How to Fix Ford Turn Signals Flashing to Fast with LED Bulbs 

I have a 2021 F-250 that was doing the fast left blinker, I checked all the lights and they are all working so I assume that someone has used LRD's for some of the lights. I made 5 calls and found one shop that said they could do it... for $225 - NO Thanks, thank you for the help, I just hope this is still valid info for a 2021? I am ordering the OBD connector from Amazon. I was told you can get a 2 month trial for FORScan on the forums somewhere? Anyone know where to find this? @victorevil6872

Thanks

Glad it helped!

You’re very welcome!

Thanks

Glad it helped!

You’re welcome!

You’re welcome. Hope it helped.

Forscan is a download. You can download it from forscan.org/download.html. I think you need the paid version to change settings, but even the free version is better on Ford’s than most generic code readers. You’ll need a way to connect to the OBD port and if you’re laptop has Bluetooth I would recommend an obdlink Mx+. I think I got mine from Amazon.

@@CarShopTalk what interface do you use with the forscan software

I use a Bluetooth obdlink mx+. It’s capable of talking to multiple networks, not just the hs can.

So I'm thinking about your project a little more today, and I think I'm going to have to take back everything I previously said. A 2021 is going to have a trailer tow module to run the trailer lights / turn signals, rather than just relays like the older trucks. First problem I'm thinking of is I'm not sure it even flashes the trailer turn signal circuits unless it senses a trailer connected. It senses a trailer connected by the draw on the parking and turn signal circuits through the trailer plug. Second problem is it may think a load like lights or even the primary side of a relay is a trailer and tell you you've successfully connected a trailer every time you start the truck. There are a lot of question marks that I don’t have definite answers to because I haven’t tried this on a truck with this system yet. So after thinking about it, I think you’re going to need to wire the primary side of your relays into the turn signal circuits, and I do think the BCM will probably flag it as a short and set codes, but I’d try it first and see. I know you wouldn’t think the 0.2 amps the primary side of a relay draws wouldn’t cause a problem, but I’m pretty sure the system is that sensitive. I think you’re going to have to tap into the turn signal circuits going to the rear turn signals, and if it flags codes and disables the turn signals, then you’re going to have to play around with the module configuration / as built data. It might be as simple as turning off the bulb out feature, but I’m thinking since it’s going to draw slightly more current, rather than less, it’s going to flag it as a short and turn off power to the turn signal circuits you’ve tied into. There are a ton of different factory rear turn signal configurations, due to the fact quite a few people remove the truck box and install flat beds with custom lights / turn signals. Some where in there I’m sure there’s a setting that will work for what you want to do, but you’re going to have to play with it a little. I know this can be done though. A few months ago I had to configure a 21 or 22 Super Duty that the customer installed a flat bed on, and it was a loaded truck that even had the factory radar sensors in the taillights, that were missing after the flat bed installation. Had about 20 messages pop up on the cluster after start up. It took a couple hours playing with it, but eventually I got all the messages to go away and even the list of codes it was setting in the modules was gone. Some where I think I’ve seen a pretty good Ford Technical Service Bulletin about configuring modified trucks with non factory tail lights, but I didn’t find it in a quick search. You’re probably going to need a wiring diagram for this. I glanced at it while I was writing this and there’s not a real good place to tap into the rear turn signal circuits. All the connectors it goes through on the way to the back of the truck are twenty or more wire connectors. They run from the body control module inside the cab, into the engine compartment, then to the frame, and then to the rear. I guess it depends if you want to tap into in inside the cab or in the engine bay or frame. If you’re wondering about the turn signal switch it’s just an input for the steering column control module, then it goes over the network to the BCM so I don’t think that will do you any good.

If it’s not in the menu probably. I’m surprised it’s not in the menu. You might try searching around and see if anyone has as built codes in hexidecimal for it. Make sure you save a copy of the original as built data before you try playing around with it.

You’re welcome. Glad it was helpful.

Glad it helped!

Thanks!

I had someone else comment that it wasn’t in the menu on one a few weeks ago. It must not be in the menu on all of them.

@@CarShopTalk Please explain "t". Also I am conceding for now and will be putting the incandescents back in at least to pass inspection. Thank you.

@@harryort2647 “wasn”t”. Sorry, typo

It really can’t do engine tuning. It definitely can change features and configuration of modules like the body control module or instrument cluster (As-built data files) It’s biggest asset is it’s ability to communicate with all modules on Ford vehicles. That’s over 50 modules on multiple networks on quite a few of the newer Ford vehicles. And they keep it current. I routinely use it on new vehicles at work.

I think they had installed them front and rear.

The only other way I know of to get around it Is to wire in ballast resistors so the bulb resistance is correct.

Having this issue as well. Did you ever find a fix?

I didn’t realize it would on a 16, but I did run into it on a newer truck. To verify you’d have to unhook the trailer and clear codes out of the trailer module and see if things go back to flashing normally. Is it actually a 2017 with a 2016 build date? I would have guessed 17’ was the first year for that.

Not sure what you’re wiring up, but it should have relays tied to the turn signal circuits for the trailer wiring. Can you just tie into the trailer wiring?

I don’t think I’ve ever tried it on an Escape, but I’m surprised it didn’t work. Especially if it gave you the option to turn it off in the GEM. Let me know what you find.

@André Will report back. The bulbs are still in the box.

@@ekfinnAny news? I just attempted to install LED front signals in my 2008 ford escape and have the same problem. 3157 LED BULB with resistors built in, flashes normally with lights off and hyper flashes with headlights on.

Any update? I tried the same, the resistors don't work......Have to stick with halogen.....Tsssss...What a shitty ......LED are so brighter.....Can't seem to find anything, even replace some relays on the fuse and nothing......😢😢😢

@@CarShopTalkit only turns off the rear not the front, no option for the front

ELM327. I normally use an obdlink mx+ Bluetooth with it. They list recommended adapters on they’re site: forscan.org/home.html And yes it would definitely work with a 2010 focus.

@@CarShopTalk Thank you so much for your help.

I doubt it. It’s going to have to be something you can change the programmable parameters or as-built data with.

I would recommend taking it one problem at a time, easiest to hardest. They might all be related, or might not. I would probably start with the trailer light or turn signal issue and then move on to checking it for an electrical draw or charging issue.

What did you find out about the problems you mentioned?

@@spineguy444 it ended up being fuesed relating to a computer that controls trailer lights and a couple of bulbs

The only other thing you could do would be wire resisters in parallel with it so the resistance and amperage draw is what it’s suppose to be.

@André yeah it came with resistors, my issue was I didn't have a good connection between the connector on the new tail lights and the old plug on the car.

@André no I did not, the set of tail lights came with wires capacitors, I just did a poor jump connecting them the first time

For a Ford? If you’re wanting to alter as-built data, Forscan on a windows laptop with an obdlink EX cord.

Does it connect to the vehicle?

@@CarShopTalk yes it does and read al modules ..but when i click on it wont not open..only hightlight

@@frivera2875 is it the paid or free trial version of Forscan?

I’m not quite sure what the tolerance is, but I did see someone try to wire the primary side of a relay like you’re talking about into the headlight circuit on a truck for snow plow lights. Around 0.2 amps, primary side of a relay, almost no draw. The BCM would intermittently flag it as a short and shut the headlights off. If I was adding turn signals I’d definitely just tie into the trailer lights in the engine compartment. They’re all ready isolated by relays like what you’re wanting to do and nothing cares about what the load is on them as long as it’s under 20 amps or whatever the fuse is. I think it’s probably the best and easiest way to do it with no question marks.

It can be turned off and on on most of the BCM”s, but you have to plug into it to see for sure.

I think I had that on a c max a year or two ago and it ended up being a wiring issue. But probably, most Ford BCM’s have that option.

They should have a normal life span. It’s a standard 12-14 volt circuit. The voltage doesn’t go any higher. The amperage draw drop due to the LED bulbs, and the module registers it causing the problem. Shouldn’t affect bulb life at all.

@@CarShopTalk yea your right. But I mean, that after you turn off the warning and the bulb is burned out, you will not know that the led is no longer working.

@@TWARDOWSKY. I see your point. Yes, it will be back to having to actually look and check and see if a bulbs out. That is the down side to this.

I’m not sure without looking at the screen. It should be in the body control module.

I don’t think I have. I’m surprised it’s not in the menu.

I think it will, but your kind of limited what you can do with it on a vehicle that old.

I’m sure there are, but the only other one I’ve used for something like this is a Ford IDS / FDRS.

​@@CarShopTalk I've got a license now and have tried with one of the crappy clone obd2 scanners and it did connect and let me browse around but did not see gem module or bcm unfortunately. going to try a better obd link before I lose hope... I am doing this on a 2008 ford edge

@@_Ferrigno what vehicle are you trying this on?

@@CarShopTalk it's a 2008 ford edge

@@_Ferrigno it should definitely have a smart junction box / bcm.

The light version for iOS and android are available from the App Store. The windows version can be downloaded from their site.

Thanks!

Check and make sure it wrote it to the module. If you read the module again does it show it turned off?

You’re very welcome. Glad it helped.

It should still be in the BCM, but I can’t say that I’ve looked to see if it’s available on a 2019. My guess would be it is. There’s 3 or 4 screens worth of settings available in the BCM on the newer trucks.

You can change the settings so it stops checking it, but I don’t know of a way to change what it expects it to be with the bulb out feature turned on.

On the list? In Forscan or? What are you working on?

If your vehicle is newer, it should be under the bcm. My car, being a 2012, does not show gem module, but shows the bdycm (bcm) In which the option is there, It seems older vehicles are a little different, newer ones will be under the bdycm

You’re welcome!

Located in a corn field in the Midwest!

I would think so, but I can’t say I’ve tried it on one.

It has to be the laptop version. As much as I love the light version on android and IOS, and it has an insane amount of features and tools for what it is, only the laptop version will allow you to change as-built data or module configurations.

@@CarShopTalk thanks for the reply. What stuff do you recommend? I have a laptop, just need to know what other stuff I need

@@bearing_aficionado I normally use an obdlink mx+ Bluetooth to connect to the vehicle. It should work for about anything except adding keys. That usually requires a usb connection.

@@CarShopTalk thank you so much for your replies and help. I have canbus decoders installed but still get hyperflash when my lights are on and sometimes when they are off. Its rather annoying to say the least. I am wanting to go this route and be done with it. Again thanks for reaching out!

@@bearing_aficionado You’re welcome.

It would be the same setting as the rear. The fronts are wired in parallel with the rear, so it’s the same circuit.

@@CarShopTalk under a different line item?

I’d have to plug into one to be sure, but yes, I think so.

I have and the outage tab is not there is there a way to do it in (as built data) i really dont want to put resistors on mt truck..

@@mikehairston7338 I would think it’s there in the asbuilt data, but I haven’t seen where anyone has ever mapped out the asbuilt data on the 2010 GEM module.

Yeah the story of my life🤣🤣

have you found a mapped out [as built data] for a 2010 f150? i got the data sheet but nothing to tell what line controls what in the gem module

Tool? Forscan? What’s year and model of car? What’s it doing when you try to connect?

@@CarShopTalk yes. I installed FORScan and registered it and paid that 12 bucks. It connects to the OBD2 but doesn’t recognize the car. 2015 Ford Fusion. I am super frustrated.

@@marcowerner8739 Which version of Forscan, windows version or lite on a? What are using to connect to the obd II? When you click connect what happens? It starts reading the car but doesn’t recognize it? Has it been tuned? I don’t run into it much any more, but some of the older tuners would change the PCM tear tag and Ford scan tools and wouldn’t recognize them any more.

@@CarShopTalk FORScan 2.3.51 windows version.

@@marcowerner8739 It starts reading modules and then a pop up comes up that says it doesn’t recognize the vehicle?