blinker problem...please help me out!

mpatka · 11-21-2001, 09:37 PM

I have a 1997 TJ sport and lately the blinkers have been acting strange. Sometime when I put on the blinker it will blink really really fast, other times it will just pause. Sometimes when it pauses it will start up again, other times it stops for good. To top it off, every now and then the blinkers will work properly. Please let me know if any of this has happened to you or any of your friends.
Thanks,
-Mike

Qwntm · 11-22-2001, 01:38 AM

I'm not saying that this is the way it is, because I don't know for sure on a 1997, a 1979 definitely, but...

There is a little round gizmo (the blinker unit), usually on the fuse panel, (check the owners manual), and they sell for about $3. This gizmo can go TU, and then strange things can happen.

It's an easy plug and replace deal, and the first place I would start looking if what you described was happening to me.

Hope this helps...

dru2002 · 11-22-2001, 07:16 AM

is it the lights themselves going haywire or the blink indicater. Does it happen on left or right turns or both?

mpatka · 11-22-2001, 05:20 PM

The lights themselves blink fast, and the blinker display light on the dash blinks fast in synch with the blinker. This occurs with both left and right blinkers. I have heard that it may be a "relay switch", any more ideas for me? I haven't had time to look into this much, but any feedback will be well appreciated.
Thanks,
-Mike

mytjnamedrex · 11-22-2001, 06:36 PM

try flushing the fluid and putting in synthetic... come on blinker fluid wont last almost 5 years!! LOL jk I would say a relay or possibly a lose connection. Is it possibly you got some water inside them too?

Qwntm · 11-22-2001, 11:59 PM

OK, I know what it is now.

You have a bulb burnt out. The blinker relay is designed to blink fast when a bulb burns out, telling you you have bulb burnt out. (Or is it the relay is burnt out? Hmmm... I think it's the bulb, but if all the bulbs light, then its the relay thats burnt out. Again, the relay is that round little dohicky that costs about $3.)

And as always, I could be wrong. (Just don't tell the passengers please....

)

**horatio102** · 11-23-2001, 01:37 AM

If the flasher is burned out your lights will not flash. The hazard light flasher in my Ram burned up and the 4-ways would turn on solid. If they're going fast all the time that's an indication that a bulb is burned out.

If you have a tow package check to see if the wiring in it is OK.

sport · 11-23-2001, 11:09 PM

for some reason 97 tj's have had alot of problems with the blinker assembly. mine tends to sit between on and off leaving the blinker on without it blinking (if that makes sense). It is under warranty even though no recall has been issued that i have heard about. Try calling your local dealership to see if they have come out with a factory upgrade for these faulty switches