Repair Topics / Car Turn Signal Blinkers

Car Turn Signal Blinkers - Directional Light Problems

• Why won't my blinkers work on a 1994 - 2005 Ford car?
• Why won't my blinkers work?
• Why do my turn signals blink fast?
• Why is one headlight dim?
• Do I have a burned fuse connector?
• How to change a headlight bulb
• How does an electrical system work?
• How does a neutral safety switch work?
• Car is making a clicking noise
• How to reprogram a key fob remote control
• Car door, hood or trunk lid won't close
• One or all brake lights not working

MORE: Directional signal light questions

Question:  2002 Hyundai Elantra, miles: 77,200. Hello, I have had my car for a while now it has been pretty good till now. The blinkers work sometimes and not others?. What is up with that?

Answer: It sounds like the turn signal flasher is starting to fail. Replace with new to repair problem, recheck system.

Question: 1996 Chevrolet S10 Blazer, mileage: 194,000. The turn signal indicator lights stopped working. I have changed the fuse (15 amp) in the fuse box, and someone says it might be a "flasher"? The emergency lights DO work, and it doesn't seem to be a problem with any of the bulbs as the flasher's all work... any clue?

Answer:   Your turn signal flasher has failed and need replacing.

Question: 2002 Ford Mustang, miles: 89,000. The driver side rear blinker is not working. The passenger side works without a problem. I checked the bulb and it was not burned out. I check the fuse box and notice that none of the fuses are burnt out. Can you please advise as to what the possible problem could be?

Answer:   Using a 12-volt test light test the connector in the rear blinker socket. If you have 12 volts when the blinker is on, then you probably have a failed bulb that it difficult to tell. Also test ground circuit by connecting the test light to the case (ground) of the light socket. the test light should blink.

Question: 2001 Chevrolet Astro, mileage: 88,000. When I turn left, the switch for the clicker no longer shuts itself off, which is bothersome but not critical... still I would like to fix it. It's strange because it still shuts itself off when I turn right. The rest of the system is in perfect condition. What's involved in fixing it- replacing the whole arm, or is there some kind of a tab in the steering column that has fallen off or something? Would I have to remove the steering wheel that seems to be the only way to get any access? I looked but I can't find anything like this already posted on your page. Thanks a lot

Question:  2002 Hyundai Elantra, miles: 77,200. Hello, I have had my car for a while now it has been pretty good till now. The blinkers work sometimes and not others?. What is up with that?

Answer: It sounds like the turn signal flasher is starting to fail. Replace with new to repair problem, recheck system.

Question: 1996 Chevrolet S10 Blazer, mileage: 194,000. The turn signal indicator lights stopped working. I have changed the fuse (15 amp) in the fuse box, and someone says it might be a "flasher"? The emergency lights DO work, and it doesn't seem to be a problem with any of the bulbs as the flasher's all work... any clue?

Answer:   Your turn signal flasher has failed and need replacing.

Question: 2002 Ford Mustang, miles: 89,000. The driver side rear blinker is not working. The passenger side works without a problem. I checked the bulb and it was not burned out. I check the fuse box and notice that none of the fuses are burnt out. Can you please advise as to what the possible problem could be?

Answer:   Using a 12-volt test light test the connector in the rear blinker socket. If you have 12 volts when the blinker is on, then you probably have a failed bulb that it difficult to tell. Also test ground circuit by connecting the test light to the case (ground) of the light socket. the test light should blink.

Question: 2001 Chevrolet Astro, mileage: 88,000. When I turn left, the switch for the clicker no longer shuts itself off, which is bothersome but not critical... still I would like to fix it. It's strange because it still shuts itself off when I turn right. The rest of the system is in perfect condition. What's involved in fixing it- replacing the whole arm, or is there some kind of a tab in the steering column that has fallen off or something? Would I have to remove the steering wheel that seems to be the only way to get any access? I looked but I can't find anything like this already posted on your page. Thanks a lot

Question: 1999 BMW M3, mileage: 84,000. My left front turn signal/parking light is considerably "dimmer" than the right. I have cleaned the contact points and replaced the duel filament bulbs in both, but the problem persists. The rears appear normal, but I've replaced them as well (just to be sure). From time to time when applying the left hand signal I get a "Fast Tempo" signal (indicating the bulb is burned), however, the bulb is NOT burned, it just is not very BRIGHT! When I test the hazards (with the parking lights on), I either get the left light/ signal dimmer than the right, OR I get a 'Left- Right- Left- right' Strobe effect in the front signals, instead of 'Both on- both off- both on- etc.' I'm guessing its a relay, but in my maintenance manuals (I have Hayes and Chilton) I don't see a relay labeled "Flashers" or anything similar. Any thoughts?

Answer:   The ground for the malfunctioning light circuit has failed. The electrical currant is back feeding the system making it appear dim. Repair ground circuit to repair problem.

Question: 1999 Ford Thunderbird, mileage: 95,000.  Brake lights, turn signals and emergency flasher quit working.  Checked the fuses and bulbs, they are okay.  Where do I look next?

Answer: Check the power distribution center, it has power relays that control those systems.

Question: 1998 Nissan Sentra, mileage: 100,000.  My turn indicators stop working sometimes.  I have turned the car off and on a few times to get them started again.  Is there any way to fix that?

Answer:  Check the turn signal flasher, it sounds like it is failing.

Question: 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer, miles: 89,000 Where can I find my flasher unit for my turn single?

Answer: Your turn signal flasher should be located in the convenience center under the hood

Question: 1999 Chevrolet Lumina, mileage: 75,000.  Right turn signal not working.  Cannot find fuse, if that is the problem.  When turning on the right turn signal the lights come on but will not flash.  Can you tell me the problem?  Thanks

Answer:   Check the turn signal flasher integrated into the hazard switch.

Question: 2002 Dodge Durango, mileage: 73,000.  The flashers on my car had quit working. I replaced the flasher under the dash and they worked again.  Then the brake lights started to stay on some times after driving.  I was going to change the brake light switch, but then the lights quit staying on all on their own.  As soon as they quit staying on, the turn signals stopped working again.  I then replaced the flasher under the dash again but this time that was not the problem; they still do not work but the brake lights work with no problem.

Answer:   Your problem may be in the turn signal switch. Replacing it should fix your problem.

Question: 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer, mileage: 134,000.  My turn indicator switch located on the steering column went out.  I am tempted to fix it myself due to the large expense to have it replaced.  Do I need to pull the steering column? I do have an expansive knowledge of car repair, but much better on older models.  help me in my dilemma

Question: 2003 Oldsmobile Alero mileage: 76,634.  I am having some problems with my right turn signal; it will come on, but it will not flash.  I went to the auto parts store and they told me that I needed a flasher, but I don't know where to install the flasher. The left signal is working fine.  Can you tell me where to install the flasher because I have looked under the panel on the inside of the car and the only thing I see there is the fuse section

Answer: First double check all bulbs on the side that has failed. The flasher in your car is coupled with the hazard switch.

Question: 2003 Acura RSX, mileage: 74,000.  My turn signal lights do not flash nor do the hazards flash.  When you press the arm to signal the light stays lit but does not flash.   I checked the fuse and it was good, I then put the fuse back in and the blinkers worked.  They lasted for a few minutes and the problem occurred again.  I repeated the same procedure by taking the fuse out and putting it in again, this worked but only for a short time.  What is the problem?  Thanks for your time.