Signal blinks too fast then returns to the normal rate. Please help

[ricky_s]

Hello guys I have a 2000 corolla. When I turn on my right signal it blinks really fast for 4-6 seconds then returns to its normal rate of blinking.

However while the signal is blinking really fast, the bulbs on the front and rear do not light up. But when it returns to its normal rate, the bulbs start to blink.

I don't think the problem occurs if I use the left turn signal.

All 4 signal bulbs are working fine, they all light up. But its a real pain to not have blinking indicator while changing lanes.

So what could be the problem? Flasher?

Thanks!

[spanke311]

I'm just taking a shot at this, but it sounds like a bad ground/connection somewhere along the line, or a short in the wire. Fast blinking in the dash is the car's way of notifying you that your outside lights aren't actually flashing properly (that is normal, I believe). When your car hits a bump or vibrates just right, the ground or hot feed reconnects and light function is revived. That's my guess, anyway..

[ricky_s]

Originally Posted by spanke311

I'm just taking a shot at this, but it sounds like a bad ground/connection somewhere along the line, or a short in the wire. Fast blinking in the dash is the car's way of notifying you that your outside lights aren't actually flashing properly (that is normal, I believe). When your car hits a bump or vibrates just right, the ground or hot feed reconnects and light function is revived. That's my guess, anyway..

That's one possibility of this behavior. But I also tried this in my driveway while the car just idling.

I started up the car, turned the right signal, it blinked fast for about 3-4 seconds then it was normal.

[Bitter]

my car had bent/corroded contacts in the socket for the turn signal bulb, poor contact made it blink fast like a burnt bulb.

but yours are not blinking, could be a bad flasher.

[spanke311]

Originally Posted by ricky_s

That's one possibility of this behavior. But I also tried this in my driveway while the car just idling.

I started up the car, turned the right signal, it blinked fast for about 3-4 seconds then it was normal.

Weird.. maybe you have a faulty relay somewhere. Does it consistently blink fast 3-4 seconds every time you turn the signal on, just after start-up, or does the time it takes to return to normal vary?

[ricky_s]

Hey guys, I was away for awhile, Thanks for all the input!

I checked both sockets (Front right and rear right) and they seems in good condition. No corrosion and there are no wires making contact with anything else.

So I guess the flasher is at fault. Where is the flasher located on 2000 corolla?

Also is there a website (free) that provide good overview of how to troubleshoot for specific make and model?


Thanks again

[CJCride]

If you are still there, it's is probably your Turn Signal Switch the contacts wear down.

[ricky_s]

Originally Posted by CJCride

If you are still there, it's is probably your Turn Signal Switch the contacts wear down.

Does that mean I would need to replace the signal switch (lever?) or can I repair it?

[CJCride]

Have same problem, removed switch[use search, a member posted a detailed DIY on this] cleaned the contacts regeased [dielectric] improved for a couple months yet it is acting up again. I will find a way to "build up" the contacts.

PS those who use their signals most frequently, will wear out the decontented/cheaper switch faster.
Left signal is used when merging on to Freeways hence it wears the most.

[ilovecorollale]

Is it not needing a new bulb?

[PhatRoyale]

There's probably a bad connection caused by a stretched wire or something... at least that's what happened with mine.

[MacktasticSlick]

Did you check your blinker fluid? Maybe it's a little low. This is the stuff I use, check it every once in a while:

[PhatRoyale]

lol

[CraigW]

The next time it occurs... try moving the turn signal switch slightly/gently and see if it changes the symptoms.

My 2000 used to give a rapid buzzing sound when attempting a lane change operation, I had to switch it fully into signaling position and then remove it after lane change to prevent the noise.