This isn't really an RV question (at least I don't think it is ...) but more of an automotive one. When I set out in my 1998 Coachmen (Ford E350/V10) this morning, I noticed that the left turn signal was blinking at a very fast rate. Sure enough, I checked the turn signals, and found that the left rear turn light was out. I replaced the bulb (it's working fine) but the blink frequency hasn't returned to "normal." The right signal still works as always. Remembering back to the days when I drove this vintage of vehicle, I remember the faster blink frequency when a bulb was burned out, but it always returned to normal when the bulb was replaced.Is there a fuse or something that I should check? Something else?

Check for other burned out bulbs. Maybe remove the fuse or disconnect the battery to "reset" the circuit.

I take it the Front turn signals are working properly too...?Are your rear signals only ONE bulb apiece? Some are TWO bulb and could be affecting something. See if it acts differently with running lights on and when you step on the brake. Remember, lights have to have POWER (the hot side) but also GROUND (the shells of the Bulbs, ground wire to the chassis somewhere from the rear lights.

Move the new bulb to the other side, and see if the problem moves with it. If it does, then get another new one and replace both. Could be a difference due to the age of the bulbs. New ones may not have the same resistance characteristics as the old ones. Let us know what you find out.

I just had a similar experience. Check the socket contacts for any corrosion. I had two burned out bulbs and some corrosion. After I cleaned it up, everything worked fine.

There were two bulbs in the package that I bought, so I will play around with changing the right side as well. The front blinker is fine, frequency doesn't change if I have the headlights on or step on the brake. I will also try cleaning the contacts/bulb socket and see if that helps. I'm not sure where the fuses are (the vehicle is new to me, and I didn't get an owner's manual)--are they under the dog house?

Turn signal blink frequency | Good Sam Community

11 Replies

jillhop
Explorer
Sep 10, 2014
It took an 1157 bulb (that was what was in the original right side flasher). I purchased a 1256 bulb, which fit into the socket but still resulted in the fast flashing. Now that they are both 1157's, all is well.
klutchdust
Explorer II
Sep 07, 2014
Always check inside the socket, single filament or double filament. Even though an 1157 (double filament) has a different locking pin configuration than a (single filament )1156 it is possible to get the single filament bulb

to stay in the socket. This sometimes causes the two circuits to jump across so when you turn on your signal all your marker lights will flash. Had many over the road driver come into the shop with that problem.
jillhop
Explorer
Sep 07, 2014
Well, I decided to check the part number on the right rear turn signal bulb, and discovered that when I purchased the new one for the burned-out left signal, that I purchased the wrong bulb (the bulb/socket was sort of soot-stained, and the part # was difficult to read). Replaced with the correct part number, problem solved! So, thanks for that suggestion "tpi"!
tpi
Explorer
Sep 06, 2014
Presuming all the bulbs work, you may want to look into a "heavy duty flasher." At least back in the day, this part did not rely on the load of the bulbs to establish the blink frequency. It had it's own separate bi metal heater to do that in the flasher. It would flash at same frequency no matter what the load on it.

Otherwise I'd check the part numbers of all your bulbs and be sure they're correct. Then make sure the contacts are clean.
campinginthewoo
Explorer
Sep 06, 2014
Just a thought did you buy LED bulbs if so they will flash faster than old bulbs until you update the flasher module and most fuse panels are under driver side of the dash.
Handbasket
Explorer
Sep 06, 2014
I dunno what this is on, but I think using a lower wattage bulb will change the frequency.

Jim, "Mo' coffee!"
jillhop
Explorer
Sep 06, 2014
There were two bulbs in the package that I bought, so I will play around with changing the right side as well. The front blinker is fine, frequency doesn't change if I have the headlights on or step on the brake. I will also try cleaning the contacts/bulb socket and see if that helps. I'm not sure where the fuses are (the vehicle is new to me, and I didn't get an owner's manual)--are they under the dog house?
LI-Camper
Explorer
Sep 06, 2014
I just had a similar experience. Check the socket contacts for any corrosion. I had two burned out bulbs and some corrosion. After I cleaned it up, everything worked fine.
Johno02
Explorer
Sep 06, 2014
Move the new bulb to the other side, and see if the problem moves with it. If it does, then get another new one and replace both. Could be a difference due to the age of the bulbs. New ones may not have the same resistance characteristics as the old ones. Let us know what you find out.
j-d
Explorer II
Sep 06, 2014
I take it the Front turn signals are working properly too...?

Are your rear signals only ONE bulb apiece? Some are TWO bulb and could be affecting something.

See if it acts differently with running lights on and when you step on the brake. Remember, lights have to have POWER (the hot side) but also GROUND (the shells of the Bulbs, ground wire to the chassis somewhere from the rear lights.