Why do my blinkers work sometimes and others time don't?

Question

I have a 2002 Jeep Cherokee and last week I noticed that my blinkers have a mind of their own and only work once in awhile. Does anyone have an idea of what the problem is or how to fix it?

Answer 1

I would replace your flasher, it controls the turn signals.

After a while it gets build up inside, similar to that of the build up inside a distributor cap.

very inexpensive part you can change your self, it is located inside the fuse panel.

Answer 2

check the earth connections, with electrics the power will always look for the fastest way to an earth and can sometimes bypass the lights without activating them. earth wires are usually black in colour and always earth onto the body of the car if its the front lights the earth will be close the back of the light on the body (a black wire bolted to the inner wing) and if its the tail light the earth will inside the trim panels next to the light board.

to fix this just unbolt the earth cable and give it a rub with some emery cloth or glass paper to clean off any dirt or grit and bolt it back on you can even put on some contact grease to ensure a good contact

Answer 3

Be certain you are pushing the switch all the way up or down. If it happens on both left and right it might be the flasher unit. You can find it in the owners manual.
If it only happens on one side that would indicate a bad connection at the bulb or a bad bulf itself.

Answer 4

check the bulbs if there loose or rusty corrosion