How to Wire the Turn Signal Indicator in the Dash

The turn signal system in a vehicle is one of the more important safety systems in the car. It indicates which way you'll be turning and can help to prevent accidents by signaling to other drivers on the road when the driver will be changing their course unexpectedly. Having a functioning turn signal indicator is, therefore, a crucial component of a safe driving experience. Additionally, a car dashboard turn signal indicator that works properly is also required by law to drive throughout the United States. In order to properly set up a turn signal indicator, you'll need to wire the indicator in your dashboard to the proper lights and locations in the car. Read on for a guide on how to do this for a standard turn signal indicator in which the turn signal lights are the brake lights.

Step 1 -- Gather Your Materials

You'll need the following tools and materials before you begin:

• Turn signal indicator system
• Wire cutters
• Wire strippers

Step 2 -- Disconnect the Battery

Before beginning this wiring project, it's crucial that you disconnect the battery at the source. This will help to prevent any possibility of electrocution or other injury as well. Remove the negative and positive attachments from the battery carefully and per the instructions in your vehicle owner's manual.

Step 3 -- Match the Wires

The various wires from the signal indicator will need to connect to the proper brake lights in order to have the turn signal indicator match up with the directions that you plan to turn. The way that these should match up is as follows:

• Red wire -- right front light
• Green wire -- left front light
• Black wire -- right rear light
• Grey wire -- left rear light
• Blue wire -- flasher (pilot)
• Yellow wire -- flasher (load)
• Black/grey wire -- stop light switch

Step 4 -- Connect the Stop Light Switch Wires and the Rear Wires

Locate the wire that runs to the left rear brake light switch. Carefully cut the wire relatively close to the switch. Splice it to another wire which you'll then connect back to the black/grey wire for the stop light switch. Splice the wire again to the grey wire for the left rear light. Then, attach a new wire to connect to the black wire for the right rear light as well. When splicing these wires, strip off approximately one inch of wire insulation to connect them.

Step 5 -- Connect the Remaining Lights

Connect the other lights to the proper colored wires. The in-line fuse wire should run to the positive terminal of the flasher light, while the yellow and blue wires should connect to the proper ports of the flasher.

Be sure to ground all of the wires properly before you attempt to reconnect the battery. Once you've done so, reconnect the battery and check on the matching of the lights to be sure that the wiring is set up correctly. You can then close up the dash light system and drive your car safely with a new set of turn signals.