help with turn signals

i was on my way to school today and i turned on my left blinker when i was going to turn. it started clicking very fast, faster than normal. I always thought that when this happens it means you have to replace the bulb cause it has burned out. So after school i stopped by autozone and bought new bulbs. I replaced them yet it still clicks very fast. I don't know what else could be the problem. I'm looking for a little help on how to fix it?

Normally, a burnt out bulb will cause it to flash slower or not at all (the flasher is basically a bi-metallic strip that acts like a switch, as current flows it heats up and opens, with no current it cools and closes). The flasher could be bad. It could also be a short to ground on one of the wires. Does it do it one one direction, or both? It could also be a bad t/s switch, move the lever around with the signal on and see if it starts to flash normally.

I had the same issue a few weeks ago. Had to replace the circuit board for the left rear lights. AutoZone has them for $30/pair.

Normally, a burnt out bulb will cause it to flash slower or not at all (the flasher is basically a bi-metallic strip that acts like a switch, as current flows it heats up and opens, with no current it cools and closes). The flasher could be bad. It could also be a short to ground on one of the wires. Does it do it one one direction, or both? It could also be a bad t/s switch, move the lever around with the signal on and see if it starts to flash normally.


its only the left hand side.

Mine was too. The socket for the turn signal light was roasted. They sell them as a pair so I replaced both. Both sides showed various degrees of burning/roasting in the sockets.

Whether or not it has the circuit board for the taillights will depend on the year, but if it does have them that's a VERY common failure. When I read you're a student, I guess I just figured it was an old one.

Yep, my bad. He didn't post the year, I was assuming it was new enough to have the lamp circuit boards.

i guess the year might help. its a 98

edit: so when i got home today i messed around with it some more. i cleaned all the terminals where the lights plug into and such. I reached this conclusion. When i turn the parking lights and/or headlights on the bulbs light up. HOWEVER when i press on the brake or turn the blinker on, none of the lights light up. I don't know if this will help at all but this is where i stand right now.

'98 has the circuit boards. Check for power at the connector with a test light. Turn the turn signal on and check each terminal until you find one flashing. If none flash, check the fuses and start tracing wires.

You must have an electronic flasher, in my previous explanation, I was refering to a standard flasher.

sweet. thanks for the help