Turn Signal Indicator: Testing and Inspection

The diagnosis found here addresses an inoperative turn signal indicator lamp condition. If the problem being diagnosed is related to inoperative turn signal or hazard warning lamps, be certain to repair the turn signal and/or hazard warning systems before attempting to diagnose or repair the turn signal indicator lamps. If no turn signal and/or hazard warning system problems are found, the following procedure will help locate an open in the turn signal indicator lamp circuit.

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Remove the instrument cluster from the instrument panel.
2. Reconnect the battery negative cable. Activate the hazard warning system by moving the hazard warning switch button to the ON position. Check for battery voltage at the inoperative (right or left) turn signal circuit cavity of the instrument panel wire harness connector (Connector C1 - left indicator, or Connector C2 - right indicator) for the instrument cluster. There should be a switching (ON and OFF) battery voltage signal present. If OK, replace the faulty (right or left) turn signal indicator lamp bulb. If not OK, repair the open (right or left) turn signal circuit between the instrument cluster and the turn signal/ hazard warning (left multi-function) switch as required.