How to Replace the Flasher Relay on Vehicles

Safety recalls were issued on the front air bag sensor/module, diesel cooling system and the Vehicles speed control, among a handful of recalls on less-critical components.

Under The Hood:

• How to Replace the Flasher Relay on a '99 F350
• How to Replace the Flasher Relay in a Geo Metro
• How to Replace the Flasher Relay in a Geo Tracker

 How to Replace the Flasher Relay on a '99 F350

Turn the ignition switch to the “Off” position. Remove the key from the ignition switch.

Insert the radio removing tool halves into the holes in the face of the radio. Pull the tools outward from the center of the radio, while pulling the radio out of the console. Disconnect the radio electrical connector and the antenna wire from the radio and set the radio aside.

Locate the relay box inside the hole left by the radio, in the lower-left corner. Remove the cover from the relay box. The flasher relay will be the biggest relay in the box. If it is original equipment, it will be blue in color. Pull the flasher relay straight out of the relay box. Install the new relay in the relay box. Install the relay box cover.

Reconnect the radio electrical plug and the antenna wire. Insert the radio in the console, and ensure that the guide on the radio chassis engages with the locating rail in the console. Hold outward on the radio removing tool units, then push the radio into position.

 How to Replace the Flasher Relay in a Geo Metro

Unplug the battery before replacing any relays in your Geo Metro as power surges can cause damage to you or your vehicle's electrical system. Unplugging the battery will also make it safer for you when checking the relay panel and box for damage, dirt and corrosion or making repairs.

Remove the fuse box from under the left side of the dash by unbolting the fuse box from your vehicle with a ratchet or wrench. Your Geo Metro owner's manual or other repair/workshop manual may describe these as "retaining bolts."

Locate the large flasher relay at the top right corner of the fuse box. Pull the flasher relay gently from its housing.

Check the relay socket and housing for damage, dirt or corrosion and clean or repair it, if needed. In addition, check the socket or connector pins for irregular height or bends.

Replace your relay by pushing the new one into the empty socket. Reconnect your battery and check your flashers.

 How to Replace the Flasher Relay in a Geo Tracker

Disconnect the battery before replacing any relays in your Geo Tracker as "live" wires that accidentally come in contact with metal tools can damage you or your vehicle's electrical system.

Locate the fuse or relay box that houses the flasher relay under the dash to the left of the steering column. You may need to use a ratchet, wrench or screwdriver to remove retaining bolts or screws that hold the dash panel or fuse or relay box in place. Check your dash panel or a repair manual for a diagram of the exact location of the flash within the fuse box.

Pull your Geo Tracker flasher relay gently from its relay socket.

Clean the relay socket and housing if dirty or corroded and repair any socket pins or wiring, if needed. Socket pin repair can include fixing uneven pin height or bends. Wiring repair can include reattaching loose socket wires, taping bare areas with electrical tape or wrapping several hanging wires together to make the dash section less cluttered.

Check your old Geo Tracker flasher relay for solder damage or cracks with a magnifying glass before throwing it away. When solder on the relay is cracked or damaged, resistance can occur in the relay followed by a voltage drop that causes flasher issues. Repairing soldered joints with a soldering iron could potentially restore a non-working flasher relay giving you a workable temporary "replacement" should your new relay stop working and you need a quick fix.

Push your new flasher relay into the empty socket, if repairing the old one isn't an option. Reconnect your battery and check your flashers.