Not only is it frustrating to drive with broken turn signals, but it is also dangerous.
With that said, it’s essential to understand how and why your vehicle’s turn signal bulbs burn out or malfunction.
Here are some of the most common reasons why a turn signal bulb may malfunction:
- Faulty turn signal bulb
- A dead car battery
- A bad alternator
- Malfunctioning turn signal switch
- Issues with the electrical system
What Causes a Turning Signal Bulb to Malfunction?
Your turn signal lights might malfunction in a variety of ways. For example, they could start flickering, or they could stop working outright. You can also tell if something’s wrong with the bulb if the turn signals start flashing. Generally, signals will flash on the side with the bad bulb.
If you’re curious about some of the many different explanations as to how a vehicle’s turn signal bulbs could go wrong, read on.
You can also tell if something’s wrong with the bulb if the turn signals start flashing. Generally, signals will flash on the side with the bad bulb.
–Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
Faulty Bulbs
Carefully inspect your turn signal bulbs for burnt, darkened areas as well as signs of corrosion or other damage. If you hear rattling coming from inside the bulb, then the filament within might be broken.
If your bulb is damaged, it’s far easier and far more reliable to replace it than to try and repair it.
Dead Car Battery
The car battery is what powers all the electrical components of your vehicle, including the turn signal bulbs. If the car battery runs out of power, then your turn signal bulbs won’t be able to light themselves up.
If you have issues with electronic parts of your vehicle like the lights or the radio, you might want to check the health of your car battery.
Bad Alternator
The alternator is what charges the car battery as you drive. A bad alternator struggles to produce the electricity necessary to keep the car battery fully charged, meaning you might face problems like malfunctioning electrical components. This includes your turn signal bulbs.
Malfunctioning Turn Signal Switch
If your turn signal bulbs don’t appear burnt out yet don’t work properly, the problem might lie in the switch. Check the turn signal switch for broken or cracked plastic, corrosion, or loose connections. If your switch is broken, then it’s time to replace it.
Problems In the Electrical System
The electrical system is what relays power from the car battery to the various electronic components of your vehicle. If the wires get displaced or if any fuses blow out, there’s a good chance the electrical system will malfunction and cause various parts of the vehicle to malfunction—turn signal bulbs included.
Carefully inspect the wires and the connections of the turn signal bulbs to make sure everything is in the right place. It’s also important to keep a sharp eye out for any signs of damage so you can replace any parts that are beyond repair.
How to Replace a Turn Signal Bulb
Turn signal bulbs may burn out and require replacement over time. Here’s a quick guide to what the replacement procedure might entail.
Before doing any repairs on your vehicle, make sure to check your vehicle’s repair manual. If you’re pretty new to auto repairs, you can consult a mechanic or someone with advanced DIY knowledge.
- Park your vehicle.
- Lift the trunk or the hood of the vehicle, depending on which turn signal bulbs (front or rear) require replacement.
- Remove parts of the vehicle obstructing the way such as trim, body pieces, and other components.
- Disconnect the wires of the old turn signal bulbs before removing the component.
- Bear in mind that not all bulbs are removed the same way. Some pull out straight, whereas others need to be pushed in.
- Install the new turn signal bulbs. Avoid letting any contaminants such as oil or dirt into the assembly.
- Connect the wiring to the new turn signal bulbs.
- Test the lights to see if they work properly and make adjustments if necessary.
- Reinstall the parts that were removed to access the turn signal bulbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I do if the Turn Signal is Not Working but the Bulb is Good?
If you’re certain that your bulb is good but the turn signals still aren’t working properly, there might be a problem with your vehicle’s flasher relay, turn signal switch, or electrical system. Carefully inspect each of these parts as well as the wiring connecting the turn signals to the electrical system for any signs of damage.
How Long Does a Turn Signal Bulb Last?
On average, a turn signal bulb should last you up to 4,000 hours. Of course, this number could either increase or decrease depending on your driving habits. If you drive frequently and use your turn signals a lot, your vehicle’s turn signal bulbs might burn out sooner rather than later.
Should You Replace Both Turn Signal Bulbs At the Same Time?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended to replace both turn signal bulbs at the same time. This way, If one goes bad, the other will likely follow shortly afterward.
It’s also a good practice because having the two bulbs replaced at the same time means you can guarantee that the intensity and color of the beams will match. If you replace the bulbs one at a time, you won’t be able to completely guarantee that you can get evenly-matched beams.
Where to Get Replacement Parts to Fix Your Faulty Turn Signal Bulb
Whether your turn signal bulb is malfunctioning due to issues in the switch, car battery, alternator, or any of the other parts mentioned above, don’t put off addressing it. For top-notch replacement parts that you can get in as fast as two business days, shop online at CarParts.com.
All our products are on hand and ready to ship from a warehouse near you, so you can expect fast and reliable shipping. Choose from a wide array of OE-grade replacement parts sourced from leading aftermarket brands, and check out securely in minutes.
Our selection includes accurate and detailed fitment information, so you’re sure to get exactly what you need to fix your faulty turn signal bulb. Use our vehicle selector and search filters to narrow down our catalog to the parts that match your specific needs. Don’t hesitate to call our toll-free hotline if you have questions or need help with anything while shopping.
Shop now and get your turn signal bulb working like new in no time!
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
