Odd cycling on turn signals?

[Kelleytoons]

My two year old Maximis has at times started to cycle oddly when I use my right hand signal -- it either cycles fast or fast two times and then slow once or twice.  In the past my experience with cars tells me this is due to a light being out, but it's one of those "this problem will NEVER occur when you are stopped and can actually check it" because every time I try it works fine (I HATE intermittent problems, particularly those that only seem to arise when you are on a long trip on the highway :>).

 

In any case, it has happened on and off over the last few months and I'm pretty sure I'll eventually be able to stop and check it when it IS happening, but in the meantime can anyone confirm the source of this problem?  I mean, am I likely to find that a light HAS gone out somewhere?  (Although it's odd that it would go out and then come back on again -- perhaps the bulb is loose or something but until I find out what bulb it is I don't feel comfortable even taking it into the shop).  Or is there something else I might have to consider?

[SnowStorm]

Do you know Morse code?  It might be trying to tell you something!

If you have the Forscan software, you might look for a DTC from one of the modules.  As I understand it, many DTCs don't turn on any warning lights.

[markd]

I've had a front left bulb go out already and I'm at 16 months and 18,000 miles.

[C-MaxSea]

'Sounds' like / gotta be a bulb out - doesn't it ?. 

[stevedebi]

My two year old Maximis has at times started to cycle oddly when I use my right hand signal -- it either cycles fast or fast two times and then slow once or twice.  In the past my experience with cars tells me this is due to a light being out, but it's one of those "this problem will NEVER occur when you are stopped and can actually check it" because every time I try it works fine (I HATE intermittent problems, particularly those that only seem to arise when you are on a long trip on the highway :>).

 

In any case, it has happened on and off over the last few months and I'm pretty sure I'll eventually be able to stop and check it when it IS happening, but in the meantime can anyone confirm the source of this problem?  I mean, am I likely to find that a light HAS gone out somewhere?  (Although it's odd that it would go out and then come back on again -- perhaps the bulb is loose or something but until I find out what bulb it is I don't feel comfortable even taking it into the shop).  Or is there something else I might have to consider?

Ford does this to indicate a short in the lighting system. Typically that is a burnt out turn signal bulb somewhere. If it is intermittent, it may be a loose bulb. You need to stop when it is happening and check the lights.

 

EDIT: Check the brake and tail lights as well.

Edited July 13, 2016 by stevedebi

[Kelleytoons]

Yeah, that's been my experience in the past with other makes and models, but I've never had an intermittent problem like this.  After doing it pretty consistently for a few weeks (although never were I could stop and check) it now hasn't done it again for another week.  I'm also thinking it *might* have something to do with the weather -- the temp here in Florida has been in the 100's, which is unusual, and now that it's slightly cooled off (in the 90's, which is more usual) it has stopped misbehaving.  So perhaps the heat was causing something to loosen/tighten incorrectly and now all is well.

 

For sure if/when it does it again (and I can stop safely) I'll check and find out where the bulb is so I can get it replaced (or replace it myself -- with these new cars I'm not sure how easy that is).

[plus 3 golfer]

Yeah, that's been my experience in the past with other makes and models, but I've never had an intermittent problem like this.  After doing it pretty consistently for a few weeks (although never were I could stop and check) it now hasn't done it again for another week.  I'm also thinking it *might* have something to do with the weather -- the temp here in Florida has been in the 100's, which is unusual, and now that it's slightly cooled off (in the 90's, which is more usual) it has stopped misbehaving.  So perhaps the heat was causing something to loosen/tighten incorrectly and now all is well.

 

For sure if/when it does it again (and I can stop safely) I'll check and find out where the bulb is so I can get it replaced (or replace it myself -- with these new cars I'm not sure how easy that is).

There are DTCs for virtually all exterior lights like these three for the left front turn signal:

 

B123A:09 Left Front Turn Indicator: Component Failure

B123A:11 Left Front Turn Indicator: Circuit Short to Ground

B123A:15 Left Front Turn Indicator: Circuit Short to Battery or Open

 

For those with a an android or iOS device, one can get an ELM 327 (< $25) and the ForScan Lite App (< $5) and scan for DTC.  And one can pick up a Service Manual DVD on e-bay for as little as $10 for replacement procedures (also probably videos on youtube with respect to replacement of lamps).  IMO, even if one never has an issue, it's worth $40 just to monitor data like tire pressures, temperatures, and so forth.

[Kelleytoons]

Okay, so this old man is vaguely familiar with the concept of OBD and devices to check the car's computer in general (when I actually worked on cars, back when dinosaurs ruled the earth, they did not have computers in them :>) but is the place this plugs in to our cars easy to get to/find?  I see that you can also buy extension cables for this and am wondering if I will need one as well.

[Kelleytoons]

Ah, silly me -- right after I wrote that I went out to play tennis and just happened to reach down on the left and see this little panel which, when opened up, revealed what is surely that OBD port (so much more convenient than it is on our Durango, where it's hidden away).

 

Thanks for the idea -- I think I will get one of these readers just for fun.

[plus 3 golfer]

Ah, silly me -- right after I wrote that I went out to play tennis and just happened to reach down on the left and see this little panel which, when opened up, revealed what is surely that OBD port (so much more convenient than it is on our Durango, where it's hidden away).

 

Thanks for the idea -- I think I will get one of these readers just for fun.

I removed the cover and stored it in the glove box. Thus, It's very easy then to plug in and remove the ELM 327 from that port.  There is a second port that is way under the driver's side dash (no cover) but difficult to get to.

[SnowStorm]

You might want to get an OBDII interface that uses Bluetooth or WiFi to get rid of the cable.  I had an old wired one but would much prefer no cable.  Also, I understand that some interfaces will power down when the car is off so you don't have to switch it on/off manually or unplug it (but I have no experience with these).  I used the port under the steering column so the cable could more easily be kept out of the way running to the passenger side of car.

[Kelleytoons]

I couldn't find a bluetooth one that works with my iPhone (lots for Androids, though) and even the ones that said Wi-Fi seemed to plug in *somewhere* (so I'm not sure I get it, exactly).

 

But given how little I'll use this (maybe only once or twice a year if that) I don't really want to overthink this.  I was thinking about getting this one:

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00W0SDLRY/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2M1HZFLRXD6KD&coliid=I105O47Z7U5H9E&psc=1

[scottwood2]

I had the same fast blink for the right turn signal.  It would blink fast a few times and then slow down and then fast again.  I checked the lights and found the right front bulb was out. I have not changed it yet and it has been a few weeks.  Today for the first time the right turn signal is back to normal speed for both sides.   I did not check the lights yet after this recent change.  Thinking it is some kind of connection issue.   I did not look for codes but that is a good tip.