Turn signal out error message

Tiny
CHUCK WILLIAMS
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 DODGE AVENGER
  • 2.4L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
We received a message that the right front turn signal is out. I replaced the bulbs in the turn signal and the side turn indicator/parking lamp and they work just fine when the headlights are off or if they are in the auto position. The minute the headlights come on the turn signal quits working. I called a Dodge dealer and all they could say is "hmm, that is odd".
Sunday, July 30th, 2017 AT 10:29 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,871 POSTS
Actually, that is the classic symptom of a bad ground wire. If you look closely, you will see the affected bulb is not as bright as the one on the other side of the car. Also, the best clue is the right bulb will go out when you remove the left one.

When you call the dealership, you are talking with the service writer. That person was likely never a mechanic. Their job is to take what they think they heard from the mechanic, and translate that into something they think you will understand. Had you spoken with any mechanic, you would have gotten a very different reply. Anyone repairing cars for a year or two has seen this problem.

On most car models, a bad ground wire on front will also affect the head lights, and turning on the low beams will usually cause the high-beam indicator on the dash to glow dimly. With so many circuits being run by computers today, those clues may not apply to a car as new as yours. For starters, look at the wires attached to the affected bulb's socket. Often you can find the location of the break by wiggling on the wires and watching for changes in the bulb's brightness.
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Monday, July 31st, 2017 AT 1:24 AM

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