Right, Rear Turn Signal Not Working but its a New Bulb

Okay, I recently replaced my rear turn signal bulbs just a couple months back. Just recently, the right rear blinker indicator has been blinking really fast. Sometimes it would blink fast and sometimes it would blink normally. Today I checked the right rear blinker and it would not work. I replaced the bulb with a brand new bulb and still it would not work. The left blinker and tail light work fine. The right tail light works fine. Its just the right, rear blinker. I don't know what it could be.

My car has 147000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
It only takes a small amount of corrosion to interrupt the flow of current. You probably just have a dirty light socket. If you get a small strip of 400 grit sandpaper and rub it on the contact surfaces in the bulb socket, that will probably get you working. If that doesn’t do the trick, you have to get a test light or a meter and go hunting for the interruption. If you would like to have a technician do this for you, you can contact Your Mechanic and have one come to your home or office and check out your turn signals for you.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

If there are no turn signals on either side, check the fuse as it may be defective. Another problem is both turn signals on one side not working. This could indicate bad bulbs or bad ground in both housings.
You may be dealing with bad bulbs, a bad flasher relay, a faulty turn signal switch, or a bad wire or connector between the flasher unit and the turn signal switch. First, check the bulbs to see if they are still in good shape: No darkened areas or damaged filaments.
The brake lights in some vehicles are powered through the same circuit that powers the turn signal light. If this is the case for your car and the turn signal light isn`t working, chances are the brake lights aren`t either. If it`s possible to replace the wire connecting these two, go ahead and do so.
Check the fuse.

A blown fuse usually causes both lights to go out. On newer cars, the tail lamps can be fused separately and/or each bulb or shared circuit can be fused. A fuse can be blown due to other problems, so you`ll need to check more than just the fuse, but it`s the right place to start.

The most common cause of this problem is a failed turn signal bulb (or loose connection). Flasher relays depend on a certain amount of current flowing through the circuit. If a bulb fails, it results in less current, which results in it not blinking. Some cars have one blinker in front and one in back on each side.
Like all of the lights on and in a vehicle, turn signals rely on a fuse.
A faulty switch can be one of the main reasons why the turn signals don`t work. It is also good to check the parking lights, which usually utilize the turn signal bulbs. If the parking lights and hazards come on, but that side doesn`t illuminate when you hit the switch, then it`s a circuit problem.
Bad Socket. If you have a single brake light out and the bulb is good, then the next step is to check the light socket itself. Brake light problems can include a socket whose connections are dirty or corroded or one whose wiring has become worn to the point where it`s only making an intermittent connection.
The likely cause is a fuse, headlight relay, headlight switch, dimmer switch or a wiring fault. About the only cause that is an easy fix is a blown fuse. Consult your owner`s manual to locate the main fuse for the headlight circuit and replace that fuse with one having the same amp rating.
If your turn signal stays permanently on instead of flashing on and off, it could be a sign that the relay has gone bad. This problem is most likely caused by an electrical issue. Once you notice this symptom, have your vehicle checked right away.
Problems operating the turn signals

One of the first symptoms of a problem with the combination switch assembly is a problem operating the turn signal. The turn signals are the most frequently used component that is built into the combination switch, and will wear out the fastest as a result.

Flashers will have two or three pins as opposed to the four or five of a standard relay. With a two pin flasher, the pins would be connected to power and the light circuit. With a three pin flasher the additional pin would connect to an indicator light to let you know your flasher is on.
A fuse is always connected in the live wire of the circuit.
If your turn signals have stopped working, it`ll be doing one of these things: blinking rapidly, coming on without blinking, or nothing at all. The good news is that all of these symptoms point to two possible issues, a bad turn signal relay or a dead bulb.
A blinker fuse is any fuse that burns through a line of blinkers.
Signal relays are essentially electrically operated electromechanical switches that control the flow of current in a circuit. They work by using a magnetic force, produced by a control current running through a coil near the contacts, to move internal moving parts or contacts between open and closed positions.
Green is for the right turn signal. Yellow is for left turn signal. White is ground, and brown is for the trailer`s taillights.
Changing out a turn signal bulb is quick and easy. It simply involves removing the burnt light bulb and replacing it with a new one. Replacement bulbs can be purchased at automotive stores or through your local dealership`s service department.
Yes. The filament of the brake lights and turn signals are shared.
Blown Fuse

A car fuse safeguards the tail light and brake light circuit from overcurrent. However, a high electric load on the rear light can cause a blown fuse and the tail light to stop working.

Padiddle, alternatively spelled pediddle or perdiddle, is a night driving game where players look for vehicles with a single burnt-out headlight or brake light, the word padiddle being a slang term for such a vehicle. The term Popeye is also used, due to it looking like one eye is out or squinting.
Push the point of the tester through the wire insulation behind the socket to make contact with the wire. The tester should light for two of the three wires (the ground wire won`t light). If it lights for two wires, the wiring is good. Simply replace the socket.
And because the taillights and brake lights do not share the same circuit, confirming the ground as a potential cause is not a task that needs much analysis.
In North America, since 1986, all vehicles feature a third brake light. Legally, this is called the Center High Mount Stop Lamp, CHMSL for short, but informally called center brake lamp, high-level or eye-level brake lamp, cyclops brake light, or safety brake lamp.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Right, Rear Turn Signal Not Working but its a New Bulb
ANSWER : It only takes a small amount of corrosion to interrupt the flow of current. You probably just have a dirty light socket. If you get a small strip of 400 grit sandpaper and rub it on the contact surfaces in the bulb socket, that will probably get you working. If that doesn’t do the trick, you have to get a test light or a meter and go hunting for the interruption. If you would like to have a technician do this for you, you can contact Your Mechanic and have one come to your home or office and check out your turn signals for you.

Okay so when I turn my lights on at night my brake lights do not work, when I don’t have my lights on they work fine.
ANSWER : Hi there. Based on your inquiry, it’s highly probable that you have a damaged light switch or some electrical fault inside the turn signal relay. However, it’s also possible that the brake switch above the brake pedal could also be the source of your problem. Due to the fact that multiple electrical components might be causing this issue, it’s a smart idea to first have a professional mobile mechanic complete a brake lights are not working inspection, so they can determine what’s causing all of these issues and recommend the right repairs.

Turn signal problem
ANSWER : When you turn on the turn signal on the right side do you get a light in front and rear come on but not blink? Do not have headlights on at this time. Replace the right front turn signal bulb if it does not light. Then replace the left rear bulb with correct bulb for vehicle since using wrong bulb will cause fast blinking and a bad bulb will can cause no blinking at all.

Rear right turn signal/brake light not flashing properly
ANSWER : Hello there, thank you for asking about your 2003 Ford Mustang. The bulb is a dual filament bulb. One filament is for tail lights and the other for brake lights. I recommend removing and replacing the bulb first, then see if it works. If you need to replace a brake light bulb or inspect why your brake light isn’t working, you can have a certified technician from YourMechanic replace it for you.

My rear left turn signal will not work and I have replaced the bulb and checked the fuse.
ANSWER : Hey there. The most likely problem is the bulb holder / socket itself. It may look fine but probably has a crack or break internally. Also possible (but rare) is the circuit board within the tail lamp housing itself. I recommend having a qualified professional, like one from YourMechanic, inspect the lights in person in order to have this corrected properly.

My car shuts off when I turn on the light or even the turn signals please help need this car to get to work
ANSWER : Hi there. This type of electrical glitch can be very difficult to pinpoint or diagnose without a physical inspection. However, in general, the most common causes of this issue is an exposed electrical wire within the ignition system. It is best to have a professional mechanic complete an electrical problems inspection first in order to correctly diagnose and resolve this issue.

Left turn signal and DRL aren’t working properly
ANSWER : A couple of faults could cause this issue. The most likely would be a wiring issue, the turn signal relay or an improper bulb. The most likely cause in this case would be a wiring issue, if the lights were shorted to power, they would stay on at all times and the fault would not trigger the ECU that a bulb is out. A qualified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, will be able to diagnose your light problems and proceed with the appropriate repairs.

Chrysler car, replaced turn signal switch and flasher relay and turn signals still do not come on either right or left, no turn si
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. If the electrical components are all working individually, then the issue is likely relating to the wiring between them. The best way to trace the issue is with a voltmeter. In doing so you start with the power supply starting at the fuse box and work your way down the circuit. When you find where the voltage cuts off, you will have found the wire or component that has failed. You will want a wiring circuit to help you through this process. Often when after market components have been installed around the wiring it can become damaged. Double check any of these areas. The switch and steering column will both need to be tested as well. For more help with this type of electrical testing, contact our service department.