Good afternoon everyone,

My left blinker on my GX stopped working about 2 months ago. I had the tires and brakes done yesterday at Firestone. I asked them to replace the bulb for me as the blinker did not work and makes the "fast click" sound when activating it.

I was told that it is not the bulb and Firestone can't do anything about this. They believe something is loose or maybe an electrical problem????

Has anyone had any problems with this? Any direction I should look in. Do you think this is a MAJOR issue that will cost me $$$ at the dealer?

Thanks in advance for taking the time to reply

 

So did they change the bulb or just tell you this? I would take a look for yourself, my guess is it's not something big at all. Have you taken the front engine cover off before? I just did for the first time and ended up breaking a few plugs. I thought you just lifted up on the center piece, but no. You need to push a screw driver in the slot and then slightly pull up. That's where I would start.

 

I've read reports on this site like the problem you describe, and my 2004 does the same thing except on the passenger side. I've found if I just remove and replace the same bulb that it 'fixes' the problem, often for a year or more. If your GX is still on warranty perhaps it would be good to pressure the dealer to do something for a permanent solution. My car only behaves like this from time to time and the dealer is far away, so I've just been doing the R&R thing.

 

Typically a "fast" blinker indicates a bulb is burnt out somewhere in the system. In your case, maybe two are or you could have a short or a bad relay or a problem w/ the stalk? If you're under warranty, head to the dealer. If not, let's investigate a little further:

- Left blinker as in all the left side flashers don't work?
- Or only the front or only the rear?
- Do they not flash only when using the turn signal or also when using 4way flashers/hazards?
- Does this occur only when the headlights are on/off or both?
- What happens if you swap turn signal bulb from right side over to left? (wouldn't hurt to pick up a new bulbs so you don't have to dig in there twice - plus they're cheap)

With the car securely parked and motor off, see this thread for easiest access to changing turn signal bulbs w/o having to remove engine covers (plus it's really tight access from top on driver side w/ battery in place).

Let us know answers to above and we'll help you further.

 

Thanks so much for all your replies. I'm sorry I didn't respond sooner, I was not notified that I had any replies.

It is my left front turn signal. The shop said that replacing the bulb did not solve the problem. Unfortunately, my warranty ran out so I am on my own with this.

I was telling a friend about my situation and as I was showing him the light for some reason he hit it lightly with his palm. I know this is funny but the light started working and no longer blinks rapidly when I turn the left signal on. Hmmpff, kind of like hitting the vending machine or tv and suddenly it works haha.

I am smart enough to know that this will not fix the problem permanently, but it did the trick and has been working for the last few days and about 200 miles of driving!!!

Does this mean that something is probably loose?? Does it help pinpoint what the problem may be or is it just plain luck?????

deb

 

I just changed it, it was doing the fast blink and then the bulb would start working again. I noticed that when you replace it, make sure you press, rotate counter clockwise to remove and then to install do the reverse. I noticed the bulb I removed was perfectly normal, so my guess is that it probably wasn't properly installed by the previous owner? It's a tight squeeze to get in there which makes it a little hard to replace, just take your time and do it right. Mine works fine now.

 

Thank you for your suggestion. I would never know how to change it myself though. I am handy around the house and can cook like no one's business, but when it comes to automobiles I am challenged

deb

 

Deb,

I posted a link w/ easy DIY instructions on how to change the bulb in my post above but here you go again:

see this thread

This board exists for us to help each other out in diagnosing and resolving problems w/o being forced to the dealer for every single thing. Challenged or not in automobiles, changing these bulbs is very DIY-able. Go for it!

Good luck

 

Thank you so much for the link. Right now the blinker is still working (fingers crossed)!! When it stops I think I'm going to take the plunge and attempt to fix it myself

 

Hello,
Just completed the troubleshooting on my daughter's 2008 GX470 for a front left signal inop issue. First, I tried to remove from underneath and this shortcut is too risky...
Recommendation is to remove top plastic cover and battery to have easy access and inspect wiring connection. After first removal and inspection and check that the light bulb 1156A (OEM) was working when connected to my 12v motorcycle battery, I did a careful inspection the wiring and the bulb socket, it looks like the socket positive contact to the side of the bulb was "pushed in" and did not make good contact. I carefully pried out slightly with a small screwdriver and reinstalled everything: problem solved! Note as per manual, all windows and sunroof need to be "exercised" after the battery has been connected back.

 

Wow, so much to go through to change a bulb. You would think there would be an easier way !!