Where can I find a flasher relay?
You can typically find a flasher relay at auto parts stores, a dealership, or online retailers. Salvage yards and auto-electrical shops are also options if you want budget or used parts. Always verify the relay matches your vehicle’s year, make, and model and the exact part number.
Where to shop for a flasher relay
The following places are the most common sources for flasher relays. Each option has its advantages, from new OEM reliability to lower prices for older or special-application vehicles.
- Auto parts chains and regional retailers (e.g., AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, O'Reilly Auto Parts) – broad selection, in-store staff can help with fitment and cross-compatibility.
- Dealerships and official parts departments – best for OEM relays that match the exact factory specification and warranty support.
- Online retailers and marketplaces (e.g., RockAuto, Amazon, eBay) – wide range of new, OEM, and aftermarket options; easy cross-referencing by year/make/model.
- Salvage yards and junkyards – often the cheapest route for used or lightly used relays, particularly for older or unusual models.
- Independent auto-electric shops and repair technicians – can order, test, and install relays, and may offer compatibility advice for complex electrical systems.
- Motorcycle and powersports shops (for bikes and similar vehicles) – some relays are vehicle-specific or universal, but check compatibility carefully.
When you shop, plan to verify the exact part number and connector configuration, and be prepared to compare vendor listings against your vehicle’s requirements. Some modern cars integrate the flasher function into a body control module, which may require a dealer or specialized part rather than a standalone relay.
What to know about compatibility and installation
To avoid buying the wrong part, use a systematic approach to confirm compatibility and understand the installation steps involved.
- Identify whether your vehicle uses a traditional plug-in flasher relay or an integrated module. Some late-model cars don’t use a separate relay at all.
- Locate the part number on the old relay or in the owner’s manual and cross-check it with the manufacturer’s catalog or the retailer’s listing.
- Check the connector type and pin count (e.g., 3-pin, 4-pin) to ensure the new relay fits the wiring harness and fuse box correctly.
- Match the electrical characteristics: standard thermal relays vs. electronic/LED-compatible relays, and ensure LED indicators won’t cause rapid turn signal operation.
- Confirm the installation location in the fuse/relay block and whether the replacement requires any special orientation or fusing protection.
- Test the vehicle’s turn signals and hazard lights after installation and address any abnormal behavior (hyper-flashing, no flash, or all lights staying on).
For installation, many flasher relays are a straightforward plug-and-play swap in the fuse/relay panel. If your vehicle uses a BCM or a more complex module, professional installation or dealer assistance may be necessary to ensure correct operation.
Tips to speed up finding the right part
Use these practical steps to locate and verify the correct flasher relay quickly, especially if you’re shopping online or at a busy parts counter.
- Have your vehicle’s VIN, year, make, and model ready, and note any aftermarket lighting upgrades that might affect the relay’s requirements.
- Take a clear photo of the old relay or bring the old relay to the store to compare connectors and labeling.
- Search with both the exact part number and compatible vehicle listings to catch cross-referenced or interchangeable relays.
- If your vehicle uses LEDs, look for “LED-compatible” or "no hyper-flash" relays, as standard relays may not perform correctly with LED bulbs.
- Read retailer return policies in case the part doesn’t fit or isn’t compatible after a test fit.
By verifying part numbers and connector types ahead of time, you’ll reduce back-and-forth between suppliers and avoid delays in getting your signals working again.
Summary
Flasher relays are widely available from auto parts chains, dealerships, online retailers, salvage yards, and specialized shops. The key is to confirm compatibility by part number, connector layout, and electrical type (standard vs. LED-compatible) and to know whether your vehicle uses a discrete relay or an integrated module. With the right part identified, installation is typically a straightforward swap in the fuse/relay box, followed by a quick test of turn signals and hazard lights.
