By Tsukasa Azuma
Last updated Feb 03, 2024
0 comments
Turn signal relay is the easiest system in your car to analyze and solve when it’s wrong. Unless your signal flasher is working, it will be hard for you to maneuver the car tightly. But the good news is that troubleshooting your bad turn signal relay symptoms isn’t too difficult.
What Is The Turn Signal Relay?
We call the electrical apparatus that dictates turn signals a turn signal relay or hazard. The majority of turn signal lights on road working vehicles are controlled by a flasher, also called a relay which is an electrical component that serves the lights to flash on and off.
The turn signal relay is typically a small, box-shaped device located in or near the fuse box or under the dashboard. It is connected to the vehicle’s electrical system and receives input from the turn signal switch, which is usually located on the steering column. When the driver activates the turn signal by moving the switch up or down, the turn signal relay receives an electrical signal, which causes it to open and close a circuit, resulting in the flashing of the turn signal lights.
The relay’s timing mechanism ensures that the turn signal lights flash at a consistent rate, typically around 60 to 120 times per minute, depending on the vehicle and regional regulations. This flashing pattern alerts other drivers and pedestrians to the driver’s intention to change lanes or make a turn, improving overall road safety.
If the turn signal lights fail to operate or flash at an irregular rate, it could indicate a malfunctioning turn signal relay. In such cases, replacing the faulty relay is usually the solution. However, it’s important to note that the exact location and design of the turn signal relay can vary between different vehicle makes and models. Consulting the vehicle’s owner’s manual or seeking professional assistance is recommended for accurate identification and replacement of the turn signal relay.
Bad Turn Signal Relay Symptoms
A turn signal relay problem is mainly the result of a burned bulb or a malfunctioning turn signal relay. There are many symptoms of a bad turn signal relay problem. Usually a failing turn signals will have some symptoms below that can alert the driver of a potential issue.
Turn signal relay do not function
The broken flasher is the most popular symptom of a bad turn signal relay. It can cause the lights to not function when you press the hazard light button. Although this problem may not lead to serious engine performance issues, it’s so dangerous when your turn signals aren’t working.
If the signal blinks really fast, you may have a dead bulb. You can easily replace a turn signal bulb like any broken bulb. It’s easy to change and doesn’t cost much.
If the bulbs aren’t the cause, you have to change the turn signal flasher for good.
See more:
- How to prevent brakes smoking
- How to reset check engine light
Before changing the turn signal relay, please be sure to check flasher relays for turn signals or hazard lights because they are separate in some cars.
First of all, of course, buy yourself a new turning signal switch. Look for your replay cluster location. Most of the vehicle’s owner’s manual book comes with your specific model will show exactly where it is about. And for 100% all the car, it’s the join of different electrical components. Next, remove the old turn signal relay and add the new one. And it’s the only way to insert the relay. Don’t be worried about installing it incorrectly, it will go in the right way. Also, read our maintenance tips given by the experts to know more about other car problems.
Turn signal relay keep lighting
Another symptom of a bad turn signal relay is that it stays on, instead of flashing. Despite lighting up, they won’t emerge others that the driver wants to turn left/ right or other situations. The main result of this problem is electrical issues. Therefore, checking the vehicle regularly is necessary.
Other lights fail to work
In some cases, additional lights such as headlights, running lights, or brake lights may also not function along with your turn signal relay. The reason is that these lights may connect through or with your hazards in some cars. So, occasionally, unless your turn signals are wrong, it leads to other lights not working.
Further Troubleshooting
If your turn signals still don’t work after you’ve replaced your bad turn signal relay and looked at the bulbs are working, you’ll have to check the electricity.
Sometimes, the one thing you should do is check the connections. You have to access the back of the turn signal housings to replace your bulbs. In this location, unplug the connection between your tail lights, front turn signals, and the car’s electrical system, then plug them back in one at a time. In some cases, this action may help you to address the problem.
In another case, you should think about the random fuses when your turn signal relay symptom happens. A bad circuit that may seem to not affect the turn signals orbrake lights can somehow cause them to fail.
If you want to know more details, let’s see the video below:
