Blinkers occasionally work
The blinkers only work once in awhile. Sometimes I hit the dashboard and they work. Other times they don't work at all. Sometimes they work all day.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
If the blinker comes on when you hit the dash I believe your hazard switch may be bad. The contacts on the hazard switch fail when they get hot and the heater is running. It appears to be a common problem and that can be fixed by replacing the hazard switch. A technician from YourMechanic will be glad to replace the turn signal switch for you if needed.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
You may be dealing with bad bulbs, a bad flasher relay, a faulty turn signal switch, or a bad wire or connector between the flasher unit and the turn signal switch. First, check the bulbs to see if they are still in good shape: No darkened areas or damaged filaments.
Why do my blinker-signal lights blink faster sometimes? When your blinker-signal lights blink faster than usual it means your lights are out. It is your car`s way of telling you that you need to change out the light bulbs so your blinkers can function normally.
Another problem is both turn signals on one side not working. This could indicate bad bulbs or bad ground in both housings. While testing the turn signal, if one signal light does not illuminate, check for corrosion in the socket, replace the bulb, and check for poor ground at the socket.
The good news is that all of these symptoms point to two possible issues, a bad turn signal relay or a dead bulb. If the signal blinks really fast, you have a bulb out on that side. If it doesn`t come on at all or doesn`t blink, you`ll need to replace your turn signal relay.
Poor or Damaged Electrical Connections
A bad ground will cause resistance in the turn signal circuit which will deprive the blinkers of power and cause them to dim or blink inconsistently.
It is usually located under the driver`s side of the dash, and is wired in-line with the turn signal lever and hazard switch buttons.
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.
You must always signal for long enough to give sufficient warning to other road users. How long depends on the situation: Signal for at least 100 feet before you turn left or right. Signal for at least 5 seconds before changing lanes on the freeway or highway.
If the lights are working fine but are not flashing, this is an issue with the turn signal flasher or turn signal switch. If you want to check this problem out yourself, you will need to access the signal switch electrical connector.
You must always signal for long enough to give sufficient warning to other road users. How long depends on the situation: Signal for at least 100 feet before you turn left or right. Signal for at least 5 seconds before changing lanes on the freeway or highway.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Front blinker issues. Blinkers work but flashing fast. Front blinkers are on but don’t flash when headlights are on.
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. It seems that the new bulbs that were put in most likely were not the correct bulbs. If the bulb has higher resistance than it should or improper grounding can cause the light to flash too fast. I recommend having the bulbs checked and the ground checked.
If you would like help, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect and diagnose this issue for you, and make or suggest any repairs as needed.
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Windshield wipers stopped working. They’ll suddenly stop working then suddenly start working again. Has been happening for a week.
ANSWER : The problem you are describing likely stems from an intermittent electrical fault in the wiper circuit. The windshield wiper system uses a small electric motor to move the wiper arms that you see on the windshield. That electric motor is controlled through a switch, relay, fuse, and wiring. One, or more, of those electrical components has failed although it is also possible that the mechanical arms are binding (seized, if the lubricant has dried out) thus causing the electric circuit to the motor to overload. Regardless of the underlying fault, if you request a non functioning wiper diagnostic/repair, the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
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My dash board don’t work my front light work when I change my light into high beam and my back window won’t go down
ANSWER : As unfortunate as it is, your vehicle would be considered flood damaged. Diagnosing electrical problems in a flood damaged vehicle is nearly impossible. This would take many hours or even days to determine which wiring harnesses and circuits have been affected. Then nearly all of the wiring under the dash would likely require replacement as well as many sensors and switches. On a BMW vehicle, the amount of wires and switches are likely more than that of a lower end vehicle. Due to the inefficiency in cost, you would likely be able to purchase another BMW like yours for less than what it would cost to fix your car. Many insurance companies would consider this type of damage to total out the vehicle unfortuantely.
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Right, Rear Turn Signal Not Working but its a New Bulb
ANSWER : It only takes a small amount of corrosion to interrupt the flow of current. You probably just have a dirty light socket. If you get a small strip of 400 grit sandpaper and rub it on the contact surfaces in the bulb socket, that will probably get you working. If that doesn’t do the trick, you have to get a test light or a meter and go hunting for the interruption. If you would like to have a technician do this for you, you can contact Your Mechanic and have one come to your home or office and check out your turn signals for you.
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An inconsistent starter motor that occasionally works perfectly now will not work. Then engine will not crank at all.
ANSWER : Hi there. It is possible for the starter to fail. But before replacing the starter, make sure that the battery cables are tight and clean. Then check the starter relay and make sure that the relay is clicking. If the relay is not clicking, then check for power to the relay. If there is power to the relay but there is no click, then the starter relay would need to be replaced. If there is no power to the relay, then either the wiring from the relay to the ignition switch has a break in it or the ignition switch is failing. If there is power to the relay and power to the starter motor, then the starter motor needs replaced. If you need further assistance with your no start issue, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
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All dashboard lights and tail lights do not work after driving through a lot of snow. Headlights work. And brake lights work.
ANSWER : Hello. We’ll be happy to help you. There are a few things that I recommend checking to discover why your lighting system is malfunctioning. The headlight dimmer switch should be checked. Along with the wiring harness above the right front tire behind the fender well cover. Also
the main fuse under the hood should be inspected because other people with your particular vehicle have had similar lighting issues if that fuse goes bad. It will be a great idea to check the rest of the fuses in that area too while checking the main fuse. Once the fuses are checked inside of the main fuse box then I would check the fuses inside of their interior fuse box. The interior fuse box should be located on the driver side of the dashboard near where your legs would be. If you need more assistance with repairing your vehicle please keep in mind that our organization provides Mobile Mechanics who can help you diagnose and repair your vehicle, all at competitive rates.
the main fuse under the hood should be inspected because other people with your particular vehicle have had similar lighting issues if that fuse goes bad. It will be a great idea to check the rest of the fuses in that area too while checking the main fuse. Once the fuses are checked inside of the main fuse box then I would check the fuses inside of their interior fuse box. The interior fuse box should be located on the driver side of the dashboard near where your legs would be. If you need more assistance with repairing your vehicle please keep in mind that our organization provides Mobile Mechanics who can help you diagnose and repair your vehicle, all at competitive rates.
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Dash, Tail/brake, dome, trunk, glovebox, and door lights won’t work, dash doing weird things.
ANSWER : Hi there. Sure would appear a lot is going on electrically all at once. This could be, a problem in the PDC (power distribution center). The PDC is typically located under the hood and contains numerous fuses and relays. I don’t believe any one fuse will resolve all of the electrical issues. There is a possibility, it is not a power supply issue. It may be, the result of a poor electrical ground common to the inoperative components. Proper circuit testing should be performed. This would confirm the cause of multiple electrical failures. I recommend having your vehicle’s electrical problems be diagnosed and repaired by a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic.
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My AC does not always work. If I fiddle with the blower knob I can ususally get it to work on the lowest setting.
ANSWER : Hi There,
It sounds like you may have a faulty blower motor resistor. The highest speed setting may still work because in most cars in the highest fan speed settings the current bypasses the blower motor resistor. In some cars, if the resistor is failed, the fan may stop working completely. Another reason a blower motor resistor may fail is when the blower motor has a mechanical problem or when a foreign object jams the blower motor fan blade and prevents it from spinning freely. This leads to increased current through the resistor and causes it to overheat and fail. I would suggest having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose your system to determine what may be causing the fan not to work properly.
It sounds like you may have a faulty blower motor resistor. The highest speed setting may still work because in most cars in the highest fan speed settings the current bypasses the blower motor resistor. In some cars, if the resistor is failed, the fan may stop working completely. Another reason a blower motor resistor may fail is when the blower motor has a mechanical problem or when a foreign object jams the blower motor fan blade and prevents it from spinning freely. This leads to increased current through the resistor and causes it to overheat and fail. I would suggest having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose your system to determine what may be causing the fan not to work properly.
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