Most of us call it turn signals, right? Well, blinkers are essential components of our vehicles. They communicate our intentions to other drivers (e.g., where we are taking turns). However, there are many instances where turn signal noises are gone. As a result, the drivers went into a dilemma and potentially had accidents.
So, why is my blinker not making noise? Yes, this can be your question. Commonly, the reasons are a blown fuse, a bad relay, faulty speakers, defective flasher units, etc. Besides, incorrect radio installation, a clogged indicator, a damaged instrument cluster, or a bad head unit can cause a silent blinker.
The clicking sound is typically generated artificially in modern vehicles. Its absence may indicate a malfunction. Anyway, you can drive safely and save others from dangers by solving faulty turn signals. I will share the reasons and ways to get sound blinkers in this article. Stay with me!
Blinker & Its Anatomy
In short, blinkers serve as a communication tool. For sure, the clicking sound alerts the driver that the signal is in use. It indicates a driver’s intention to change lanes or turn, enhancing road safety (1, 2).
Components
Blinkers are activated by a lever near the steering wheel. They use electrical power to illuminate signal light bulbs (3, 4). A blinker’s circuit includes a fuse, thermal flasher, and a stalk on the steering column. It directs power to the signal lights (5).
How It Works
Turn signals work when the ignition key is on and draw power through a fuse panel into a flasher unit. Then, the system sends power to the turn signal lights depending on the position of the turn-signal stalk (5).
The flasher unit measures the current flow to the bulbs. It uses a solid-state timing mechanism and a transistor to turn the bulbs on and off. Simultaneously, it generates an audible clicking sound to remind the driver that the signal is active (6).
Importance of Auditory Feedback
Why should you need proper functioning turn signals? Let me share my thoughts on this.
The noise of blinkers is necessary for driving performance and safety. It provides drivers with confirmation that the turn signal is active. It can especially be important when visual confirmation is difficult (7). You may find multiple studies where researchers emphasize auditory, visual, and haptic feedback. They can improve drivers’ driving attention and safety (8, 9).
Causes of Silent Blinkers in Your Vehicle
The absence of turn signal noise can be risky in driving a car. However, you may not hear any noise from the blinkers due to these reasons:
Dead Light Bulb
The bulb is the part of the blinker that emits light. Now, you may consider the relationship between the light bulb and the noise. Well, you cannot be sure about the noise if you can’t see the bulb is on. Passersby or other drivers may also hear the noise but fail to locate your car. Therefore, a turn signal may eventually burn out.
Faulty Turn Signal Switch
This switch controls your signal. When it becomes defective, it cannot signal the blinkers to work. Sometimes, the problem may lie in the wiring or switch itself (10, 11, 12).
Blown Fuse
Sometimes, a blown fuse can prevent the turn signal system from functioning properly. More precisely, you may not hear the clicking sound (13, 14).
Faulty Relay
A bad relay is another common cause of turn signal sound failure. Well, the relay signals the blinkers to turn on. When it is faulty, it may affect the lights and the sound (14, 15).
Bad Connection
The wires that connect the turn signals to the battery can become corrupted or damaged. It may cause the signal to malfunction (16).
Faulty Speakers or Head Unit
Problems with the vehicle’s speakers can make blinkers silent. Usually, it happens due to a direct fault in these components. It may also occur when there is any issue with how they interact with the turn signal system (14).
Damaged Flasher Module
Do you know about this flasher unit? It offers power to the turn signal system or blinkers. If this module is broken, it can lead to issues with the blinker sound. You may also face difficulties when using the turn signals (17). Moreover, a broken module may make the blinkers work only inside the car (5).
Incorrect Radio Installation
If a radio is installed incorrectly, it may interfere with the turn signal sound. Typically, it happens due to wiring issues or conflicts between the radio and vehicle electrical systems (18).
Clogged Indicator or Damaged Instrument Cluster
When indicators and instrument clusters become unhealthy, they may prevent the blinkers from making noise.
Oxidation On Bulb Sockets
Different parts of a car oxidize naturally over time. It can definitely affect the bulb sockets. As a result, your car will have a malfunctioning blinker.
Troubleshooting a Defective Turn Signal Noise
I am here to help you, isn’t it? To troubleshoot a defective turn signal noise, you can follow these steps:
Check the Chime Volume Settings
Your car may have settings that control the chime volume for the blinker and other functions. So, the primary way to treat a silent turn signal is to adjust the settings (14).
Consider Fixed Sound and Volume
On certain GM vehicles, the sound and volume of the turn signal are fixed and artificially created. It may imply limited options for adjustment if the blinker isn’t working (18).
Check for Bulb Failure
Inspect the vehicle’s front and rear to identify a directional signal bulb failure. Usually, this failing bulb can cause silent blinkers. In this case, you can remove the lens or gain access to the rear of the lens. Then, remove the turn signal light bulb (19). If a single bulb is not functioning, replace the turn signal bulb with a new unit and reassemble it (20).
Check the Speakers and Head Unit
As I said earlier, defective speakers and head units cause the issue. So, inspect them for any faults and consider replacing them if they are damaged.
Replace the Flasher Module
If this module is broken, it may turn your car’s blinker silent. Hence, you can replace the flasher module to function correctly.
Repair or Replace Indicators or Instrument Cluster
Inspect the components (indicators/instrument cluster) for visible damage or blockages. Then, repair or replace it as necessary.
Proper Radio Installation
You should ensure that the radio is installed correctly. Also, make sure there are no wiring issues that may cause the problem.
Replace the Relay
Locate the relay and test it for proper operation. Usually, it remains under the dashboard or in your vehicle’s fuse box. If you get it defective, replace it to restore the sound (15).
Inspect the Turn Signal Switch
If your car’s turn signal switch causes the issue, you may replace it soon. Otherwise, it will resist sending any signal to the blinkers to work.
Solve Ground Connection Problems
The ground wire connects the battery to the vehicle’s electrical system (including turn signals). It can wear out or corrode over time. So, make sure these connections are fine.
Consider Vehicle-Specific Issues
You may get service bulletins or updates for specific models like the Chevy Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD (21)—these updates address blinker issues, including silent blinkers. So, check for manufacturer-specific guidance or recalls that might apply to your vehicle.
Professional Diagnosis
Well, it’s the last solution! If you cannot diagnose the issue, consider taking your vehicle to a professional mechanic. They can perform a more thorough diagnosis using specialized tools and knowledge.
Cost of Blinkers Replacements
According to several sources, I have found the cost estimation for the silent blinker replacement job below. For complete replacement, you may need to consider all these costs together.
Switch Replacement Cost
The average cost for a turn signal switch replacement is between $245 and $272. It includes labor costs estimated between $75 and $95 and parts priced between $170 and $177 (22). Then again, another source mentions the amount as $258. It includes parts averaging $137 and labor averaging 1.0 hours (23).
Relay Replacement Cost
Well, this cost is between $100 and $120 on average. It may reach up to $200, including parts and labor costs (24). Another estimate is between $124 and $136, with labor costs between $44 and $56 and parts priced between $79 and $80 (25).
Bulb Replacement Cost
It can be between $5 and $20. If you consider labor for this simple task, you may need to count $10 to $30, depending on the vehicle and service provider.
Final Words – Why Is My Blinker Not Making Noise?
I am confident you have learned much about blinkers and the not-making noise issue. Follow the instructions I have provided. Regular maintenance and inspection are always helpful in this case. It may help you and others’ lives.
To fix a silent blinker, replace the dead light bulb first. If not, replace the switch, clean oxidation on bulb sockets, and treat wire connections properly. And the rest of the replacement suggestions are already included in this article.
For professional repair, you can locate AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities or use other online resources to find reputable local auto shops (26, 27).
That’s all for today. Thanks again!
