What Causes the Turn Signal to Stay On Without Flashing?
2 Answers
Turn signal staying on without flashing is usually caused by a faulty relay. The solution is to replace the fuse inside the relay. It may also be due to a loose connection in the wiring, which requires inspection and can be done at a repair shop. The two wires of the flasher have polarity; if they are connected in reverse, the light will stay on without flashing. In this case, simply swap the two wires of the flasher. Introduction to Turn Signals: Turn signals are important indicator lights that are activated when a motor vehicle is turning, alerting surrounding vehicles and pedestrians. How Turn Signals Work: Turn signal bulbs use xenon tubes, controlled by a microcontroller circuit, alternating left and right with continuous flashing. The turn signal employs a flasher to achieve the blinking effect. Types of Turn Signals: Turn signals can mainly be divided into three types: resistance wire type, capacitor type, and electronic type.
Last time I encountered the issue of a constantly lit turn signal, I was quite puzzled. While driving, I noticed the left turn signal stayed on without blinking, which gave me a scare. I immediately pulled over to check and found that the bulb was actually fine. Later, I discovered it was the flasher relay—this little metal box—that had gone bad. It acts like a current switch; if it fails to cut off the power when it should, the light stays on. I tried locating the relay box in the engine compartment myself but ended up wasting time. Eventually, I took it to the repair shop, where the mechanic replaced the relay and also checked the wiring contact points. My advice is not to tough it out if you face this situation—get it fixed promptly, as a non-blinking turn signal can easily lead to a rear-end collision.
