Strange Electrical Problem with Turn Signals

**jcws6** · 07-08-2011, 07:51 AM

We had a pretty big storm here a few weeks ago. Shortly thereafter (might've been a coincidence), I noticed that my turn signals weren't working. The arrow on the dash just stayed on, instead of flashing. So, I replaced the flasher module with one from Advanced Auto.

Now, the arrows on the dash flash fine, and the taillights flash. But the front turn signal lights don't even come on. Neither turn signal position turns the lights on, and the hazards don't either. They aren't on as the DRLs, but both lights DO come on when I have the headlights up.

What the hell?

**smasher** · 07-08-2011, 08:25 AM

I had a similar problem. My left turn indication didn't blink, it just stayed ON. This was caused by a bad Front left bulb. Upon inspection I found the bulb was still good, but there was a bad connection in the socket. The wires showed signs of a rough life; they were brown and overheated. I was going to repair/replace the connector but it started working after I had inspected it. So I think just inspecting the wires or pushing them in may help with an intermittant connection. I think thats what happened for me.

**jcws6** · 07-08-2011, 09:06 AM

My issue isn't intermittent. The lights never turn on unless the headlights are on.

**cammed goat** · 07-08-2011, 01:29 PM

You might have a short in both front harnesses. I think the grounds for those wires are on the radiator core support. Inspect them and let us know what you find.

**JayTA98** · 07-09-2011, 05:22 AM

agreed with all the above. Inspect the bulb sockets as well. They are prone to get corroded. You might need to clean them or replace them.

**Jorgens** · 07-09-2011, 05:42 AM

Also the flasher may be bad. I had a similar incident where I replaced the flasher. Right blinker worked, left did not. Thought bulbs, wires, who knows what. Turns out it was the flasher module, replaced that with a new one and returned the other "new" one to autozone and told the guy. he'd never heard of anything like it. but they all work fine now....

Long story short, double check that flasher!!!!

**JayTA98** · 07-09-2011, 08:18 AM

If the other turn signal flashes good is not the flasher. Both turn signals use the same flasher

**jcws6** · 07-11-2011, 06:48 AM

I didn't get a chance to check the harnesses yet, but here's some more strange behavior:

When the headlights are up, the front marker (turn signal) lights are on, as they should be. However, they won't flash when I hit the turn signal switch.

Thoughts?

**JayTA98** · 07-11-2011, 07:09 AM

Originally Posted by jcws6

I didn't get a chance to check the harnesses yet, but here's some more strange behavior:

When the headlights are up, the front marker (turn signal) lights are on, as they should be. However, they won't flash when I hit the turn signal switch.

Thoughts?

Thsi could be something as simple as your bulbs are bad. There are 2 filaments in the bulbs. You need to pull out the sockets and inspect them including the bulbs.

**jcws6** · 07-11-2011, 01:14 PM

Originally Posted by JayTA98

Thsi could be something as simple as your bulbs are bad. There are 2 filaments in the bulbs. You need to pull out the sockets and inspect them including the bulbs.

Alright, that makes sense. I just replaced both f'ing bulbs last year. Dielectric grease & all. Even swapped a housing.

Screw this, I'm going LED. I saw your thread about these (thanks, by the way) and realize that this is a lot better than cramming my hand inside the front bumper every year.

**JayTA98** · 07-11-2011, 01:19 PM

Originally Posted by jcws6

Alright, that makes sense. I just replaced both f'ing bulbs last year. Dielectric grease & all. Even swapped a housing.

Screw this, I'm going LED. I saw your thread about these (thanks, by the way) and realize that this is a lot better than cramming my hand inside the front bumper every year.

the LEDs are a nice option. i went with those becuase my sockets were getting very hot and with time was messing them up. If you don't control the water/moisture issue even the LED will cause issues. Make sure the sockets are clean and in good shape but also inspect the housing for cracks. Look at the socket gasket and inspect them. If they look broke or rot you need to replace those. Apply dielectric grease like you did before. Autotrix sells a set of oversized gaskets that help to seal the sockets better.