The turn signals turn on instead of the low beams
When I turn on the low beams the turn signals turn on instead, when using the turn signals they just get brighter
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello, thank you for writing in. Turn signal and low bean circuits both route through the dashboard and possibly the steering column. There are several components and areas in which these two circuits could come in contact with each other. There is a chance the two electrical systems are connecting somewhere they should not be. The fastest way to find the issue is to perform electrical testing on the two circuits. Once you find the area or component that is mixing the power supply for the two components, corrective action can be taken. This may involve wrapping the wires so they do not connect, or other similar simple repair. For more help resolving the issue, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
If the turn signal stays solid on the dash instead of blinking, that typically indicates a failed bulb. If the bulb is not the issue, check the connector at the turn signal for both power and ground. It looks like both turn signal bulbs share the same ground point, but the ground side wiring could be faulty.
Check for a blown circuit fuse. Verify that circuit connections are not loose, corroded, or unplugged. Inspect the wiring harness or terminals for the rear section of the circuit. Check for a bad connection between the turn signal switch and the flasher or between the flasher and the ignition switch.
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.
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.
In most cases, if the turn signal on the dash stays solid instead of blinking, it usually means that there is a problem with the bulb. You can also check the connector at the turn signal to see if both the power and ground are working and if the bulb is not the problem.
If both of your low-beam headlights are out, but both of the high-beams work fine, it`s possible that both of your low-beam halogen headlight bulbs have simply burned out. After all, the lightbulbs in a modern halogen headlamp unit can burn out just the same as light bulbs in your home or office.
Most headlight systems are also designed with a relay that switches the power between low beam and high beam headlights. If this relay goes bad, it could allow power to the high beams, but not the low beams.
A turn signal relay (also known as a flasher relay) is the electronic device that controls your car`s turn signal lights. The clicking sound when you activate your turn signals usually comes from the turn signal relay.
Like all of the lights on and in a vehicle, turn signals rely on a fuse. When the fuse blows, electric power to the turn signals will be shut off entirely. Burnt out bulbs: As with all light bulbs, turn signal lights can burn out and die.
If your vehicle`s turn signals do not work, use hand signals as shown in the next slides.
Problems operating the turn signals
One of the first symptoms of a problem with the combination switch assembly is a problem operating the turn signal. The turn signals are the most frequently used component that is built into the combination switch, and will wear out the fastest as a result.
Headlights Don`t Turn On
The most common sign of a bad headlight relay is headlights that don`t work. A headlight relay will typically fail in the open position, preventing voltage from reaching the headlights. If the low beam relay fails, the low beams won`t work.
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.
If the turn signals light up, but do not flash, it is time to replace the flasher. If there are no turn signals on either side, check the fuse as it may be defective. Another problem is both turn signals on one side not working. This could indicate bad bulbs or bad ground in both housings.
Our two pin flasher relay is truly universal! Suitable for 6V or 12V systems and fully functional with LED or standard incandescent bulbs.
Dual filament bulbs contain two filaments in one bulb. This allows the bulb to serve as both the high beam and low beam headlights in one. With the lower filament on, the bulb acts as the low beam. With both on, the bulb is brighter and functions as a high beam headlight.
Keep your beam use straight: low for lower speeds, suburban areas, and rain or fog. High for higher speeds and highways, but only when you can maintain at least 500 feet between your vehicle and the rest of us. And thank you for doing so.
Low beams are lower intensity and reach a shorter distance in front of your car. High beams are high intensity and light a greater distance.
Used in “flip-up” lights, which fold out of the body of the vehicle, headlight closure relays are essential for headlight operation. This relay is located in your main fuse box or panel.
Low Beam Indicator
Indicator light means that the vehicles dipped beam is on.
This circuit is used to give a visual effect when a vehicle is turning towards left or right. If the vehicle is turning towards right then yellow colour of LED will blink. If the Left turn is been taken by the automobile then the red LED will blink in this circuit.
An incandescent turn signal bulb uses about 1.8 amps while an LED turn signal uses 0.25 to 0.45 amps.
Most relays are available in different operating voltages like 5V, 6V, 12V, 24V, etc. If the required operating voltage is supplied to the relay, the relay is activated. The operating voltage of a relay is generally in DC.
A relay is an electrically operated switch that harnesses the power of an electromagnet to either open or close a circuit, while a switch is a mechanical device that opens or closes a circuit physically. Switches can be activated manually, but relays are typically controlled by electrical signals.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
The turn signals turn on instead of the low beams
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. Turn signal and low bean circuits both route through the dashboard and possibly the steering column. There are several components and areas in which these two circuits could come in contact with each other. There is a chance the two electrical systems are connecting somewhere they should not be. The fastest way to find the issue is to perform electrical testing on the two circuits. Once you find the area or component that is mixing the power supply for the two components, corrective action can be taken. This may involve wrapping the wires so they do not connect, or other similar simple repair. For more help resolving the issue, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.
Read Full Q/A … : The turn signals turn on instead of the low beams
Okay so when I turn my lights on at night my brake lights do not work, when I don’t have my lights on they work fine.
ANSWER : Hi there. Based on your inquiry, it’s highly probable that you have a damaged light switch or some electrical fault inside the turn signal relay. However, it’s also possible that the brake switch above the brake pedal could also be the source of your problem. Due to the fact that multiple electrical components might be causing this issue, it’s a smart idea to first have a professional mobile mechanic complete a brake lights are not working inspection, so they can determine what’s causing all of these issues and recommend the right repairs.
Read Full Q/A … : The turn signals turn on instead of the low beams
When my high beams are turned on, not only do they not work but my low-beams also turn off.
ANSWER : Hello. You likely have an issue with your steering column multifunction switch. The steering column multifunction switch is in control of all the lights on the dashboard, the tail lights, as well as the headlights. It is likely your multifunction switch is malfunctioning and stopping power supply to the low beams once the high beams are activated. I suggest that you have a technician inspect your multifunction switch as well as check the fuses related to the headlights. Please keep in mind that if requested YourMechanic will send a technician whom will help you diagnose and repair your vehicle.
Read Full Q/A … : The turn signals turn on instead of the low beams
Low beams are quite dim, high beams seem OK. Although filaments turn on inversed.
ANSWER : Hi there. Typically, dim lighting is the result of a poor ground in the given lighting circuit. This poor ground may also account for the fog lights not functioning in the low beam position. Circuit testing with a wiring diagram needs to be performed to accurately access the cause of failure. Replacing components without diagnoses, can be expensive and time consuming without resolution. I recommend having your vehicle’s dim low beam headlights be diagnosed and repaired by a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic.
Read Full Q/A … : The turn signals turn on instead of the low beams
My car shuts off when I turn on the light or even the turn signals please help need this car to get to work
ANSWER : Hi there. This type of electrical glitch can be very difficult to pinpoint or diagnose without a physical inspection. However, in general, the most common causes of this issue is an exposed electrical wire within the ignition system. It is best to have a professional mechanic complete an electrical problems inspection first in order to correctly diagnose and resolve this issue.
Read Full Q/A … : The turn signals turn on instead of the low beams
Turn signal problem
ANSWER : When you turn on the turn signal on the right side do you get a light in front and rear come on but not blink? Do not have headlights on at this time. Replace the right front turn signal bulb if it does not light. Then replace the left rear bulb with correct bulb for vehicle since using wrong bulb will cause fast blinking and a bad bulb will can cause no blinking at all.
Read Full Q/A … : The turn signals turn on instead of the low beams
Chrysler car, replaced turn signal switch and flasher relay and turn signals still do not come on either right or left, no turn si
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. If the electrical components are all working individually, then the issue is likely relating to the wiring between them. The best way to trace the issue is with a voltmeter. In doing so you start with the power supply starting at the fuse box and work your way down the circuit. When you find where the voltage cuts off, you will have found the wire or component that has failed. You will want a wiring circuit to help you through this process. Often when after market components have been installed around the wiring it can become damaged. Double check any of these areas. The switch and steering column will both need to be tested as well. For more help with this type of electrical testing, contact our service department.
Read Full Q/A … : The turn signals turn on instead of the low beams
2007 Mustang Low-Beam headlight on only one side only comes on for 10 seconds then go outs, however high beams work fine!?!?
ANSWER : Hey there, thanks for writing in about your 2007 Mustang. The low beam circuit is monitored by the the Smart Junction Box. It’s the fuse box in the right kick panel. Basically what this means is if the resistance, or the current flow in the circuit is not within the specified range, it will turn off the power to it. That’s why you won’t find a fuse for the low beams. It will re-check the circuit every time the ignition key is cycled. The circuit flows from the SJB through the fuse box under the hood, and then to the headlights. Inspect as much of the wiring as you can. Especially where it might have been tampered with for the HID lights. If there is a short to power or ground, or too much or not enough resistance, it will turn off the power. This is not the case with your fog lamps and high beams. They are powered by a relay that is fused, and the circuit is not monitored. It will simply blow a fuse if there’s a problem. If you need more help, consider YourMechanic, as a certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to diagnose and repair the headlight problem.
Read Full Q/A … : The turn signals turn on instead of the low beams
