Car trouble · Lights & electrical

My turn signal is blinking fast

The turn signal clicks twice as fast on one side. The car is telling you a bulb on that side is out.

Get to it this week

A starting point, not a diagnosis. Most parts stores read check-engine codes and test batteries for free.

Likely causes — tick the parts you want

A burned-out turn signal bulb on that side
most likely · Most people can do this
How to check: Turn the signal on and walk around the car. Look at the front, rear and any mirror signal on the fast side — one of them will be dark.
- Turn signal bulbs (pair)(Tell the counter front or rear — they often take different bulbs.)
A corroded socket or bad ground
possible · Doable with tools and a free afternoon
How to check: If a new bulb is dim or flickers, pull the socket and look for green or white corrosion on the contacts.
- Electrical contact cleaner
LED bulbs installed with the original flasher
less likely · Doable with tools and a free afternoon
How to check: If the fast blinking started right after switching to LED bulbs, the car’s flasher may not recognize them.
- LED-compatible flasher relay(Mention the LED bulbs so the counter can check whether this car uses a separate flasher.)

Your car — the counter needs this

YearMakeModelEngine (optional)

VIN (optional, most exact)Which parts store (optional)

If the counter doesn’t have a part, your shopper asks them to order it under your name and messages you the order number. When it comes in, send someone to collect it.

Not quite it?

My headlight is out My dashboard lights dim or flicker My brake light is out