What Causes Poor Contact in the Turn Signal Lever?
3 Answers
1. When turning on the left or right turn signal or hazard lights, there is no normal (beeping) sound, and the turn signal does not light up. This situation is generally caused by two reasons: either the flasher relay is damaged, or the turn signal fuse has blown. The former can be replaced by yourself, while the latter requires carefully checking the turn signal circuit for any short circuits before replacing the turn signal fuse (usually, the turn signal fuse is marked with a pattern or text in the car's fuse box). Additionally, because flasher relays vary by vehicle model, they generally have three sockets, so it's important to purchase a flasher relay that matches your vehicle model. 2. When turning on either the left or right turn signal, the flashing frequency of the left and right turn signals is inconsistent—one side flashes faster, and the other slower. This phenomenon is mainly caused by the left and right turn signal bulbs having different power ratings or poor contact somewhere in the turn signal circuit (most commonly at the connector). 3. When turning on either the left or right turn signal, it works normally, but when the hazard lights are turned on, one side does not light up. The main cause of this phenomenon is a faulty hazard light switch, and replacing the hazard light switch should resolve the issue. 4. When turning on any turn signal, only a sharp squeaking sound is heard, and the light does not illuminate, but the noise stops immediately when the signal is turned off.
As a car enthusiast who loves to tinker, I've found that turn signal lever contact issues are often caused by oxidation or wear on the contacts. Prolonged use of the turn signals causes internal metal plates to rub and eventually rust, while dust and grease take advantage of the gaps to clog them up, disrupting current flow. Loose or corroded wiring connections are also accomplices, especially in rainy and humid conditions where rusting is more likely. This problem tends to surface as the vehicle ages—for example, my old car developed this issue just after ten years, with the lights flickering annoyingly. If not addressed promptly, it can lead not only to turn signal failure but also affect driving signals and increase the risk of collisions. That's why I always remind the mechanic to check the switch during routine maintenance, and occasionally use compressed air to blow around the lever. However, it's best to have a professional shop thoroughly clean or replace small components to prevent minor issues from escalating. Though a small problem, it's a safety concern that shouldn't be overlooked.
Having driven for many years, I've seen quite a few reasons for turn signal lever failures. The core issue is contact burnout or aging, where repeated mechanical movements cause metal fatigue leading to tiny cracks. External factors also contribute—dust and water droplets can seep into the lever mechanism, forming an insulating layer that blocks current. Over time, cable connectors loosen, especially on bumpy roads, making poor contact more likely. From my experience, older vehicles are more prone to this, and seasonal checks can prevent problems. For solutions, start simple—like cleaning contacts—and replace components if that doesn’t work. Don’t ignore it; malfunctioning turn signals can mislead other drivers during turns, leading to accidents. Safety comes first. Taking prompt action is key.
