I’ve noticed lately that when I use the turn signal, there’s a snapping, static-like sound on the car radio. Is this normal? If not, what’s causing it? Thanks.
Does it happen both directions? Are there a lot of miles on the car? Tilt wheel that gets used a lot?
Where I’m going is the wiring harness in the steering column may have some worn insulation, and there’s a small short occurring when you use the turn signals. Or, the turn signal switch itself may be the culprit.
Yes, both directions. There’s 118K+ miles. I don’t use the tilt feature - the steering wheel is where I want it.
Some late model vehicles use an audio device to simulate the sound of the old turn signal flasher. Some vehicles (GM) use one of the instrument panel speakers to produce the flasher sound.
Actually it just started happening.
The speaker or audio device could be failing causing the static when producing sound.
Many vehicles have a capacitor to supress that interferance. A bad capacitor would then allow the noise.
is this something that can set a code? would a scan help pin-point the problem?
Go to a shop that installs audio systems in cars. They probably have seen this problem and know how to take care of it.
No, it is not normal. I presume there’s been no changes to the electrical system which immediately preceded this problem, right? I’ve never experienced that particular problem, but I’ll take a guess. If your car uses a turn signal flasher relay that is easily replaceable, you might try that. The current one may have developed bad contacts.
There seems to be a problem with the audio. Install new audio systems.
GeorgeSanJose is correct. An arcing contact generates RF noise that could be picked up by the radio. That being said, the switch should have arc suppression, and the radio should be shielded against the noise. There could be bad grounds in the radio or the switch that allows the pickup of the noise.