Diagnosing Car Problems: Turn Signals
Turn the key on to the run position. Push the turn signal switch in either direction. Does the light on the dash blink or does it stay lit without blinking? Do the same to the opposite side and note the answers to the same questions.
If the turn signal light on the dash lights up and flashes at a normal rate leave them on and exit the car and check the front and back. See if the bulbs are working. Do the same for the opposite side. Check inside and then the bulbs operation in the front and rear. If the dash turn signal lights were flashing in either direction most likely one of the bulbs is not lighting and will be located easily.
When the turn signal switch is moved to either position and the dash light stays on but does not blink then the problem is with the turn signal flasher, which needs to be replaced. The flasher can be located under the dash on the driver's side. It is always near the steering column and is the size of a normal relay. It can either be square or round and usually has the word DOT on the top.
If the dash turn signal indicators did not illuminate in either direction then there is a power or wiring problem. Start by checking the fuse in the fuse block, which is generally in one of two locations - just to the left of the steering column under the dash. It should have an access panel marked "fuses." The other location is also on the driver's side but on the side of the dash facing the door. It also has the fuse designation on it.
If the fuse was blown just replace it with the same amperage. If it was not blown, then turn on the emergency flashers. If the emergency flashers function and the indicator lights on the dash work the turn signal switch is at fault and needs to be replaced.
Published by Don Bowman
Don has been in the automotive business for over 40 years. He has owned his own shop for 25 of those years. View profile
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6 Comments
Post a CommentMy signal %27switch%27 %28arm%29 makes a high pitch squeal%2C is the only way I can describe it....when I use it. But...it stops and resumes again after a couple weeks. Weird..what is going on%3F They work perfectly otherwise.
Hi, Linda - yep, the switch needs to be replaced - just be careful when you talk to the mechanic. There are two "switches." The actual stick is called a switch, as is the wiring harness inside.
Jesse - make sure the hazard button is all the way off. If it's not completely off, you can run into this situation. Sometimes the button can get caught on the plastic cover of the steering column. If, after making sure the hazard button is all the way off and it still does this, you most likely have a problem in the turn signal switch - that would have to be fixed by your mechanic.
my gmc envoy 2004 is having a wright signal problem. when i put the signaler to turn wright the hazzards light starts blinking some times. what should i do?
I have never had any problems with my signals.. good info though!
Alas, my turn signal problems are in the turn signal "stick" itself; I have to manually hold the indicator in the direction I want signal to blink. But hey, better than no signals at all--and I never have to worry if I am driving with my turn signal still on.