Yet another turn signal problem

[wildthing]

Been reading turn signal threads, couldn't find my exact issue, so I am hoping you can help.

My left turn signal is working fine, consistent normal flashing. The right though flashes inconsistently, not fast like when a bulb is out (all bulbs are working). The best way to describe it is: if it is meant to regularly flash every .5 seconds, it is instead flashing .5 seconds 2x, then .3 seconds, then back to .5 seconds 3x.

If it's the relay, why only the right? Does the switch have anything to do with it? Any other possible culprit?

Recent work done:

- replaced rear tail lights to 1157 LEDs last week. I don't think that's the problem because I put the old 1157 back and it still flashes the same way
- replaced steering bushing 3 weeks ago. I'm pretty sure it was still working correctly after this.

TIA.

[universeman]

Check the grounds and connections in the light housings. A dremel or some contact cleaner will make sure they're all shiny. Corrosion in there can cause this.

[wrxnofx]

I would unplug the right taillight socket in the engine compartment and try the turn signal again. If the front flashes normally then you know the problem is in the rear light/rear light wiring itself. If it's still wonky, then you know the problem is elsewhere, like maybe the relay.

[porschenut]

The hazards use the same relay. Do they flash in unison?

[T77911S]

wrong bulb

[wildthing]

Contact cleaner is on the way...thanks for the tip.

I don't think the tail light socket is accessible from the engine compartment. Will try that last.

The front and back flash alternately when using the right turn signal. Thanks for asking. I didn't realize they are meant to flash at the same time. What does that mean?

With the hazards activated, the front right lamps do not light up (both turn signal and side markers).

As to: wrong bulb, do you mean the taillight bulbs? Because I haven't replaced the turn signal bulbs.

[wrxnofx]

Originally Posted by wildthing

I don't think the tail light socket is accessible from the engine compartment. Will try that last.

The passenger taillight socket is available on the right side of the engine compartment near the very back. It's behind the rearmost bolt that holds the oil reservoir. Here is a pic of mine looking towards the back, right of the car. Jesus I didn't see how dirty that back part is


Just pull the connector out of the socket.

[wildthing]

Thanks for the tip. So I tried pulling the socket out, and the whole right side stopped working. So I plugged it back in.

Now, it is no longer alternating, the front doesn't even light up and the rear right signal and right tail light turn on at the same time, and at quick intervals.

I switched the front bulb to a new one and it is still the same. Could it be the new LED tail light? (No such issues on the left.). Or is this aging wiring?

There is only one relay for turn signals, right?

[wildthing]

After some more tinkering, I think I have a ground somewhere in the tail light housing. I will pull it out tomorrow and examine a bit more.

Only the rear tail light and the brake light are turning on when the right turn signal is activated.