1981 ford ranger pick up turn signals only work when truck is off, but when running the turn signals wont work how can i fix this?

Diane, There are 2 separate flashers on your vehicle, one is for the emergency/4 way lights and one flasher is for the signal lights. It may be worth the couple bucks and replacing the signal flasher as a first step. Recheck bulbs/sockets, fuses/relays, flasher. If all looks good possible signal switch is bad. Remove switch and try to clean contacts or replace switch. Check the attached links,instruction and guides, Good luck
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1994 Ford Ranger Turn Signal Electrical Problem 1994 Ford Ranger
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Ford explorer turn sinal problem got fixed - YouTube

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www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2SUGIvYAWc
Jul 12, 2013 - Uploaded by Raybob216 My 04 exployer left turn signal and break light not working fix loose wires behind ... bulb and come to find out wire had popped out of the harness. ... How to Change Ford Explorer 2002 Flasher Relay for Hyper Flasher Relay ... How To Install Replace Turn Signal Wiper High Beam Switch Ford Ranger 95-98 ...

You need a carburator adjustment. I'm guessing it is a 302cid? It's burning too lean

Turn key on, turn blower switch on, unplug connector off blower motor, with test light check for power and ground at the connector. If signals are good, replace blower motor. If signals are not good, possible blower resistor failed , fuse , relay , controller, etc...

check out the ground wires and see if there is any that are broke

try turning your lights on.....

check the flasher reley if it's not a burnt fuse put on the 4 ways track the sound under dash the other flasher rely cant be far from it
switch em arround check if they work now

you would have to remove the plastic cover from the steering column, and then replace the turn signal assembly. should only be a couple screws and a few electrical plugs. make sure you disconnect the negative(-) battery terminal untill you are done with the repair.

turn signal switch is out that is how thay all do when they are out

Hi.You have a short to ground.The cruise control wont cause the turn signals to fail cause they are in a seperate electrical circuit.Remove the bezel from under the steering colume nd look for any chafed wires.