Left flasher going crazy

[shadow]

Noticed yesterday that the left blinker was flashing very fast. Looked to see if all the signal lights were lighting up and they were. Took it to work this morning and it worked normally, but on the way home it was back to the fast flash again.
When the flasher relay is on its way out do they act this way, or could I be looking at maybe a ground issue?
Oh yeah I tried the hazards when it was flashing fast and they flashed normally.

[Hawkes]

You ruled out the relay I think because the hazards work.

My old Jeep has individual relays for signals and flasher but I don't think yours does.

I'd try a new bulb in the rear left tail light first. It's possible to lose the ground on a bulb and have it still light through a back feed from another source, kind of a long shot but a cheap effort. Were any other lights on at the time? Water in the housing could cause a back feed.

Newer Jeep signal light switches don't last very long, but I can't think of why a bad connection at the switch would cause any flash, let alone a fast flash.

[4X4PLAY]

Is the dash turn signal light staying on solid when you turn your lights on??

I would also change the bulb...mine has done this for years, I think the light socket has mud in it



Jeff

[badwithcomputer]

I have the same issue with mine but it's the right signal. The inside of the bulb socket on the front fender is all green and gross looking. every time i get my oil changed they change the bulb and it costs me an extra $3.49

my own fault

[shadow]

Cool...thanks. Guess i will change the bulbs. Can't see how light housings would get mud or water in them... ;D.
No solid light on at any time either Jeff.

[jmurphy]

My 2000 TJ does this sometimes. I wiggle the switch and it works normal. I'll take a look for my guide. I think it has a specific signal lights section on how to check if it is switch/ground/bulb etc.

In my case the switch is the cause.

Jonathan

[jmurphy]

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD WARNING
SYSTEMS

When diagnosing the turn signal or hazard warning circuits, remember that high generator output
can burn out bulbs rapidly and repeatedly. If this is a
problem on the vehicle being diagnosed, refer to
Charging System in the Diagnosis and Testing section of Group 8C -Charging System for further diagnosis of a possible generator overcharging condition.

If the problem being diagnosed is related to a failure of the turn signals to automatically cancel following completion of a turn, inspect the multi-function
switch for a faulty or damaged cancel actuator and
inspect the turn signal cancelling cam lobes on the
clockspring mechanism for damage or improper
installation. For complete circuit diagrams, refer to
Turn Signals in the Contents of Group 8W -Wiring
Diagrams.

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, REFER TO GROUP 8M -PASSIVE
RESTRAINT SYSTEMS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY
STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.

(1) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Actuate the turn signal switch or the hazard warning
switch. Observe the turn signal indicator lamp(s) in
the instrument cluster. If the flash rate is very high,
check for a turn signal bulb that is not lit or is very
dimly lit. Repair the circuits to that lamp or replace
the faulty bulb, as required. If the turn signal indicator(s) fail to light, go to Step 2.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Check the turn signal fuse in the fuseblock module
and/or the hazard warning fuse in the Power Distribution Center (PDC). If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK,
repair the shorted circuit or component as required
and replace the faulty fuse(s).
(3) Check for battery voltage at the hazard warning fuse in the PDC. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK,
repair the open fused B(+) circuit to the battery as
required.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Check for battery voltage at the turn signal fuse in
the fuseblock module. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK,
repair the open fused ignition switch output (accessory/run) circuit to the ignition switch as required.
(5) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Remove the combination flasher from its wire harness connector and replace it with a known good
unit. Connect the battery negative cable. Test the
operation of the turn signal and hazard warning systems. If OK, discard the faulty combination flasher.
If not OK, remove the test flasher and go to Step 6.
(6) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Check for battery voltage at the combo flasher input
circuit cavity in the combination flasher wire harness
connector. If OK, go to Step 7. If not OK, go to Step
9.

TJ TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD WARNING SYSTEMS 8J -5


DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

(7) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Place the hazard warning switch in the On position.
Check for battery voltage again at the combo flasher
input circuit cavity in the combination flasher wire
harness connector. If OK, go to Step 8. If not OK, go
to Step 9.
(8) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Check for continuity between the ground circuit cavity of the combination flasher wire harness
connector and a good ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 9. If not OK, repair the open
ground circuit to ground as required.
(9) Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector from the multi-function switch connector
receptacle. Check for continuity between the combo
flasher input circuit cavities in the combination
flasher wire harness connector and in the instrument
panel wire harness connector for the multi-function
switch. There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step
10. If not OK, repair the open combo flasher input
circuit as required.
(10) Check for continuity between the combo
flasher output circuit cavities in the combination
flasher wire harness connector and in the instrument
panel wire harness connector for the multi-function
switch. There should be continuity. If OK, refer to
Turn Signal Switch and Hazard Warning Switch
in the Diagnosis and Testing section of this group. If
not OK, repair the open combo flasher output circuit
as required.

TURN SIGNAL SWITCH AND HAZARD
WARNING SWITCH

The turn signal switch and the hazard warning
switch are integral to the multi-function switch.
Refer to Turn Signal and Hazard Warning Systems in the Diagnosis and Testing section of this
group before testing the multi-function switch. For
complete circuit diagrams, refer to Turn Signals in
the Contents of Group 8W -Wiring Diagrams.

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, REFER TO GROUP 8M -PASSIVE
RESTRAINT SYSTEMS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY
STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.

[shadow]

Thanks Jon,
I will give a wiggle when I get a chance to check it out...