My indicators stopped working

SANDY CHANT

MEMBER
2004 TOYOTA COROLLA
AUTOMATIC
178,000 MILES

Both the indicator lights on the dash stay on, but the indicators won't work. When I stop the car and take the keys out both indicator lights on the dashboard start flashing. If I start the car back up, both indicator lights, on the dash, flash a few times and then stay on but the actual indicators won't work. If I turn the car off for a while (at least half hour), then it goes back to normal. Does any one know what's wrong?

Saturday, April 6th, 2019 AT 7:51 AM

7 Replies

SCGRANTURISMO

MECHANIC
4,897 POSTS

Hello,

This could be a problem with your flasher relay module. I have included in the diagrams down below the location and a troubleshooting diagnostic troubleshooting flowchart to test the flasher relay module from your vehicle's manufacturer. You will need to use a multi-meter to do this. I have included a link below for you to go to if you are unfamiliar with how to use one:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

Please go through this information and get back to us with what you find out please.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

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Saturday, April 6th, 2019 AT 11:43 AM

SANDY CHANT

MEMBER
9 POSTS

Thank Thank you for your reply.
I would love to follow the directions but think they may be aimed at someone above my ability and I wouldn't know where to get a multi-meter.

I just bought the car second hand and it seems to suddenly have all these issues. The caryard has said they will get their mechanic to have a look but I think it's a good idea to know what the issue is when I go there so I don't get fobbed off again. I took it there the other day and he said "well it's not doing it now " which was true but when I got it home the same thing happened again.
The indicators stopped working and the indicator lights in the dash stated flashing when I took the keys out. When I turned the car back on the indicator lights in the dash stayed on and I couldn't use my indicators.
I've included videos.

I was hoping that you might be able to hazard a guess at what might be wrong or how expensive it is to fix so I can point them in the direction or arrange to get it fixed.

Thank you again,

Sandy

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Sunday, April 7th, 2019 AT 5:28 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,052 POSTS

Hi Sandy:

Sorry it took longer to get back with you than expected. I watched the videos and I totally understand why Alex mentioned the flasher relay module. However, the idea that it happens with the key out makes me question an anti-theft issue. Does the vehicle have anti-theft? Do you have a spare key? Don't laugh, but when this is happening, I want you to have a helper take the key away from the car to see if it stops. Also, I didn't realize it was a right hand drive model. My schematics are a bit difficult to look through. If you have a spare key FOB for key-less entry, try using it to see if it changes anything. This is a stretch, but I think something may be shorting out in the fob you are using. If that isn't the case, the I think it is related to either the relay module or the anti theft system. The way the lights are flashing mirror the way they would flash if a panic button was pressed. However, there is no horn indicating the issue. Let me know the results of my crazy first thoughts and I can dig in more.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

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Sunday, April 7th, 2019 AT 6:52 PM

SANDY CHANT

MEMBER
9 POSTS

Hi Joe,

Thank you so much for getting back to me. Your help is so appreciated and I cannot stress that enough.

I just took the car to the car yard and the guy is saying there seems to be an alarm on top of the immobiliser and that is what is causing the problem.

He was able to get the indicators to play up by trying to start it/putting the key in/using the indicators etc. When the alarm light was on.

He is saying that as long as the alarm light is off, the car should be fine, but if necessary they will take the alarm out.

Does this sound right to you?

I've had the worst month, so am expecting the worst atm, but am hoping I'm wrong.

Your help has honestly made a big difference. I've been telling everyone how amazing you guys are. I can't recommend you enough. (Are you guys an American site? I just assumed you were in Australia but you mentioned about the right hand drive)

Thanks again,

Sandy

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Sunday, April 7th, 2019 AT 8:40 PM

SCGRANTURISMO

MECHANIC
4,897 POSTS

Hello again,

If it is an aftermarket alarm, sure that sounds about right. We are an American Company. I've only been here for a couple of months now, but if you would like to talk to my superior his name is Ken. Thank you for the word of mouth and we are happy that you like our site. As always, if you have any automotive questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Your satisfaction is why we are here.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

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Sunday, April 7th, 2019 AT 8:52 PM

SANDY CHANT

MEMBER
9 POSTS

Hi Alex,

So you do think the alarm is causing the issues shown in the videos?

It's just that the issues shown in the video (the indicators stopping working for most of the day, hazard lights flashing etc). Started when I was about to leave the car. It continued when I tried to start it again and they didn't come back on until the car had been left for a couple of hours.

I don't really understand how the alarm caused it and am wondering if I need to do something about it.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Sandy

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Monday, April 8th, 2019 AT 7:13 AM

SCGRANTURISMO

MECHANIC
4,897 POSTS

Hello again,

Absolutely. After market alarm systems not only tap into the flashers, they also tap into the ignition circuit, the power door lock circuits, and the hood release solenoid, at a minimum.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

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Monday, April 8th, 2019 AT 7:19 AM