How to Replace Your Turn Signal Relay in Dodge Cars

If your turn signal of your Dodge car starts malfunctioning or quits working altogether, the first thought is a bad bulb, but this may not be the case. It could be a problem with the turn signal relay. Replacing this part doesn't require an in-depth knowledge of auto mechanics, just an ability to follow an easy set of directions, a replacement relay and a screwdriver.

Under The Hood:

• How to Replace Your Turn Signal Relay in a Dodge Intrepid
• How to Replace Your Turn Signal Relay in a Dodge Ram
• How to Replace Your Turn Signal Relay in a Dodge Durango
• How to Replace Your Turn Signal Relay in a Dodge Caravan

 How to Replace Your Turn Signal Relay in a Dodge Intrepid

Locate the relay panel box on your Dodge Intrepid. On most year models, it's underneath the steering column and above the brake pedal. However, on some, you can find it on the right side of the steering column near the radio.

Take a Phillips head screwdriver and remove the screws from the panel. Once removed, put those screws in a safe place where you won't lose them. On some models of the Dodge Intrepid, there isn't a panel present, because the steering column cover houses the relays.

Look on the underside of the relay panel for a diagram, to locate exactly where the turn signal relay is. If there isn't a diagram, start in the upper right hand corner of the box and compare the existing relays to the new one. Use the information on the back of the relay for comparison purposes.

Remove the potentially defective turn signal relay and replace it with the new relay. Be careful not to use too much force during replacement or removal, as you can damage these parts easily.

Activate the turn signal to verify you fixed the problem. Then, put the relay cover panel back into place and dispose of the old turn signal relay.

 How to Replace Your Turn Signal Relay in a Dodge Ram

Check the fuses as a first measure. Since the system is electrical in nature, the fuse box is the perfect place to begin. Check any fuse that may have a function with the turn signals. Replace any blown fuses and retest the turn signal circuit for correct operation. If the turn signals still don't work, then proceed to the next step.

Open the driver's side door and examine the end of the dash for an access panel. Behind the access panel are fuses and flashers. There are two flashers inside the access panel for controlling the turn signal and the hazard lights. You can distinguish them apart from each other by turning on the hazards or the turn signal and feeling for the clicking. If you turned on the hazards, then the flasher that is clicking is the hazard flasher.

Remove the turn signal flasher from the dash and reinstall the new flasher into the vacated slot in the dash. Close the access panel and start the Ram truck. Check the turn signals for proper operation and make sure the hazards work as well.

 How to Replace Your Turn Signal Relay in a Dodge Durango

Turn on the Durango and check each of the four turn signals to make sure that the bulbs are not burned out. If you find one that has gone out, replace the bulb and retest the turn signals. When a bulb goes bad on this circuit, the resulting operation can mimic a bad flasher or one that is failing.

Locate the combination turn signal flasher and relay. It is on the left end of the driver's dash. Open the access door and view the collection of relays and fuses. At the left side of the mounting block is a larger flasher and relay. This is the combination turn signal flasher and relay.

Test the relay by placing you finger on the relay housing and activating the turn signal. If you have found the right one, you should feel a clicking as the turn signal blinks. Remove the relay, replace with the new relay and close the access door.

Start the Durango and activate the turn signals to check that they each work. The light should turn on and should blink. Also, check the hazard lights to make sure they work.

 How to Replace Your Turn Signal Relay in a Dodge Caravan

Locate the fuse box under the dash on the driver's side of the Caravan. Look near the emergency brake. The fuse box cover has two finger screws that you should loosen to remove the cover. Inside you will see a collection of fuses and in the upper right corner a few relays.

Find the turn signal hazard flasher relay in the upper right corner of the fuse box. It should be easy to spot as it is the biggest of the relays in the box. Remove the relay and replace it into the socket from which you just pulled the bad relay. The placement into the socket is tight and can be difficult, but be patient and take your time.

Look to make sure it ended up in the correct position. Close the fuse cover and tighten the finger screws. Start the Caravan and test all the light functions. Make sure that the turn lights blink and that the hazard lights work properly.