A fast-blinking turn signal usually indicates that a turn-signal bulb is burned out on that side. However, there can also be other causes, most of which aren’t quite as simple to determine.
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A burned-out bulb makes the turn signals blink faster because it changes the resistance in the electric circuit, and that resistance is what makes the turn-signal flasher unit turn the lights on and off at a given pace. Change the resistance and it changes the pace.
Replacing the Bulb
To check which bulb is out, activate the turn signal for the side blinking faster and take a stroll around the car. Note that it’s possible there may be more than just the front and rear bulbs (there may be one on the side, for instance). If the broken one isn’t obvious, flip the turn-signal lever to turn on the other (i.e., good) side and check to see which lights are flashing.
If you intend to replace the bulb yourself, note that it’s often harder to do that on newer cars than it was on older ones. But if you can get the bulb out and it has a glass dome, you may be able to look at the filament — the thin wire inside that glows — to see if it’s intact. Even if it looks intact, flick the bulb with your finger to see if the filament vibrates, indicating it’s broken. If the filament seems good, you might want to do further tests before replacing the bulb.
If you determine the bulb needs to be replaced, check to make sure you get the correct bulb and that it’s inserted properly. Also, it’s best not to touch the glass part of the bulb with your bare hands; instead, try to grip it with a glove, cloth or paper towel. This not only keeps the oil on your hands from touching the glass (which could shorten the life of the new bulb), but also protects your hand if the glass bulb breaks.
If both turn signals seem to be flashing rapidly, you may have a bulb burned out on both sides. It could also be a problem with the turn-signal flasher, as the same flasher unit handles both sides. (Note that a different flasher unit may be used for the four-way emergency flashers.) The flasher unit is often a round metal canister about the size of a walnut that’s usually located in or near a fuse box; its location may be noted in your owner’s manual.
Other Possibilities
If the bulb seems OK or replacing it doesn’t fix the problem, things get a little trickier. The bulb fits into a socket, and corrosion inside the socket sometimes can prevent electricity from flowing through the bulb. You may be able to clean out the socket by scraping the contacts inside with a screwdriver.
Going beyond that will likely require some electrical testing equipment (such as a voltmeter) to test both the bulb and the socket. In the case of the latter, the power wire going to it can get detached or broken (it’s not uncommon for animals to eat the wires), or the socket’s ground wire could be broken or corroded. If you’re lacking the tools and know-how, it may be time to contact a mechanic.
While the rapid flashing of a turn signal may be annoying, it’s also a great warning device. How else would you know that your turn signal isn’t working?
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Why Is My Turn Signal Blinking Fast? - Cars.com
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