How to Reset a Fast Flashing Turn Signal
To reset a fast flashing turn signal, you need to troubleshoot the underlying issue that is causing the fast flashing. Fast flashing usually indicates that one of the turn signal bulbs is bad or there is a problem with the circuit. You can proceed as follows:
1. Check and Replace Bulb: Inspect the turn signal bulb on the side that is flashing fast. Replace any bulbs that are not working or appear dimmer than normal. Once you replace the defective bulb, the turn signal will return to its normal flashing frequency.
2. Check the bulb holder. If the bulb is fine, check the bulb holder for corrosion or damage. Corrosion or damage can cause a poor connection or rapid flashing. Clean or repair the socket as needed.
3. Check for LED issues: If your vehicle is equipped with LED turn signals or you’ve switched to LED bulbs, the rapid flashing could be caused by low resistance in the LEDs. In this case, you may need to install a load resistor to balance the circuit or replace the flasher relay with an LED-compatible one to return the flashing frequency to normal.
4. Check the flasher relay: If the bulb and socket are in good condition, the problem may be with the flasher relay or flasher unit. Locate the relay (usually located in the fuse box) and replace it if necessary.
5. Check the wiring. If none of the above solutions work, the problem may be with the wiring. Check the wiring for damage, wear, or loose connections and repair if necessary.
How do indicators work?
To understand what causes your turn signals to flash rapidly, you must first understand the basic principles of how turn signals work. A vehicle’s turn signal circuit receives power from fused live wires that are typically supplied by a junction box located under the hood.
This live wire delivers power through the turn signal module to the turn signal switch located along the vehicle’s steering column.
Instead of providing constant power to these bulbs, the power is momentarily interrupted as it passes through the turn signal module in the circuit. This module uses heat-sensitive contacts that expand/contract to make and break connections.
A faulty filament in a turn signal bulb reduces this resistance, causing the turn signal module to operate faster, resulting in the remaining bulbs flashing more rapidly.
The Department of Transportation states that a vehicle’s turn signals may not flash more than 120 times per minute. However, individual state laws may set lower maximum allowances. The legality of hyperblinking therefore depends heavily on the exact blink speed and driving conditions.
At the very least, hyperblinking may attract more police attention, as the rapid flashing of hyperblinkers may significantly disrupt the attention of other road users.