The reason why your headlight turns off when you’re using the turn signal varies. This could be a result of the blinking flash of your turn signal when it’s on. The reason is simply to make your turn visible to other road users as the brightness from your headlights could hinder this flash signal visibility. In whichever case, fixing the vehicle if you suspect any mayhem is more paramount. If you’re driving and notice this, you are required to turn off the vehicle and inspect the headlight after which you head to a nearby quality technician workshop for advice.
Headlights are a very sensitive and important component of a vehicle and should be treated with utmost care and maintenance strategy. This article will explain why your headlight turns off when the turn signal is on. Kindly read on.
Can the turn signal switch affect headlights?
The turn signal switch has several functions, both electrical and mechanical issues while indicating a vehicle turn. Electrically, the switch signals the turn signal flash to illuminate either the right or left turn lights, front and rear inclusive. Mechanically, the switch maintains the turn signal flasher functions until the steering wheel maintains a straight position or is reversed from the turn direction selected. For instance, if you turn on a left side signal, the turn signal switch will sustain a blinking flashing left turn signal until the steering wheel is turned to a certain amount of counterclockwise direction (for a left turn), then return clockwise to a straight-ahead or centred direction. After which the flashing turn signal is cancelled.
Now, when a driver uses the turn signal, the headlight of that side turns off so that other drivers and road users can see the turn signal flasher that is on. This happens mostly at times of low visibility like nighttime.
Also, turn signal lights don’t continue flashing unless the turn signal lever is held down, it comes up only when in use.
How do I know my headlights turn off when using the turn signal?
You will know when your headlight turns off when using the turn signal by looking out for that extra brightness your daytime running lights give. The light close to the turn signal flasher will definitely turn off so as to allow other drivers to see the turn signal and the direction your car is headed to avoid blindness of other drivers.
You will see the turn signals better. It also works as a sign that there should be a flashing signal in the direction your car is approaching. if the turn signal unit or relay has failed for some reason, then your daytime running lights will be very bright and visible.
The lights that turn off may not be headlights in some cases they are sidelights/position lights, but generally, they’re just daytime running lights, for which most of the usual rules don’t apply.
What are the causes of headlights turning off when using the turn signal?
The reason headlights turn off when your turn signal is on is simply to prevent the blindness of other motorists in the direction of your turn. More also, faulty headlights and turn signal switches could be a potential cause. Additionally, the flasher relay may have failed or is not getting enough voltage, or there’s a problem with the ground connection.
Conclusion
Going for a general vehicle body electrical and lighting inspection will do you good, it’s quite expensive but I tell you, it’s worth it. Once the problem has been determined, you’re a step ahead. Yourmechanic, Offers discount for general inspection, you might want to patronize them.
Disclaimer
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