How does a car turn signal work?

It is a requirement for all car manufacturers to equip every vehicle with proper standard lighting. Each vehicle is equipped with several lighting systems, including: Headlights Taillights and brake lights Corner marker lights Danger or…

It is a requirement for all car manufacturers to equip every vehicle with proper standard lighting. Each car is equipped with several lighting systems, including:

• Headlamps
• Rear lights and brake lights
• Corner marker lights
• Emergency or signal lights
• The turn signals

The turn signal is important for the safe operation of the vehicle. They indicate your intention to change lanes, turn a corner, or pull over. While not everyone uses their turn signals as regularly as they should, their use significantly reduces accidents and driver errors.

How car turn signals work

The turn signals require power to light the turn signal bulbs. The circuit is protected by a fuse in the power distribution box in case of an electrical failure. When the turn signal lever is activated in either direction, a circuit is completed that allows power to be supplied to the front and rear turn signals on the selected side.

When the signal lights are on, they do not stay on all the time. They flash rhythmically to attract the attention of other motorists and indicate your intention. This is achieved by routing power to the turn signals through a flasher or a module that sends pulses of power to the headlights instead of a constant stream.

When you complete a turn and turn the steering wheel back to center, a cam on the steering column engages the turn signal lever and disables the turn signal. If the disable cam on your steering column is broken or you only turn slightly, the signals may not turn off on their own and you will need to disable the signals by moving the signal lever yourself. Be sure to fix the turn signal as soon as possible.