature on foriegn cars although my 2003 Silverado has it.

[Dr Caleb]

I tell you something that's somewhat bothersome: the lack of a dash signal that lights up when the cruise control in activated.

I don't find it a problem. If I'm not touching the gas, and the car is still going foreward without the speed changing, the cruise is on ;)

I've noticed too, for the hearing challenged - my sis's Focus seems to have a very audible turn signal indicator. Like a loud clicking. It's not a relay clicking sound, but seems to be something intentionally making loud noise. Perhaps a retrofit into the MM would be someone's weekend project?

[bryanknie]

My flasher sound is too loud for my tastes. My Towncar which was traded in on the MM was very quiet.

[Mike Poore]

[QUOTE=Dr Caleb]I don't find it a problem. If I'm not touching the gas, and the car is still going foreward without the speed changing, the cruise is on ;) QUOTE]

Well, OK, but why do they put any of those info lights in the dash? For example: There's a icon that lights up when the overdrive is locked out. Can't I tell that by looking at the tach? And why do I need a light to tell me the high beams are on. Can't I see that? The point is, Ford puts the cruise control icon on just about every model, including trucks, why not on the MM?

[Bluerauder]

I don't ever recall ever seeing anything about this here; but is there any adjustment on the MM turn signals. It seems that my turn signals are set with a very fine adjustment and the slightest movement of the steering wheel will turn them off. Seems more pronounced on a right hand turn?
Now that we've discussed blinker volume and dashboard lights, does anyone have any insight into the original question?? :poke:

[Mike Poore]

Now that we've discussed blinker volume and dashboard lights, does anyone have any insight into the original question?? :poke:
Sorry Charlie. OK, back on track. I still think, by the small sample we have here, it seems to be limited to 03's and not 04's. There may be a TSB.

[EbonyMarauder03]

Sorry to say but the flasher has nothing to do with the action of the turn signal switch. As a matter of fact the flasher is usually found under the dash and not in the steering column. The multifunction switch (turn signal/wiper/dimmer switch) has the canceller built into it. The switch might be going bad or is defective.

[earlystroke]

Mike - I agree there should be a lighted indicator on the dash when the cruise control is activated. It seems to be a standard feature on foriegn cars although my 2003 Silverado has it.
Our Passat has that feature and my wife can't stand it! I've personally never found a use for it or why they need to tell me the cruise is on or off.:dunno:

Matt

[Bluerauder]

The switch might be going bad or is defective.
It has been that way since day #1. My E-150 van turn signals are very sensitive as well. Maybe it is a Ford thing .... like the left rear taillights.

[EbonyMarauder03]

Hey Blue...you'll notice both your van and mm have the same knob for the wipers. I know our style switch is a "softer" touch than say a stang or 97 back T-bird. I own a T-Bird and have been in many older stangs and they have a "harder" switch. Again, if it won't stay on or won't cancel properly the switch is bad. :argh:

I will try to remember tomorrow to check the catalogs and see if they did change the part or if it's the same as the 04's.

[Mike Poore]

It has been that way since day #1. My E-150 van turn signals are very sensitive as well. Maybe it is a Ford thing .... like the left rear taillights.Hmmm, that's TWO fords in your fleet with the same problem. Could it be you're using the turn signal stalk like a gear shifter?:)

[Bluerauder]

Hmmm, that's TWO fords in your fleet with the same problem. Could it be you're using the turn signal stalk like a gear shifter?:)
My fleet has 5 ('03 Marauder, '01 Cougar, '99 Mustang (White), '99 Mustang (Blue), and an E-150 conversion van). Just got rid of the '94 T-Bird LX. Only the Marauder and Van have the sensitive turn signal switch. Maybe I can get some kind of Ford Loyalty service rebate. :rofl:

As to your comment on the gear shifter .... I don't think so .... :bop:

[Mike Poore]

My fleet has 5 ('03 Marauder, '01 Cougar, '99 Mustang (White), '99 Mustang (Blue), and an E-150 conversion van). Just got rid of the '94 T-Bird LX. Only the Marauder and Van have the sensitive turn signal switch. Maybe I can get some kind of Ford Loyalty service rebate. :rofl:

As to your comment on the gear shifter .... I don't think so .... :bop:

Ouch! :revenge: Next time please whack me with something soft . Guess you're too young to remember the shifter on the column ..."three on the tree"
We've got 9 in our fleet, 7 Fords, 1 Lincoln, MM, and not one of 'em does that. Charlie, your dealer should be able to fix it in a jiffy, because that's not the way it should work. I guess, because of the air bag stuff, you don't want to go digging around in there and try to fix it yourself?

[Bluerauder]

Ouch! :revenge: Next time please whack me with something soft . Guess you're too young to remember the shifter on the column ..."three on the tree"
We've got 9 in our fleet, 7 Fords, 1 Lincoln, MM, and not one of 'em does that. Charlie, your dealer should be able to fix it in a jiffy, because that's not the way it should work. I guess, because of the air bag stuff, you don't want to go digging around in there and try to fix it yourself?
That ain't a fleet --- it's a used car lot. :eek: Between the two of us, we've got enough F/L/M vehicles to have Ford do service house calls. :rofl:

I certainly do remember the column shifter on the '53 Plymouth and '58 Ford; but by the time I was old enough to drive my father had a '62 Chevy Station wagon with the "prindle" automatic on the column. Prindle = PRNDL. :P

Next time my MM is in for a routine service, I'll ask about the sensitivity of the turnsignal switch. If I move the wheel, 1/16 inch it shuts off the blinkers and drives me nuts. :loco: :help:

Instead of the stick bop ... maybe this is softer :fishslap:

[PJR]

If it helps, my '97 Crown Vic patrol car has a very picky lever as well. Our Fleet Maintenance replaced the original lever with an upgrade about a year and a half ago, but it's not much better.