Turn Signal Lamps and/or Indicators Malfunction
Turn Signal Lamps and/or Indicators Malfunction
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.
Diagnostic Fault Information
Circuit/System Description
Ground is applied at all times to the turn signal/multifunction switch. The turn signal lamps may only be activated with the ignition switch in the ON or START position. When the turn signal/multifunction switch is placed in either the TURN RIGHT or TURN LEFT position, ground is applied to the body control module (BCM) through either the right turn or left turn signal switch signal circuit. The BCM then applies a pulsating voltage to the front and rear turn signal lamps through there respective voltage supply circuits. When a turn signal request is received by the BCM, a serial data message is sent to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) requesting the respective turn signal indicator be pulsed ON and OFF.
Diagnostic Aids
The tail lamp outage detection circuits are low current B+ circuits supplied by the BCM. For purposes of testing, a test lamp connected between the outage detection circuit and ground will not illuminate due to low current.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Exterior Lights Schematics Exterior Lights Schematics
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views Connector Views
Description and Operation
Exterior Lighting Systems Description and Operation Exterior Lighting Systems
Electrical Information Reference
* Circuit Testing Circuit Testing
* Connector Repairs Connector Repairs
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
* Wiring Repairs Wiring Repairs
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References Control Module References for scan tool information
Circuit/System Verification
1. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool Right Turn Signal Switch and Left Turn Signal Switch parameters while cycling the turn signal switch between the right and left positions. The readings should change between Active and Inactive.
• If the parameters do not change between the selected states, refer to Turn Signal Switch Malfunction.
2. Ignition ON, observe the right and left turn signal lamps while cycling the turn signal switch between the right and left positions. Verify the turn signal lamps turn ON and OFF.
• If the turn signal lamps do not cycle between the selected states, refer to Turn Signal Lamps Malfunction.
3. Observe the left and right turn signal lamps and turn signal indicators on the IPC while activating the left and right turn signals. The left and right turn signal lamps and indicators should illuminate and flash at a normal rate when turned ON.
• If the left and right turn signal lamps and indictors illuminate but flash in a rapid manner, refer to Tail Lamp Outage Detection Malfunction.
4. Command the Display Test ON and OFF with a scan tool. The left and right turn signal indicators should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
• If the left and right turn signal indicators illuminate during the test, replace the BCM.
• If the left and right turn signal indicators do not illuminate during the test or remain illuminated at all times, replace the instrument cluster.
Circuit/System Testing
Turn Signal Switch Malfunction
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X1 harness connector at the turn signal/multifunction switch.
2. Ignition OFF, verify that a test lamp illuminates between B+ and the ground circuit terminal 1.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
3. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool Left Turn Signal Switch parameter is Inactive.
• If not the specified value, test the signal circuit terminal 2 for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
4. Verify the scan tool Right Turn Signal Switch parameter is Inactive.
• If not the specified value, test the signal circuit terminal 3 for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
5. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 2 and ground. Verify the scan tool Left Turn Signal Switch parameter is Active.
• If not the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
6. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 3 and ground. Verify the scan tool Right Turn Signal Switch parameter is Active.
• If not the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
7. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the turn signal/multifunction switch.
Turn Signal Lamps Malfunction
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X4 harness connector at the BCM.
2. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal 2 and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
3. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal 1 and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
4. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal 3 and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
5. Ignition OFF, connect the X4 harness connector at the BCM.
6. Disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate turn signal lamp.
7. Ignition OFF, exterior lamps OFF, test for less than 5 ohm between the appropriate ground circuit terminal listed below and ground.
* Left front turn signal - terminal B - North America
* Right front turn signal - terminal B - North America
* Left rear turn signal - terminal C - North America
* Right rear turn signal - terminal C - North America
* Left rear turn signal - terminal H - European
* Right rear turn signal - terminal H - European
* Left repeater - terminal 2 - European
* Right repeater - terminal 2 - European
• If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
8. Connect a test lamp between the appropriate control circuit terminal listed below and ground.
* Left front turn signal - terminal A - North America
* Right front turn signal - terminal A - North America
* Left rear turn signal - terminal B - North America
* Right rear turn signal - terminal B - North America
* Left rear turn signal - terminal G - European
* Right rear turn signal - terminal G - European
* Left repeater - terminal 1 - European
* Right repeater - terminal 1 - European
9. Command the appropriate Turn Signal ON and OFF with a scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
• If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
• If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
10. If all circuits test normal, replace the turn signal lamp.
Tail Lamp Outage Detection Malfunction
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate rear tail lamp assembly.
2. Ignition ON, test for B+ between the signal circuit terminal D and ground.
• If less than the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
3. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp does not illuminate between the signal circuit terminal D and ground.
• If the test lamp illuminates, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
4. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the tail lamp assembly.
Component Testing
Tail Lamp Assembly
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate rear tail lamp assembly.
2. Test for infinite resistance between terminal D and terminal C at the tail lamp assembly.
• If not the specified value, replace the tail lamp assembly.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification Verification Tests after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Tail Lamp Replacement (Sedan, V-Series) Tail Lamp Replacement (Sedan, V-Series)Tail Lamp Replacement (Wagon) Tail Lamp Replacement (Wagon)Tail Lamp Replacement (Coupe) Tail Lamp Replacement (Coupe)
* Parking and Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement Service and Repair
* Turn Signal Multifunction Switch Replacement Turn Signal Multifunction Switch Replacement
* Front Side Turn Signal Lamp Replacement Service and Repair
* Control Module References Control Module References for BCM or IPC replacement, setup, and programming