No problem can be big enough to make you curse your Jeep Wrangler. However, some problems can be frustrating enough that you wish they could be more precise. While it is still easy to figure out the problems indicated by your check engine light. It is quite confusing when your notice your Jeep Wrangler turn signal blinking fast.
The low pressure on your tires and the falling wiper fluid can be well stated by your check engine light. But if your turn signal begins to flicker and flash, you cannot offer a direct answer. There could be numerous reasons behind this situation. You may require expert help to analyze the actual problem.
Know the reasons behind your Jeep Wrangler turn signal blinking fast
There could be a burn in the light bulb
Oftentimes, the reason behind a blinking signal turns out to be a failed light bulb. Each turn signal consists of a flashing unit that pauses the signal briefly to produce blinking action for the front and rear turn signal bulbs. These turn signals require a specific resistance for their optimal operation.
When the bulbs in the flashing unit fail, the specific resistance shifts its pace by blinking and flashing faster. You can easily spot this issue by checking the condition of the bulb. Your bulb will probably be blown out.
In case your turn signal blinks fast but your bulbs appear to be in good shape, there may have occurred a failure in your flasher relay. The voltage may be insufficient. There could also be a problem with the ground connection.
You may be using an incorrect light bulb
You might have replaced your burnt flasher light with a new light bulb of incorrect voltage. This will also cause the flasher relay to flash at an incorrect frequency. The higher the wattage of the bulb, the more power it will consume, and the blinking speed of the flasher relay will be accordingly affected. This issue is commonly noted when Jeep owners replace their light bulbs with LED models that consume less power. Note that their power consumption may be low but they are not known for the best performance.
There may be an incorrect number of lights in the circuit
Whenever you employ too many aftermarket parts or install a large number of random bells and whistles to your Jeep, your flasher relay should be accordingly replaced. The installation of large JDM mirrors or accessories may give your Jeep a unique style, but they could rob it of an essential safety feature if not properly managed.
There could be an issue with your alternator
In some cases, the problem lies in your vehicle’s alternator. An alternator serves to supply the electricity for important electronic components of your Jeep like the locks and the radio. This component also plays a role in keeping your Jeep’s battery charged while you are driving. Usually, the alternator doesn’t exhibit any significant problem and can continue a smooth operation throughout.
But you need to recognize a problem in your Jeep’s alternator when it arises. Common signs of a failed alternator include dimming headlights, flickering dashboard lights, battery losing charge, abnormal sounds emanated from the battery, and when the battery light on your dashboard illuminates.
The problem with your alternator can only be confirmed by a qualified mechanic. A bad alternator will lead to flickering lights even when the car is idling. Although, the blinking and flickering can also be a consequence of bad wiring, a loose belt, a bad starter, or a blown fuse.
Your Jeep’s starter may be faulty
A starter is responsible for creating that spark that starts the engine. A failed starter will make your dashboard lights pulse or flicker. You could also experience sow turnovers, grinding, freewheeling, or no crank. By freewheeling, we imply that the starter is not able to engage the flywheel which produces a loud sound.
A problem in the starter can be easily confused with a bad battery or a failed alternator. You’ll need a thorough inspection of your vehicle to spot the actual issue.
Spot the symptoms of a failing turn signal flasher
The turn signal lights are controlled by a flasher that is also commonly known as a relay. This electrical component makes the lights flash on and off. Your Jeep Wrangler’s flasher may have gone bad. This is why your turn signal flashes with a clicking sound of the relay. But the application of current to such a relay will only result in blinking lights.
Flashers may be a very simple component, but they are extremely important in maintaining the driveability of your vehicle. A failed flasher can seriously compromise your overall safety. A few symptoms are generally executed by flashers before they fail. You can be alerted by these signs in advance and not be surprised later on.
Your turn signal lights may fail
This is the utmost common symptom of a failed flasher. Any breaks or internal issues in the flasher could cause these lights to malfunction. At times, they don’t respond at all when the turn signal lever is pressed. Note that this problem wouldn’t affect the performance of your engine, but the safety of your Jeep will be seriously compromised.
Your turn signal lights may not switch off
If your hazards or turn signal lights stay on, this could also be a sign of a failed flasher. There could be any internal short circuit in the flasher that may be causing the hazards to stay on upon activation. However, if your turn signal lights are always on, they will not be able to serve well in the situation of an emergency.
This symptom may also appear because of certain electrical issues. It is important that you get your Jeep thoroughly examined so the real issue can be diagnosed.
Note whether your additional lights are working
You may figure that your Jeep’s headlights, running lights, and brake lights may also not be working well. This could also be a sign of a failed flasher. It is possible for all these lights to be wired with the flasher so that you’ll encounter such problems when it fails.
Note that the driveability of your vehicle will not be affected by this issue. However, there could be serious issues with your visibility and safety. Although, flasher relays are not complicated components. The extremely complicated electrical system of your Wrangler may make them difficult to diagnose.
There could be an open or short in the wiring
Blinking turn signal lights could also be the result of an open circuit in one of the light bulbs. This could easily happen because of a rusted, torn, damaged, or corroded wire. Such a wire will prevent the power supply to one of the light bulbs. It is also possible that a skinned wire may be touching your Jeep’s body and creating a short circuit. This would also lead to the same issue.
Know how to examine the real reason behind your blinking turn signal
It is somewhat easy to examine the working of your turn signal light on your own. Follow these steps and detect the flaw you may be able to repair on your own.
Check the working of all turn signal lights
Make use of the multi-function switch and activate the turn signals on the side that is fast blinking. Assure that all turn signal lights are working. If they are working well, you’ll need to test the turn relay. In case they aren’t, you need to check for a faulty light bulb.
Examine the faulty light bulb
Take out the light bulbs and examine whether the little wire inside them is broken. A bad bulb could also have a black fog upon it. Try switching on the suspected light bulb by putting it on a working flash unit of the other side. Carefully follow the guidelines mentioned in your vehicle’s owner manual to spot the problem.
Check the power and the ground connection for the turn signal
If your light bulb seems to be in a good condition but still doesn’t light up, you need to check the power supply and the ground connection for its socket. An absence of power would also lead to a fast blinking condition of the light bulb.
The turn signal connector could be unplugged and tested with the help of a test light or a multimeter. This should help you establish the power and the ground connection.
Carefully test the turn signal relay
It is possible that the relay on the side of this bulb may have stopped working. Take the relay out and test the control side for continuity. Also test the switch side of the relay. If either side of the relay fails in continuity tests, it will need adequate replacement.
Conclusion
It is important to maintain the safety features of your Jeep in the best condition. If your turn lights are not working adequately, take your Jeep to a qualified mechanic and get the issue sorted as soon as possible.
