Honda Turn Signal Not Working Properly
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The left or right turn signal on a Honda Ridgeline, Pilot, Odyssey, Accord, etc., may not work. The problem is often the turn signal relay, affecting many Honda and Acura vehicles.
At a Glance
- Common on: First generation Honda Ridgeline and Pilot; also Odyssey, Accord and Acura models
- Usual cause: A failed turn signal (flasher) relay
- Check first: Fuses and bulbs on the affected side
- Hyper flash: Points to a burned out bulb, not the relay
- Hazards work, signals do not: Suspect the turn signal switch
The turn signal may stop working on Honda vehicles such as the first-generation Ridgeline pickup truck and the Pilot SUV. When you press the left turn signal, nothing happens, and the amber bulbs don’t blink.
This can be frustrating, especially if you checked the fuses, and they seem okay. Also check that the turn signal bulbs are not burned out. If you find that both the bulbs and fuses are OK, the next step is to replace the turn signal relay.
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Symptoms
A faulty turn signal relay could cause several issues, including:
- The turn signal doesn’t work
- Signal hyper flashes, rapid flashing
- No sound when the blinker is on
- Turn signal sound is too weak
- Honda left turn signal doesn’t work, the right works
- Honda’s proper signal doesn’t work, the left works
- Turn arrow doesn’t flash on the dashboard
- Turn blinking sporadically and making random buzzing noises.
A faulty turn signal relay often causes most of the problems described above. Watch the video in this article to learn how to replace it yourself.
Diagnose the Turn Signal by Symptom
- Fast flashing (hyper flash) on one side: a bulb on that side is burned out or has a bad socket.
- One side does not flash at all: check the bulbs and sockets on that side first.
- Neither side works, and hazards also fail: suspect the flasher relay or its fuse.
- Hazards work but turn signals do not: the turn signal switch on the steering column is the likely cause.
- Signals work only sometimes: a failing relay or a loose connector.
Solution
Replace the turn signal relay located under the dashboard on the driver’s side. The relay may have RY-731 Ridgeline / Pilot, Accord, and Acura MDX part numbers. Honda Odyssey may use part number RY717. Remove the old relay and check the part number before ordering a new one.
Replacing the relay is easy and takes about 15 minutes. All you need is long nose pliers.
Follow these steps to replace the turn signal relay:
- Press the parking brake. This will give you more room to access the fuse panel.
- Slide under the dashboard on the driver’s side.
- Locate the turn signal relay and pull it out using pliers.
- Press the new turn signal relay that is in place. Ensure the circle with the holes (speaker) is on the same side.
The video above shows how to replace the turn signal relay yourself in under 15 minutes.
The turn signal relay may also be called a flasher relay. It is the same part for many models. For example, the flasher relay from a 2006 Honda Ridgeline will also fit a 2008 Acura MDX as the part is interchangeable. We recommend that the replacement part number match the old part number.
Conclusion
If your Honda or Acura turn signal doesn’t work, the most common problem is a failed turn signal relay. The turn signal relay is located in the fuse box under the dashboard on the driver’s side. It takes less than 15 minutes to fix this problem yourself, and you don’t need any unique tool. Technically, you can remove the grey relay without any tools, but pulling it with pliers makes it much more manageable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Honda turn signal stop working?
On many Hondas, especially the first generation Ridgeline and Pilot, a failed turn signal relay is the usual cause once fuses and bulbs check out.
Why does my Honda turn signal blink fast?
Fast flashing usually means a bulb on that side is burned out or has a poor connection.
My hazards work but the turn signals do not. Why?
That points to the turn signal switch on the steering column rather than the relay.
Is it legal to drive with a broken turn signal?
No. Working turn signals are required, so fix it as soon as possible and use hand signals in the meantime.
Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Honda.
