Turn signal concerns

[firestud2829]

I have a 2000 Jimmy 2dr, 4.3, auto. I noticed the other day that my left turn signal flashes a lot fater than the right turn signal. I checked the hazard flashers and they flash at the same speed. I dont really see this as a problem more than as an annoyance. What could be causing the left signal to act stupid? Should I be more concerned about this? How do I repair this?

[muddog321]

Check the bulbs or the flasher canister behind the glove box.

[old_master]

A burned out bulb will usually cause the flasher to flash slower on the side that has the burned out bulb. If you connect a trailer, they will flash faster because you are adding bulbs, (resistance) to the circuit. The flasher unit is nothing more than a self re-setting circuit breaker.

[firestud2829]

I did a quick check of the bulbs and all are functioning. Haven't had time to take a look at the flash canister yet. But I will update when I check it out. Thanks for the quick responses.

[DINO55]

Firestud,
The rear tail light bulbs are a duel filliment bulb, you need to replace the left bulb. Sometimes the filliment will break loose and lay across the good filliment giving you a false reading (They work with the hazzards)

[DelCoch]

Originally Posted by old_master

A burned out bulb will usually cause the flasher to flash slower on the side that has the burned out bulb. If you connect a trailer, they will flash faster because you are adding bulbs, (resistance) to the circuit. The flasher unit is nothing more than a self re-setting circuit breaker.

I thought it was just the opposite. Flash fast with a burnt out bulb and slower when adding extra lights on a trailer??

[old_master]

Originally Posted by DelCoch

I thought it was just the opposite. Flash fast with a burnt out bulb and slower when adding extra lights on a trailer??

The flasher unit is a circuit breaker that resets itself. When the turn signals are turned on, the current that is drawn to operate the bulbs goes through the flasher unit. When the bimetal element within the flasher reaches a given temperature, it expands and opens the circuit and the lights turn off. When the element cools, it contracts and closes the circuit, and the lights turn on.

Each flasher is designed to control a certain number of bulbs. If there are fewer bulbs, (or burned out bulbs) it will take longer for the element to heat up. If there are more bulbs, it will heat up and open the circuit faster.

[firestud2829]

Wow what a simple fix! I just knew this was going to take lots of time and even more $$. Thanks folks for all the info. I changed the bulb and all is well. And I got to use some of the new Craftsman goodies that the Wife bought me for Christmas!!

[blazee]

Originally Posted by DelCoch

I thought it was just the opposite. Flash fast with a burnt out bulb and slower when adding extra lights on a trailer??

That's the way that mine did, the left side flashed faster when one of the left rear bulbs was blown.

Others have had the same experience:
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=584379
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=369477
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=362400

[DelCoch]

I think there might be two different types of flashers. Maybe the ones on newer vehicles flash slower when a bulb is burned out. I know the old style flashers draw the extra current that was used by the burnt out bulb, thus the flasher heats up faster and the contacts break sooner. Basically, this was designed into the flasher to let people know a bulb was burned out.