Left turn signal flashes rapidly, front and rear bulbs?

TECH2020

MEMBER
2009 HONDA CIVIC
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
90,000 MILES

Today (7-1-23) I noticed when using the Left turn signal the lights flash fast (all lights appear to work), the right is still typical. I looked into the bulbs (left front and rear) as best I could, and I did not see a blown filament. So, is there a flasher that could be bad? If yes, please let me know the location. If I need to get to the bulbs of the front left, I would need to have directions to do that, it does not appear straight-forward.
Thanks!
Tom

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,289 POSTS

Hi Tom,

When the flasher runs at double time, which is an indication that a bulb is out. Did you check both the front and the rear when the signal was on to see if you noticed a difference from the opposite side?

Take a look through this link and let me know if it helps:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/turn-signals-blink-rapidly

Let me know.

Joe

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Saturday, July 1st, 2023 AT 8:28 PM

TECH2020

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33 POSTS

Joe,

When I looked for a bulb failure there was no obvious dead bulb. Can an incandescent car bulb be bad and still emit light? I could remove the rear bulb and inspect it closely, the filament appeared fine but not the front, it seems it will be difficult to get access to it. I will try to compare the left and right signals both front and back for brightness difference.
Tom

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Saturday, July 1st, 2023 AT 11:02 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,289 POSTS

Tom,

If there are two bulbs in the front or rear for the same side, one can cause it, but it tricks you into thinking it is working normally.

Also, if the filament is bad, it won't light. However, I have seen many that appear good but are not.

Let me know how things are turning out for you or if I can help.

Take care and Happy 4th!

Joe

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Sunday, July 2nd, 2023 AT 1:13 PM

TECH2020

MEMBER
33 POSTS

Hey Joe,

The Left signal worked correctly for a short time today, then was bad again suggesting maybe a faulty contact. I removed the front signal lamp (watched a YouTube video) and installed a spare lamp I already had, it worked fine. I tested the original rear signal lamp by connecting it to a battery, it worked well. I applied my contact cleaner/conditioner to the original lamp (and socket) and now it also works fine. :-) If the left turn signal acts up again I may replace the lamp socket.

Thanks so much for your help and suggestions, enjoy your July 4th!
Tom

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Monday, July 3rd, 2023 AT 5:04 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,289 POSTS

Thanks for the update, Tom. It sounds like you may have simply had a loose bulb or the one you replaced may have been failing.

Regardless, I'm glad it's working again. If it changes, let me know. Also, feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Take care,

Joe