What Are the Reasons for One Side of the Car's Turn Signal Not Lighting Up?
2 Answers
Possible reasons for one side of the car's turn signal not lighting up include a short circuit, a faulty flasher relay, excessive contact gap, and other factors. Below are the relevant explanations: Short Circuit: First, check if the live wire terminal of the flasher relay has power. If there is no power, check for any open circuit between the wire and the power source. If there is power, use a screwdriver to connect the two terminals of the flasher relay. If the turn signal lights up, it indicates a faulty flasher relay, which should be replaced promptly. If it does not light up, check the flasher relay. Flasher Relay Fault: Open the flasher relay cover and check if the coil and resistor are intact. If the resistor heats up and the contacts cannot close, press the movable contact. If the turn signal lights up at this point, it indicates a faulty relay. Adjust the contact gap if it is too large. Excessive Contact Gap: If the turn signal does not light up when the movable contact is pressed and the contacts are closed, use a screwdriver to short-circuit the contacts. If the light turns on, it indicates oxidized contacts. If the turn signal still does not light up, the turn signal switch may be faulty. Use a screwdriver to connect the live wire of the turn signal switch to the left and right light wire terminals separately. If the light turns on, it indicates a faulty turn signal switch, which should be removed for repair or replacement.
Once while driving, I noticed the left turn signal wasn't working, which usually means the bulb on that side has burned out and needs replacement. If it's the right light that's not working, the cause is similar—first check if the bulb is blackened or the filament is broken. Turn signals operate through electrical connections, and poor contact in the wiring is a common issue, such as a loose or oxidized plug, preventing current from passing through. Additionally, the fuse might have blown—locate the turn signal fuse in the car's fuse box, remove it, and check if it's blackened. A faulty relay could also be the culprit; it acts like a small switch controlling the light's flashing and needs replacement if broken. If there's a short circuit, the light may suddenly go out—feel the bulb or socket for any signs of overheating. Don't take this lightly—if your turn signal isn't working, others can't see your turning intentions, increasing the risk of accidents. I recommend immediately turning on the hazard lights and finding a safe place to pull over. Replacing a bulb yourself is quick and easy, taking about five minutes, but if you're unsure, drive to a repair shop for inspection to prevent minor issues from becoming major ones. Remember to regularly clean the lamp sockets to reduce contact problems and avoid such faults.
