Tech Tip: What to do if a Caliber's front turn signals work only with the headlights off

Be sure to perform a visual inspection of every turn signal and headlamp bulb and socket to start.

Richard Diegle

Sept. 9, 2021

Vehicle

2010 Dodge Caliber, L4-2.0L, continuously variable transmission/transaxle

Mileage

115,668 miles

Problem

This Dodge Caliber was brought to the shop because the front turn signals did not operate when the headlamps were on.

NOTE: When the headlamps were off, the turn signals did operate, but they blinked too fast.

Case details

The technician inspected every turn signal and headlamp bulb and socket. He found the right tail lamp assembly had suffered water intrusion damage which also caused a lot of corrosion in the bulb sockets. Bulb sockets in other locations were slightly corroded.

Confirmed repair

The technician replaced the right tail lamp assembly, cleaned all the other bulb sockets, and installed new bulbs. After the repairs, he verified that all the exterior lights operated as designed.

Information provided by ALLDATA

About the Author

Richard Diegle

Senior Automotive Editor for ALLDATA

Rich Diegle has been in the automotive industry since 1978. After graduating from a local community college, he began working at a Nissan dealership as a used car technician. Since then, he’s worked as a Nissan and ASE master automotive technician, shop owner, marketing copywriter, automotive editor, public relations manager, instructor, ALLDATA Tech-Assist team manager, and a senior automotive editor.