When driving a car, it is essential to have functional turn signals, which provide an indication to other drivers of the direction you intend to turn. Sometimes, however, you may notice that your left blinker is blinking faster than the right one, and this can be concerning. In this article, we will discuss the reasons why your left blinker may be blinking fast and what you can do about it.
Causes
There are several possible reasons why your left blinker may be blinking fast:
Burned-out bulb: A common reason for a fast-blinking left blinker is a burned-out bulb. If one of the bulbs in your left turn signal is not functioning correctly, the circuit will complete more quickly, causing the blinker to blink faster. This issue is easy to fix by replacing the faulty bulb.
Corroded socket: Another reason for a fast-blinking left blinker is a corroded socket. Over time, the metal contacts in the socket can corrode, preventing a proper connection between the bulb and the circuit. This issue can also be fixed by cleaning or replacing the socket.
Bad flasher relay: The flasher relay is a small electronic component that controls the speed of the turn signal lights. If the flasher relay is malfunctioning, it can cause the left blinker to blink faster than usual. A bad flasher relay will need to be replaced.
Faulty wiring: Faulty wiring can also cause a fast-blinking left blinker. Damage to the wiring can cause a break in the circuit, which can result in a faster blinking turn signal. If this is the case, a mechanic will need to diagnose and repair the wiring issue.
Overloaded circuit: An overloaded circuit can also cause a fast-blinking left blinker. If you have recently added additional lights or electrical devices to your car, this can overload the circuit and cause the blinker to blink faster than usual.
Solutions
Once you have identified the cause of the fast-blinking left blinker, you can take the appropriate steps to fix it. Here are some solutions for the most common causes:
Burned-out bulb: To fix a burned-out bulb, you will need to replace the faulty bulb with a new one. This is a straightforward process that can be done at home with a few basic tools.
Corroded socket: To fix a corroded socket, you will need to remove the socket and clean it thoroughly. If cleaning does not work, you will need to replace the socket.
Bad flasher relay: To fix a bad flasher relay, you will need to replace it. The location of the flasher relay varies depending on the make and model of your car, so consult your owner’s manual or a mechanic for guidance.
Faulty wiring: If you suspect faulty wiring is the issue, you should take your car to a mechanic for diagnosis and repair. Wiring issues can be challenging to diagnose and repair and should be handled by a professional.
Overloaded circuit: To fix an overloaded circuit, you will need to remove some of the additional lights or electrical devices you have added to your car. If you need these devices, you may need to install a new circuit or upgrade your existing one to handle the additional load.
Conclusion
A fast-blinking left blinker can be a nuisance and a safety concern. Fortunately, there are several possible causes and solutions to this problem. By identifying the cause and taking the appropriate steps to fix it, you can ensure that your turn signals are functioning correctly and keep yourself and other drivers safe on the road.