Fix a Fast Blinking Led Turn Signal 

Do your new LED turn signal bulbs flash quickly or refuse to engage? This article will help you understand and fix your LED bulb lighting issues. Some electrical knowledge needs to be known and you may require tools to perform wire repairs

Steps

Identifying the problem

  1. Identify which signal is malfunctioning. This should be accomplished manually by exiting the vehicle while the turn signal is engaged, NOT by relying on the internal graphics display if the vehicle is so equipped.
  2. Gain access to the bulb holder on the lens. This may require partial disassembly of the surrounding equipment. Properly identify what bulb and type of attachment it uses. Do not force the bulb socket out, it should remove easily.
  3. Identify visually the problem bulb. Remove the bulb socket from the holder. Bulb sockets are usually secured by a ¼ turn mechanism, but may be held down with screws, pop tabs, or several other types of devices. Grasp the LED Bulb with a rag and remove it from the bulb socket, as with the socket, the separation will be accomplished by pulling or twisting the bulb to the left.
  4. Identify what lead to use with the digital multimeter. Usually the terminal on the bottom of the bulb receives a positive current, however some manufactures will not use this convention.
  5. Check its resistance. Make sure to respect the polarity of the bulb. If the resistance of the bulb is lower than 5-7Ω the bulb likely is missing a load resistor and is not compatible with your vehicle. If the multimeter reads a very high resistance you may have the incorrect polarity. Check with a licensed mechanic if you are unsure, as the use of the incorrect bulb may also cause a failure to illuminate.
  6. Switch the Digital Multimeter to an appropriate voltage setting. It must be able to read 15 volts. Using the supplied probes, contact the two terminals inside the bulb socket. Engaging the turn signal, a voltage spike between 12 and 14 volts should be observed. If a voltage spike is not observed the terminals are not fully contacted or the wiring may be damaged. On some newer vehicles the lighting controller may refuse to power the socket until the original bulb is re-installed and a normal resistance is observed.

Installing a load resistor

  1. Identify which wires on the bulb pigtail are positive. Label them and then following the vehicle’s owner’s manual, disconnect the battery.
  2. Separate the positive wires using a pair of wire cutters, and free their ends with wire strippers. Allow between 1/4" and 3/8" of an inch  (6 to 12 mm) depending on the size of the wire.
  3. Install the load resistor in series. Crimp or solder the ends to the exposed ends of the wire. Use electrical tape or heat shrinking insulation to prevent water or debris from damaging your joint. Apply a slight pressure to the joint, a proper connection should be stronger than the wire.
  4. Join the load resistor and the other wire(s) using a plastic wire tie. Group several wires into a small bundle and tuck out of the way ensuring that they do not bind. Snip the excess of the wire ties to complete the installation.

If you suspect the circuit has been damaged

  1. Replace the original bulb to test the circuit.
  2. Verify the bulb is operating properly and the socket is not damaged.
  3. Inspect the wiring harness for any break in the wire or obvious damage. Repair insulation or wire as necessary.

Final steps

  1. Replace the bulb into its socket if removed. Then install the socket into it's housing using a clean rag.
  2. Replace the bulb holder or anything else you may have removed.
  3. Replace the battery terminals beginning with the positive terminal. Verify the terminals and the battery are securely mounted. Be sure it is safe to do so before touching the battery.
  4. Insert the vehicles key into the ignition. Without starting the engine, cycle the ignition slowly for 10 seconds.
  5. Start the engine and using the turn signals. Activate for up to one minute to verify resolution of the issue.

Tips

  • The automotive aftermarket supplies bulbs that often times are too low of a resistance for the modern car to detect, or are vulnerable to debris or fluid ingress, resulting in failure of illumination.
  • Multimeters usually have multiple ranges, these are changed by a button or selector.
  • Properly flowed solder should be clean and lie flat against the wire, do not use more than necessary.
  • Common places for wiring to become damaged is wherever it may change direction or pass through the structure of the car.

Warnings

  • Damage to the bulb, wiring, or socket may occur with aggressive handling of the bulb socket or bulb
  • Do not cross or mix up the ends of electrical wires, even if they are the same color, they may perform different functions
  • If removing the battery always start from the positive (Red) terminal first to prevent damage to your car's sensitive electronics.

Things You'll Need

  • Wire strippers
  • Wire crimpers and crimps
  • Digital Multimeter with resistance measuring capability
  • Soldering Iron and lead free solder (Optional)
  • Heat shrinking wire insulation (Optional)
  • Heat gun for application of insulation (Optional)
  • Electrical tape (Optional)
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