The turn signal is one of the many tools at your disposal to help keep you safe on the road. It lets you inform other drivers about your intention to make a turn to the left or right. You must always make sure it works properly before taking your car out.
When you engage the turn signal, it normally flashes at a steady rate. If the turn signal blinks fast, there’s an issue you must identify and fix immediately.
What Does a Fast Blinking Turn Signal Mean?
When a turn signal blinks faster than usual, it’s typically a sign that a bulb is out. This feature is by design, to clue you into the fact that one of your blinkers isn’t fully operational. However, other reasons could be behind the acceleration of your turn signal’s rhythm.
- Sometimes, an issue can arise with the flasher relay.
- The bulb socket may be damaged, corroded, or loose.
- A problem in the circuit could contribute to a bad ground connection or weak voltage.
Another problem that has come up in more recent years is related to new technology. Upgrading your car’s lights from the normal incandescent turn signal bulbs to LED bulbs will use less energy, last longer, and appear brighter as you drive.
But the resistance is typically far lower, and it effectively confuses the relay or module that controls the flash, causing it to blink faster.
Driving with a fast-blinking turn signal is not illegal, but it does give the wrong impression to other drivers and may be unsafe due to the reduced signaling time.
Oncoming traffic might not see your signal or misinterpret your intention, and that can lead to accidents or traffic mishaps.
It can draw attention from traffic enforcement also, since it’s seldom the case that your turn signals flash fast on the exterior – there’s often at least one bulb that’s not working. It’s often an offense that can draw a fine when you drive with burnt-out lights.
How Does The Turn Signal Work?
Turn signals are the flashing lights that indicate whether a vehicle is turning left or right. All cars feature high-mounted turn signals and brake lights.
Overall, the turn signal structure and its circuit is standard in most types of vehicle. They often include 3 main parts as follows.
Signal circuits
The signal’s source travels from the battery to the turn signal relay through the fuse. When you move the signal lever up or down to activate the signal to the right or left, the control circuit completes.
The lightbulb
It then activates and transfers electricity through a second load circuit that contains the lights in the direction you specify. The bulb is then turned on. Instead of a constant “on” state, electricity is routed through a flasher to produce the flashing action.
The flashers
Temperature-assisted flashers of turn signals are designed to bend at specific intervals dependent on electrical conditions. They are designed with a tiny ring of heat-resistant metal.
The electrical current that runs through the band causes the metal to warm up and cool down by stretching and bending in order to break or complete the circuit’s operation, resulting in the flashing action.
Causes of Turn Signal Blinking Fast
A fast-blinking turn signal could indicate a bulb is going bad. It can also be caused by insufficient voltage, leading to an electrical malfunction.
There’s also always the chance that the turn signal fuse or relay has gone bad and needs to be replaced.
Here is a more detailed list of the causes why your turn signal is blinking fast:
#1. Bad Bulb.
The most obvious cause is a bulb that’s going bad. When the bulb becomes damaged or is worn out, the turn signal will blink faster because of the change in resistance.
Turn signal bulbs are wired in parallel with one another. Because of this design, the resistance is altered any time one bulb operates at a different level than the other bulbs.
#2. Insufficient Voltage.
Wiring is a major issue when it comes to automotive lights. If there’s not enough voltage coming from the power system – either because of a wiring issue or lack of battery charge – the turn signal could blink faster.
The ground connection also plays a part in the operation. If the ground connection to a bulb or relay is worn or damaged, the turn signals might not operate correctly.
#3. Malfunctioning Turn Signal Relay.
When the relay goes bad, the turn signals can operate faster. In some cases, water has infiltrated the relay and caused the defect, especially if the pins have started rusting.
When the relay fails, the hazard lights might also act erratically. In some cases, the turn signals or hazard lights won’t turn off at all.
#4. Defective Turn Signal Fuse.
If the fuse burns up, the turn signal won’t operate correctly. However, with most cars, when the fuse blows, the turn signals won’t work at all.
To find the fuse, you will want to reference the diagram outlined in the owner’s manual. It’s simple to see if a fuse is blown by examining the wire inside for any signs of a break.
Effects Of LED Turn Signal Lights Blinking Too Fast
The question of whether flashing lights are illegal is controversial, and their legality depends heavily on the exact speed at which the flashing occurs, and the state of the vehicle at the time of driving.
The Department of Transportation generally sets the speed at which a vehicle’s turn signal flashes at 120 times per minute, which may be a violation of the law if the problem of fast flashing turn signals becomes too serious.
However, normal turn signal flashing speed is not a problem and is relatively more secure and safe. In addition, excessive flashing of signals is harmful, and this is relative to others.
Super flashing lights can be a huge distraction to other drivers and can lead to serious accidents or injuries as they take their eyes off the road. Therefore, the problem of excessively flashing LED turn signals needs to be addressed.
Can a Fast Clicking Turn Signal Cause the Speedometer to Malfunction?
A fast clicking turn signal usually does not cause speedometer malfunction. However, if the turn signal is wired incorrectly or there is a faulty connection, it could potentially disrupt the electrical circuitry of the vehicle.
It is essential to diagnose the actual causes of speedometer malfunction, such as sensor issues or wiring problems, before assuming a relation with the turn signal.
How to fix Turn Signal Blinking Fast
Now that you know the most common reasons behind the turn signal blinking fast, let’s look at how to fix these problems.
#1. Install New Turning Signal Bulbs.
You can usually replace faulty turn signal bulbs with your own hands. Consult your owner’s manual or trusted sources on the correct process of accessing the bad bulb and installing a new one.
Take precautions like not touching the glass part of the replacement turn signal bulb to avoid damaging it. Also, use the proper bulbs to avoid perpetuating the problem.
#2. Clean the Corroded Turning Signal Bulb Socket.
Remove corrosion from the interior contacts. There are several ways to do this, and each approach has advantages and disadvantages.
#3. Inspect the Grounds For Bad Connections.
Check the entire length of the ground wire that runs from the negative terminal of the battery to the bulb housing of the signal light.
Tighten any loose connections that you come across and clean any dirty part. If the wire shows any signs of corrosion, fraying, or damage, you might need to replace the ground.
#4. Replace the Combination Switch.
If you identified a bad combination switch as the reason for the turn signal blinking fast, install a new switch.
#5. Install a New Turn Signal Relay.
While you activate and deactivate the turn signal with the combination switch, the turn signal relay is the part that controls how the blinkers work. In some cases, replacing this relay can return the turn signals to their normal state of operation.
#6. Install Inline Resistors.
Sometimes, you want to change the performance of the turn signals by replacing their light bulbs. Doing so can lead to resistance problems, however.
Your vehicle’s flash module operates on the principle of circuit resistance. If you replace the light bulb with one with lower resistance, the flash might cycle quicker than normal, leading to faster blinking.
If you want to keep the new light bulbs while returning the blinking to their normal speed, install inline resistors to return the flasher to its normal performance.
#7. Electrical System Repair.
If inline resistors didn’t do the trick, you might have to inspect your vehicle’s electrical system for problems. Search for loose wires and tighten their connection or replace them as necessary.
How to replace a turn signal bulb
Replacing a burnt turn signal bulb is quite simple. You can get a replacement bulb at your local automotive shop or through your dealership.
Also note that different manufacturers have different ways of securing their bulbs, so the replacement steps differ.
To replace your turn signal, you need the following;
- New bulbs
- Protective gloves
- Manufacturer’s owners manual
- Flathead screwdriver
Use the following steps to change your turn signal bulb;
- Open the hood and check the back of the headlight to gain access to the front turn signal. You’ll see the turn signal bulb at the back of the headlight. You might have to move your battery a bit to access the bulb.
- You can access the rear bulb by checking the back of the taillights. If you can’t see it, remove the trunk carpet.
- In older cars, you might have to remove the turn signal housing to replace the bulb. In such an event, locate all the retaining notches and unscrew them to gain access to the turn signal bulb.
- Twist and pull the light socket from behind the light housing. Unscrew the bad bulb from the light socket and replace it with the new bulb.
- After installing the bulb, twist the light socket back into place.
- Be careful while removing and replacing the bulbs because they’re very fragile.
How much does it cost to fix Turning Signal blinking fast problems?
Fixing a signal blinking fast could cost from $50 to 200, excluding labor. The problem has different causes, and the cause determines the fix.
For instance, an indicator light would cost between $25 and $50. If you do the replacement yourself, it will leave you at the cost of a bulb.
However, hiring a professional could cost you an extra $100 that can be compensated with an efficient fix.
FAQs.
Q: How fast should turn signals blink?
Working turn signals have an average cadence of 60 to 120 blinks per minute, according to SAE Standard J590b. When anything is wrong, the blinking speed or clicking sound may increase.
Q: Does every turn signal blink at the same speed?
The majority of turn signals are powered by an electromechanical mechanism. Two separate turn signals seldom flash at the same pace, even among automobiles of the same make and model.
Due to manufacturing tolerances, battery state of charge, ambient temperature, and a variety of other factors.
Q: Are fast turn signals blinking illegal?
The turn signal flashes fast may be considered inappropriate by federal authorities.
Q: How much do you have to pay to fix a fast blinking turn signal?
The typical cost to replace a turn signal bulb is between $80 and $110. Prices vary based on the type of automobile you own and the type/quality of the auto center you head to.
Q: What are the symptoms when a turn signal flasher of a car goes bad?
The danger or turn signal lights not working is the most prevalent indication of a damaged or non-functional turn/hazard light.
When the turn signal lever or danger light button is engaged and the flash is broken or has any internal faults, the light may malfunction or become entirely unresponsive.
Conclusion
In this article, we have looked at the question, “Why is my blinker blinking fast.” Now we understand that having a fast-blinking turn signal is not normal.
The problem is electrical, caused by anything damage that affects the current flowing through the turn signal. And the fix can either be DIY or a premium, depending on your guts.