[deekster_caddy]

Hey all,
I've got a 2013 Volt and my right blinker flashes normal speed 3 times then fast blinks. The left blinker flashes at normal speed. When I look at the vehicle I can't see a bulb not working or any good reason for the fast blink on the right side. I've seen mixed messages that the OE assembly uses LED or incandescent - I'm fairly sure it's incandescent, so the filament could be broken but still working on the rear bulb. But how the heck do I get the thing out to inspect/replace the bulb? I can't figure out how to pull the bulb out (or how to find the bulb!)
Thanks!
-Derek

 

[El Dobro]

The rear turn signal is an LED.

 

[llninja]

Usually, you have to disassemble the plastics in the rear hatch area then you will find a light assembly where you do a twist and the bulb holding assembly comes out. I haven't looked specifically on my volt to see how to get to the bulbs.

 

[turboguy327]

Your front right signal bulb is out.

 

[voganni]

Yes, most likely the filament on the right front is out or intermittent. Unfortunately that is the most difficult one, as it is behind the charger. You need to remove the wheel, then remove the front inner fender liner, then you can reach up behind the charger and remove the bulb.

 

[Mister Dave]

Usually, you have to disassemble the plastics in the rear hatch area then you will find a light assembly where you do a twist and the bulb holding assembly comes out. I haven't looked specifically on my volt to see how to get to the bulbs.

There is no "bulb" in the back. The LED is integrated into the tail lamp assembly. Replacing it means partially detaching the rear fascia.

Your front right signal bulb is out.

My guess too. It's the only incandescent signal "bulb".

You didn't mention front or rear so we have to guess.

 

[TheBlueFlash]

If you're not comfortable partially removing the front bumper I let my dealer do it. Charged me a half hour of labor plus the cost of the bulb. It was worth it for me, I was too afraid to break something.

 

[Fyodor]

Yes, most likely the filament on the right front is out or intermittent. Unfortunately that is the most difficult one, as it is behind the charger. You need to remove the wheel, then remove the front inner fender liner, then you can reach up behind the charger and remove the bulb.

I think we've established that it is the front, but it's still not clear to me which side. Maybe if we called it driver's side / passenger's side?

 

[TSquare]

I think we've established that it is the front, but it's still not clear to me which side. Maybe if we called it driver's side / passenger's side?

It is the side that indicates fast blinking. You said it was the right turn blinker in the first post. Turn on the warning hazard lights (4 way blinkers) then walk around the car. There should be 2 in the front and 2 in the back. More than likely, one of the fronts is out. Should be the front passenger light that is not working.

 

[Fyodor]

It is the side that indicates fast blinking. You said it was the right turn blinker in the first post. Turn on the warning hazard lights (4 way blinkers) then walk around the car. There should be 2 in the front and 2 in the back. More than likely, one of the fronts is out. Should be the front passenger light that is not working.

That would be my guess too. The right signal is the one that blinks when you are turning right. In other words right and left as seen from the driver's seat, but the discussion seems to be leaning towards the side with the charger module, which AFAIK is in the 'driver's' or left side.

 

[El Dobro]

That would be my guess too. The right signal is the one that blinks when you are turning right. In other words right and left as seen from the driver's seat, but the discussion seems to be leaning towards the side with the charger module, which AFAIK is in the 'driver's' or left side.

The charger is in the right front corner of the Gen 1.

 

[Mister Dave]

The charger is in the right front corner of the Gen 1.

Passenger side. Anyway.....

If all "bulbs" light, then you're looking for a bad/loose connection.

 

[Fyodor]

The charger is in the right front corner of the Gen 1.

Ok then, I guess I was the only one confused. Now where's my watch? There it is - passenger side. No - driver's side.

 

[deekster_caddy]

Thanks for all of the responses. Visibly there is nothing wrong from outside the car - every bulb is lit normally and lights up when it's supposed to. For me it's the passenger side, and there are no visible bulbs out - the parking light and blinker appear to be working and the correct brightness. I will try replacing the front bulb anyway, I know filaments can break and lay on other filaments inside the bulb, so it looks like they are working normally but in reality they create the wrong resistance so you get the fast blink.

Will update, hope to do the front bulb this weekend. Thanks again all!!!

 

[deekster_caddy]

Just to update this topic - I never did replace the front bulb. I had a bunch of moisture and occasionally water sloshing around inside the rear pass. taillight housing. I drilled two small holes near the front-most part of the bottom of the lens (above the rear tire, close to the back door) through the clear, and let the water drain out. Problem solved! Hasn't fast-blinked since then. I used a small drill bit, approx. 1/8", and didn't see any issues over the winter. No more water inside the housing, no more fast blinking turn signal! Still using the original front bulbs.

 

[SteveSeattle]

I have just had the left side go to fast blink.
On inspection of the turn signals I found that the left front bulb filament was 2/3 burned out.
Today I had a bulb replacement at the dealer. $35 + tax.
The wheel well liner must be removed to access. Service agent told me there is something else that needs removal as well as liner on right front side. Also the rear bumper needs removal if the back lights go. These are not very good design features wrt maintenance by GM.

 

[oldstuff]

I think we've established that it is the front, but it's still not clear to me which side. Maybe if we called it driver's side / passenger's side?

You have a right side and a left side---so does your car.

 

[oldstuff]

That would be my guess too. The right signal is the one that blinks when you are turning right. In other words right and left as seen from the driver's seat, but the discussion seems to be leaning towards the side with the charger module, which AFAIK is in the 'driver's' or left side.

The charger is on the right side of the car, there is no "as you face it" a car has a front, a rear, a left side and a right side just like you do.

 

[hellsop]

The charger is on the right side of the car, there is no "as you face it" a car has a front, a rear, a left side and a right side just like you do.

zactly. If it's got a front, then it's got a left. But it's always got a left even if the car is right-hand-drive. And you have to start being careful if you're going to follow this level of inclusion: Gen 1 hazard button is on the the right. Charger is (as far as I know) behind the right bumper. Power button is on the driver's side and e-brake is on the passenger side of the center (centre?) console. Charge door is still on the left and liquid fueling on the right. Some things change sides, some things don't.

 

[Guest]

Left/right, seems logical, but isn't universally understood. I once "discussed" this with a Honda Service DIRECTOR, standing looking at the engine, telling me the trans was on the right side of the Odyssey, when it was clearly on the LEFT (driver's) side...sigh...