Weird turn signal problem - has anyone else experienced this?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by wesayso, Mar 31, 2020.

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  1. wesayso

    wesayso Member

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    Sorry, in advance, for the long post.

    Weekend before last, while en route to the dealer for an appointment to get my Prius (2011 with 102K) inspected, the right turn signal continually flashed (regardless of lever position). If I selected left signal, both sides flashed, with periodic very rapid flashing. The dealer said they would diagnose the problem for a $135 diagnostic fee. Make it so, says I. Three hours later, they tell me they cannot find the problem, but suspect a loose ground somewhere. They tell me they will have to remove the dash (4 hours labor for R&R), to which I ask if they guarantee the problem will be resolved? Uh, no, we can't say for sure. I tell them I will take the car home and investigate the problem myself. They wanted me to pay the $135 diagnostic fee. I said no, you have not diagnosed the problem. They capitulated.
    Back at home, I proceed to investigate. I figure I'll start with the turn signal switch. I remove the air bag, steering wheel, and the turn signal switch assembly. The switch comes off the column as an assembly which includes the wiper control lever. After working out how to get the turn signal switch opened up, I set about looking for an electrical short in the switch. All appeared normal. I reassemble the switch, put everything back together. Turn signal now operates normally! I should be ecstatic, but I can't help thinking the problem will re-occur, as I found no obvious cause for the malady. Oh well. Have any of you experienced this problem, and if so, what was the cause?

    Any help will be greatly appreciated.
     
    #1 wesayso, Mar 31, 2020
  2. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    I would guess one of the parts is cracked. By removing and reassembly, you temporarily fixed it.
    Maybe the grease was worn off the two parts of the plastic that shuts off the one side when you turn
    the steering when back as you straighten out. If that side is cracked, it's probably just catching...
    Eventually, it will break. I had a similar problem with my Van....
    You should start looking for a new switch... :)
     
    #2 ASRDogman, Mar 31, 2020
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  3. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    "Take it apart, do nothing, put it back together, and watch it work perfectly" has very often been a successful strategy for me since I was very young.

    Sometimes you can contrive some sort of after-the-fact explanation, like it was oxidation on electrical contacts that got cleaned by unplugging and replugging (which is a thing that happens), or some caught debris that fell out when you weren't looking (which also is a thing that happens), or the like.

    Other times, you just say, welp, it worked again. :)
     
    #3 ChapmanF, Mar 31, 2020
    wesayso, Raytheeagle, ASRDogman and 1 other person like this.
  4. wesayso

    wesayso Member

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    So, it started again. It comes and goes. Super frustrated at this point. I'm thinking of changing the flasher relay. Also, I want to check the front turn signal bulb/socket. Does anyone have experience removing the bulb?
     
    #4 wesayso, Apr 14, 2020
  5. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    Do you park the car outside?
    I noticed it "started again" perhaps after it "rained again."

    It's Spring time.
    Have you checked your cabin air filter lately??
     
    #5 ETC(SS), Apr 14, 2020
  6. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    Do a search on here and you’ll find the fixes were replaced bad relay. This would have been the first thing I would have done here on prius chat.
     
    #6 Grit, Apr 14, 2020
  7. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    (*sigh*)
    Still not there yet.....
     
    #7 ETC(SS), Apr 14, 2020
  8. wesayso

    wesayso Member

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    Yes, I park outside, but no, it wasn't raining.
     
    #8 wesayso, Apr 16, 2020
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