Defective indicator - symptoms, replacement / repair and costs quickly explained!

Recently updated on January 27, 2022 at 10:19 am

Defective indicators and their symptoms, how does the change / repair work and what are the costs? We have an overview for you. Properly functioning indicators (correctly called "direction indicators") are of great importance for road safety. Otherwise other road users cannot prepare for a possible turn or change of lane from your vehicle. In order to check that the indicator is working properly, the indicator light in the instrument cluster as well as the rear and front lamps and, if available, also on the side mirror should be checked regularly. In the following guide you will learn more about the typical symptoms of a defective turn signal and the costs involved in changing it!

Symptoms and signs of a defective turn signal

• the left or right turn signal does not work
• the turn signal flashes too quickly
• the turn signal lights up continuously
• the turn signal does not work on either side
• the pitman arm sticks or does not work reliably
• a message in the instrument cluster, for example. "System fault lighting system, blinker defective, etc." appears
• no "clicking noise" when activating

Reasons for a malfunctioning turn signal

• the turn signal bulb is broken
• the turn signal relay is broken
• the pitman arm is broken
• the hazard warning switch is broken
• a fuse is broken
• the steering column module is broken
• the comfort control unit is broken
• a cable is broken
• an LED headlight is broken

defective blinker and the general inspection

If the turn signal is not working properly, there is a considerable lack and the general inspection fails.

Resuming the journey despite a defective indicator?

If you have noticed that at least one of your indicators is not working properly, you should go to a workshop as soon as possible and have the problem rectified. Otherwise there is a risk that the traffic behind you does not expect to change lanes or turn off and cause an accident. In addition, according to the StVO, a Fine of 15 euros due if one of the indicators is defective or simply does not blink when turning.

Costs and repairs

The amount of work and the cost of the repair depend on the Cause of problem away. If a blinker flashes quickly, it often indicates a defective lightbulb. Then material costs of less than 5 euros for xenon and halogen headlights can be expected. Then there are the costs for the working time, which, depending on the vehicle model, usually only takes 5 to 10 minutes. With an hourly wage of 100 euros, the total costs are 10 to 20 euros. In particular, the "rapid flashing" effect can only be observed in older vehicles. More and more new vehicles are equipped with LED indicators. And if they are broken, it will be expensive. The turn signal light source of an LED headlight costs a lot of money. Normally you have to the entire headlight can be changed, which can even cost over 2000, - Euro.

several possibilities are possible

If one of the indicators lights up permanently, the indicator relay may be defective. Often the relay is integrated in the hazard warning switch. The cost of the material is around 10 to 50 euros and the workload is 10 to 40 minutes, depending on the model. At an hourly rate of 100 euros, the total costs are between 30 and 120 euros. Usually, however, they are in the lower end of the price range. If the turn signals on one side of the vehicle do not react at all when flashing, a defective steering column switch may be the cause. The material costs range from 25 to 150 euros. The time required is around 30 to 60 minutes. But also a defective wiring harness or external damage the headlights / indicators can be the cause. Even a broken one Car battery may be the problem. If you cannot locate the fault yourself, only going to a professional will help.

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