# Directional bulb keeps blowing

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/directional-bulb-keeps-blowing/68946>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** chevrolet, cavalier\
**Created:** [October 25, 2011, 8:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/directional-bulb-keeps-blowing/68946 "2011-10-25T20:44:10Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![fcp\_editor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/48db29/32.png) [@fcp\_editor](https://community.cartalk.com/u/fcp_editor)\
**Post date:** [October 25, 2011, 8:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/directional-bulb-keeps-blowing/68946/1 "2011-10-25T20:44:10Z")

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Had a directional bulb go out recently and replaced it without any problem. About 3 days ago it went again, I bought a 2 pack of bulbs - replaced it and drove on. Almost instantly right after I turned and signaled the right directional bulb blew again, I grabbed the extra bulb put it into plug and started car - first right turn with directional bulb blows again.

I’m at a loss as to where this can be happening. Is this in the steering column or elsewhere, where do I evenbegin to look

Thanks for the help

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**Author:** ![chaissos](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/chaissos/32/2347_2.png) [@chaissos](https://community.cartalk.com/u/chaissos)\
**Post date:** [October 25, 2011, 8:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/directional-bulb-keeps-blowing/68946/2 "2011-10-25T20:48:48Z")

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Check the grounds. Normally, a bulb will be dim if a weak ground, or out altogether. But bad grounds can also cause this.

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**Author:** ![Triedaq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/65b543/32.png) [@Triedaq](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Triedaq)\
**Post date:** [October 25, 2011, 10:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/directional-bulb-keeps-blowing/68946/3 "2011-10-25T22:11:37Z")

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I would try a different brand of light bulb. I put a new turning signal bulb in my Uplander. It lasted a day. The next bulb is still working after 3 years. When you replace the bulb, check to see if it is flashing at normal brilliance. If no other bulbs are having this problem, I don’t think you have a voltage problem with the alternator.

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**Author:** ![PhillipNeuman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e9c0ed/32.png) [@PhillipNeuman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/PhillipNeuman)\
**Post date:** [October 26, 2011, 7:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/directional-bulb-keeps-blowing/68946/4 "2011-10-26T19:03:12Z")

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Are you sure you are using the right bulb? Does the part number match the one on the original bulb?