Turn signal blinks too fast on 2001 Dadge Grand Caravan

FARGOFLUXUS

MEMBER
2001 DODGE CARAVAN
3.8L
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
185,000 MILES

Hi,

I own a 2001 Grand Caravan. Recently the left turn signal began to blink quickly. I initially checked the flashing bulb in the headlight compartment (the rear blinking appeared normal - quicker on the left side, but equally bright). It was flashing but not as brightly as the right front turn signal bulb. I removed the left bulb from the housing (still connected) and observed it again more closely. I compared it to the working bulb on the front right side. There are two filaments in these bulbs. In the right bulb the brighter inside filament was flashing. In the left bulb the outer dimmer filament was flashing. I swapped the bulbs and the problem remained with the left side, not with the bulb. I turned on the emergency flasher. Same issue (left side was dim, right side was bright- but they both blinked at the same normal rate). When I turned on the parking lights the bulb was out completely on the left, bright on the right. When I turned on the headlights, the left flasher was again completely out (even with left turn signal on or emergency flasher on). The right side acted normally. All of the contacts look clean and not corroded.

I have been looking around and can't find a solution to this problem. I don't know if this is a grounding issue or another issue. I don't mind bringing it to a mechanic if it requires a complicated solution, but if there is a simple solution then I'd like to tackle it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,133 POSTS

My first guess is that you have a bad socket and both elements are not making contact. What to do is get a test light and check to see if there is power to the socket when you use the signals. The test light will need grounded, so make sure you find a good ground. When you test the socket, only touch one thing at a time so as to not blow the fuse. Check both power supplies in the socket to make sure you have power. If you look at the bottom of the bulb, you will see 4 places that need to make contact. Two are power and the other two are grounds. When checking the socket, make sure not to cross a ground with a power supply or it will short and blow a fuse. Again, you should get power to at least one of the leads with the parking lights on and to the other supply with the turn signal.

Just a note. The fast flashing indicates a blown bulb or an open circuit.