Knowledge Builders

how do you test a turn signal switch

by Vada Schoen Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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This is what you'll need to do:

  1. Locate the circuit labeled with the number 6 of the turn signal switch's gray connector. ...
  2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
  3. With your multimeter to Volts DC mode probe the wire that corresponds to the number 6 with the red multimeter test lead. ...
  4. Ground the black multimeter test lead on a good Ground point.
  5. Active the Right turn signal.

Part of a video titled How to Test a Replacement Turn Signal Switch - YouTube
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Full Answer

How do you test a turn signal switch with a multimeter?

Locate the turn signal switch's Black connector. Find the circuit labeled with the number 2. Set your multimeter to Volts DC mode. Probe the wire that corresponds to the number 2 with the red multimeter test lead.

How do you test a hazard switch on a turn signal?

Once this voltage is received (and the Hazard Switch is in the OFF position), the turn signal switch re-routes battery voltage to the turn signal flasher (we'll test this in TEST 2). You'll need to disconnect the turn signal switch's connectors to identify the wires you need to test.

How do you test a turn signal Flasher?

The circuit (wire) that sends this voltage to the flasher is the one that's labeled with the number 3 of the black turn signal connector. Identify the circuit labeled with the number 3 of the black connector. The black connector must remain connected to the instrument panel harness connector at all times during this test.

What tools do I need to change the turn signal switch?

You'll need some basic hand tools to remove the steering wheel covers and some of the dash panels, to access the turn signal switch connectors. Multimeter. The multimeter can either be a digital one or an analog one.

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How do you diagnose a bad turn signal switch?

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Turn Signal SwitchTurn signal indicator continues to blink when the steering wheel returns to the center.Turn signal lights don't continue flashing unless turn signal lever is held down.Left or right turn signals or the Hazard Warning Light not working properly.

How do you check a turn signal switch on a car?

On most cars, the turn signal lever is located to the left of the steering wheel. Shifting the lever up indicates a right turn and shifting it down indicates a left turn.

How can you tell if a turn signal flasher is bad?

The most common symptom of a bad or failing turn signal / hazard flasher is hazards or turn signal lights that do not function. If the flasher breaks or has any internal issues it can cause the lights to malfunction, or not respond at all when the turn signal lever or hazard light button are pressed.

How do you test a turn signal socket?

Test for power at the socket. Turn on the light switch, then ground the tester to a clean screw on the body of the car. Probe the contacts to see if the tester lights. If the contacts look corroded, scratch the surface, but be careful not to bend or distort them.

How do you test a turn signal relay with a multimeter?

2:153:11Relays - how they work and how to test with multimeter - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAgain put your test leads across the two thick terminals on the bottom of the relay. And then useMoreAgain put your test leads across the two thick terminals on the bottom of the relay. And then use your finger to actually physically close to the contacts.

What causes a turn signal not to work?

If both lights are not working, this is likely a sign of a blow fuse or a dysfunctional flasher. This could also be due to a corroded socket or damaged bulbs, which are a slightly more complicated issue.

What happens when a turn signal relay goes bad?

Turn Signals Don't Work This is the most common symptom of a faulty turn signal relay. Once the relay is broken, the lights won't turn on with the switch. On some vehicles, the hazard lights also rely on the turn signal relay, so those lights might also cease to function.

Is turn signal relay and flasher the same thing?

Your turn signal relay, also known as the flasher relay, is the component that is responsible for your turn signals turning on and off every time you put on a turn signal or hit the hazards.

Is there a fuse for turn signal?

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.

Why is my turn signal blinks fast but all lights work?

A bad bulb is by far the most common reason that a signal blinks faster. This is because a bad bulb alters the resistance in a circuit, sending a different current through the blinker. To figure out if this is the issue, test all signal lights to see if any bulbs are visibly out.

Is there a fuse for turn signal?

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.

Why is my turn signal blinks fast but all lights work?

A bad bulb is by far the most common reason that a signal blinks faster. This is because a bad bulb alters the resistance in a circuit, sending a different current through the blinker. To figure out if this is the issue, test all signal lights to see if any bulbs are visibly out.

How to test a turn signal switch?

This is what you'll need to do: 1 Locate the turn signal switch's Black connector.#N#Find the circuit labeled with the number 2. 2 Set your multimeter to Volts DC mode. 3 Probe the wire that corresponds to the number 2 with the red multimeter test lead.#N#This is where a Wire Piercing Probe really comes in handy (To see what this tool looks like, click here: Wire Piercing Probe ). 4 Ground the black multimeter test lead on a good Ground point.#N#The best way to do this is to use a battery jump start cable to Ground the black multimeter test lead directly to the battery negative terminal. 5 Turn the Key On, since there's battery voltage only with the Key On position (also known as the RUN position). 6 Your multimeter will register one of two things: battery voltage (10 to 12 Volts) or No voltage at all.

Where is the voltage received on a turn signal switch?

The voltage is received on the circuit labeled with the number 2 of the Black turn signal switch connector.

What happens if your multimeter does not register voltage?

If your multimeter still did not register any voltage (with the Key On), then the turn signal switch is bad and needs to be replaced.

What is the number 3 on a turn signal?

The circuit (wire) that sends this voltage to the flasher is the one that's labeled with the number 3 of the Black turn signal Connector.

How to ground a black multimeter?

Use a Battery Jump Start Cable (if you have one) to Ground the black multimeter test lead directly to the battery negative terminal.

Is a turn signal fuse bad?

If the turn signal fuse is OK, then there's a short in the wiring between the turn signal switch and the Instrument Panel Fuse Box (although this would be extremely rare). That the turn signal switch itself is not bad, since without this voltage... it won't work.

What does a 12 volt multimeter tell you?

CASE 1: If the multimeter registered 12 Volts. This tells you that the turn signal switch is activating the rear left turn signal lamps.

What does it mean when your multimeter does not register voltage?

If your multimeter still does not register any voltage, then the circuit inside the turn signal switch that activates the rear left turn signal lamps is bad, which of course means that you've got a bad turn signal switch on your hands.

How many volts does a multimeter register?

No battery voltage at all. When done, turn the turn signal and ignition switch off. Let's examine your test results: CASE 1: If the multimeter registered 12 Volts.

Does the gray connector stay connected to the instrument panel?

Remember, the Gray connector has to remain connected to the instrument panel harness during the test.

Where to probe wires on a turn signal switch?

Probe the wire somewhere between the Black connector and the turn signal switch using an appropriate tool (like a Wire Piercing Probe ).

What happens if there is no voltage on a turn signal switch?

If still NO voltage, then the turn signal switch is bad (internally) and needs to be replaced.

What does it mean when a multimeter flashes on and off?

CASE 1: Your multimeter registered voltage (10 to 12 Volts) flashing On and Off- This is the normal and expected test result and tells you that the turn signal switch is activating the Front Right turn signal lamps.

Why is my multimeter not registering voltage?

If your multimeter still did not register any voltage, then one of two things are happening: The flasher is bad and needs to replaced. An ‘open’ in the wiring between the flasher and the turn signal switch connector (although this is very rare). I recommend that you replace the flasher and re-test.

What test leads on a good ground point?

Ground the black multimeter test lead on a good Ground point.

Do you need to connect the gray connector to the instrument panel?

The Gray connector must remain connected to the instrument panel harness connector at all times during this test.

What happens if there is no voltage on a turn signal switch?

If still NO voltage, then the turn signal switch is bad (internally) and needs to be replaced.

How to check a voltmeter?

OK, this is what you'll need to do: 1 Identify the circuit labeled with the number 7 of the Black connector.#N#The Black connector must remain connected to the instrument panel harness connector at all times during this test. 2 Turn the ignition switch to the On position. 3 Once again, your multimeter must be set to Volts DC mode:#N#Probe the wire that corresponds to the number 7 with the red multimeter test lead. 4 Ground the black multimeter test lead on a good Ground point. 5 Activate the Left Hand turn signal lamps 6 You're gonna' see one of the following test results:#N#A battery voltage (10 to 12 Volts) that flashes On and Off.#N#No battery voltage at all. 7 When done, turn the turn signal and Ignition Switch off.

What does it mean when a multimeter flashes on and off?

CASE 1: Your multimeter registered voltage (10 to 12 Volts) flashing On and Off- This is the normal and expected test result and tells you that the turn signal switch is activating the Front Left turn signal lamps.

What happens if a multimeter does not show DC voltage?

If the multimeter still does not show you any DC voltage, then the turn signal switch is bad and needs to be replaced.

What test leads on a good ground point?

Ground the black multimeter test lead on a good Ground point.

Does the gray connector need to be connected to the instrument panel?

Remember, the Gray connector has to remain connected to the Instrument Panel Harness during the test.

What is a Turn Signal Relay?

Your turn signal relay, also known as the flasher relay, is the component that is responsible for your turn signals turning on and off every time you put on a turn signal or hit the hazards.

Where is it Located?

It really depends on which type of vehicle you drive, but on most models, you can find your turn signal relay inside the junction box or the fuse box with your other relays.

Bad Turn Signal Relay Symptoms

Just because you know where something is and what it does, doesn’t mean you’re ready to jump in and replace it. Below we’ve highlighted three common signs that you might need to replace your turn signal relay.

How to Test a Turn Signal Relay

There are a few different ways to test a turn signal relay, and we’ll highlight the three most popular methods for you here.

How do I know if my turn signal switch is bad?

Turn signal indicator continues to blink when the steering wheel returns to the center.

How does a turn signal switch work?

Power is supplied to the turn signal lights when the signal lever is pressed. The flow of electricity to the turn signals is sent through a fused circuit and a flasher to the bulbs. The signal lever stays caught in place at this time. The turn signals continue to operate while the steering wheel is turned.

How to tell if a turn signal switch is bad?

Common symptoms of a bad turn signal switch include: Turn signal lamps don’t work at all. If your turn signals don’t work at all, the turn signal switch may be faulty. Of course, the problem has many other potential causes as well, so you’ll want to do some troubleshooting before condemning the switch.

Why is it important to have a turn signal switch?

While it will not really prevent you from operating your vehicle, your vehicle’s turn signal switch contributes to your safety and the safety of other drivers on the road. Except in emergencies, it is not advisable to drive if it’s not working properly.

What is the flasher on a turn signal?

The flasher contains a switch that opens and closes the circuit to the turn signal switch, causing the turn signals to flash when activated. The flasher is also responsible for the clicking noise you hear when activating the turn signals.

What is the flasher on a car?

The flasher is also responsible for the clicking noise you hear when activating the turn signals. Meanwhile, on newer vehicles, a computer, which is often referred to as the body control module (BCM), manages the turn signals. When the driver operates the turn signals, an electrical signal is sent to the body control module (BCM).

What does it mean when a turn signal switch is broken?

Naturally, a broken turn signal switch means you will no longer have control over your turn signal lights. And while your vehicle will remain drivable, you lose the easiest and safest way to communicate your intentions on the road with other drivers.

Why does my turn signal switch fail?

However, there are instances where the switch may fail because of manufacturing defects, rough use, or other reasons.

What is the BCM in turn signals?

When the driver operates the turn signals, an electrical signal is sent to the body control module (BCM). The latter then activates (or tells another module to activate) the turn signal lights and perform flashing duties.

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