turn signal short?

[98clru]

JUST over 36k (still had 10miles left left on warranty when noticed but local dealers already closed). Of course this is the only problem I've had. When my 2006 has been running for a while (20 minutes or more) I've had the right blinker indicator flash about 100x as fast as normal, clicking and blink are synchronized, right lights are flashing at same speed. This will continue for quite a while. ONLY seems to happen when headlights are on (still observing). It will stop on it's own with no obvious reason why and then resume.

First thing that came to mind was to turn the car off to "reset" the computer etc. I powered the car off/on several times and the flashing continues.

Turning car off and on has no effect if not left off for a while. Switching to high beams has no impact.

When I shut the car down for a while I get a while without the problem. Longer car is off, longer the problem doesn't rear it's ugly head. Doubt it has anything to do with it, but it has been showing over 95 on the outside air temp, it is summer here in Orlando, but the fact it takes a while to show up and will only stop consistently for a while when it's been off for a while indicates it's at least partially temp sensitive.

When I use my blinker indicator shows ok while having the problem, lights seem to blink normally with an occaisonal right turn flash in between left turn flashes.


Thanks for any suggestions.

[RBW111]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(98clru @ Aug 22 2007, 12:31 PM) [snapback]500397[/snapback]</div>

JUST over 36k (still had 10miles left left on warranty when noticed but local dealers already closed). Of course this is the only problem I've had. When my 2006 has been running for a while (20 minutes or more) I've had the right blinker indicator flash about 100x as fast as normal, clicking and blink are synchronized, right lights are flashing at same speed. This will continue for quite a while. ONLY seems to happen when headlights are on (still observing). It will stop on it's own with no obvious reason why and then resume.

First thing that came to mind was to turn the car off to "reset" the computer etc. I powered the car off/on several times and the flashing continues.

Turning car off and on has no effect if not left off for a while. Switching to high beams has no impact.

When I shut the car down for a while I get a while without the problem. Longer car is off, longer the problem doesn't rear it's ugly head. Doubt it has anything to do with it, but it has been showing over 95 on the outside air temp, it is summer here in Orlando, but the fact it takes a while to show up and will only stop consistently for a while when it's been off for a while indicates it's at least partially temp sensitive.

When I use my blinker indicator shows ok while having the problem, lights seem to blink normally with an occaisonal right turn flash in between left turn flashes.
Thanks for any suggestions.
[/b]

I think that usually indicates a bulb has burnt out.

[mgipe]

Most Toyotas are designed so the turn signals flash at a higher rate if one of the bulbs is burnt out or loose.

Since your problem is intermittent, I suspect that one of the bulbs is loose in its socket or slightly corroded, and loses contact occasionally depending on temperature, humidity, phase of moon, vibration, or personal attitude.

When this happens next, leave the turn signal on, pull over, get out of the car and inspect the lights. It is likely that one will be out. Usually all you need to do is remove and reinstall the bulb to get it working again for a while -- at least until the corrosion builds up again, which may be another three years if you're lucky.

[Tideland Prius]

ditto. I agree with checking your exterior indicator bulbs.

[98clru]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mgipe @ Aug 22 2007, 04:03 PM) [snapback]500545[/snapback]</div>

Most Toyotas are designed so the turn signals flash at a higher rate if one of the bulbs is burnt out or loose.

Since your problem is intermittent, I suspect that one of the bulbs is loose in its socket or slightly corroded, and loses contact occasionally depending on temperature, humidity, phase of moon, vibration, or personal attitude.

When this happens next, leave the turn signal on, pull over, get out of the car and inspect the lights. It is likely that one will be out. Usually all you need to do is remove and reinstall the bulb to get it working again for a while -- at least until the corrosion builds up again, which may be another three years if you're lucky.
[/b]

Thanks for the help. That was one of my first suspicions. Unless it's "throwing" symptoms from driver to passenger side don't think it's that simple (I'll check on driver side working tomorrow).

Unfortunately this problem cropped up with only 16 months on the road (came off the boat april 06).

as I mentioned in original post, right turn blinker lights are flashing at same speed (as in working) when this happens.

My one new observation is that it stops (works normally) when I crank the a/c up and go to the bilevel setting (some a/c diverted to heater duct thus cooling under the dash). This leads me to think it's the flasher relay is defective. Now all I need to do is tear the dash apart to get to it...

I tried to find it by following the sound while looking upside under the dash, no luck.

[patsparks]

Press and release the hazard warning light switch.

How did you have the car on the road for 16 months if it came off the boat in 2007?

[98clru]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(patsparks @ Aug 23 2007, 04:18 AM) [snapback]500884[/snapback]</div>

Press and release the hazard warning light switch.

How did you have the car on the road for 16 months if it came off the boat in 2007?
[/b]

Tried the hazard switch right after it first showed the problem.

You're right, being overtired I forgot to subtract the year, I was so worried about how many months plus 12.

[98clru]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(98clru @ Aug 22 2007, 01:31 PM) [snapback]500397[/snapback]</div>

JUST over 36k (still had 10miles left left on warranty when noticed but local dealers already closed). Of course this is the only problem I've had. When my 2006 has been running for a while (20 minutes or more) I've had the right blinker indicator flash about 100x as fast as normal, clicking and blink are synchronized, right lights are flashing at same speed. ....Thanks for any suggestions.
[/b]

Finally took the time to take it to dealer. As it was intermittent I
was afraid of getting, the "sorry can't reproduce", but as it was
running waiting for the service writer to get to us it started up and
all the service writers looked over. At least they knew I wasn't
crazy.

Preparing to take it to dealer I realized what I should have done
when
first seen was use my video feature on my cell phone to document
problem and milage. Turns out they covered it anyway and it had
37,500
on it. They replaced the turn signal switch and had to tear
apart the dash and steering wheel. Estimate $318 which was lower than
I would have guessed, but they don't break down costs on jobs covered
under warrantee.
Didn't think turn signal switch would cure it as
the problem was not manifesting itself if I kept cabin temp down
using
bilevel, but went thru the first puddle since problem started and the
problem started and kept going for an hour, making me think there
might
be a short under one of the fenders. That's when I decided I had to
get it to dealer. It was raining this AM and no
problem but haven't driven thru standing water yet. If it shows up
again will report progress... Thanks to all with your suggestions.