What the “Turn Signal Thing” Is Called—and What People Usually Mean

It’s most often called the turn signal lever or stalk; formally it’s the turn signal switch or multifunction switch on the steering column, while the lights themselves are turn signals or indicators (often nicknamed blinkers). People use different terms depending on whether they mean the control you push or the lamps that flash.

The Two “Things” People Usually Mean

The control on the steering column

The hand-operated control you nudge up or down to signal a lane change or turn is commonly called the turn signal lever or stalk. In repair manuals and parts catalogs, it’s typically listed as the turn signal switch or multifunction/combination switch because, on many vehicles, the same stalk also controls high beams, headlight flash, and sometimes wipers or cruise control. The mechanism includes a self-canceling cam in the steering column that returns the stalk to neutral after the wheel straightens.

The exterior lamps that flash

The flashing lights on the front and rear corners are the turn signals—also called indicators or blinkers. In North America, rear turn signals may be red or amber; in most of Europe and many other regions, rear signals must be amber. Modern cars often use LED indicator lamps with side repeaters on fenders or mirrors for added visibility.

Common Names by Region

Depending on where you are, the same parts go by different names in everyday speech and in service literature. Here are the most common equivalents you’ll hear or see.

• United States/Canada: turn signal (lamps), blinker (slang), turn signal lever/stalk (control), turn signal switch or multifunction switch (parts/repair).
• UK/Ireland: indicators (lamps), indicator stalk (control), combination switch (parts/repair).
• Australia/New Zealand: indicators (lamps), blinker (colloquial), indicator stalk (control).
• India and much of Asia: indicators (lamps), indicator switch (control).
• Motorcycles: indicator switch (control), turn indicators (lamps), self-canceling indicators on some models.

Regardless of the label, these terms point to the same signaling function: a driver-operated control that commands lights to flash on one side of the vehicle to indicate intent.

Related Parts and Symbols

Several components and cues work together to make turn signals function reliably and communicate clearly to you and other road users.

• Dashboard arrows: green left/right arrows that flash in sync with the exterior lamps; a fast flash often means a bulb or LED failure.
• Hazard warning switch: a separate button (usually a red triangle) that flashes all indicators simultaneously.
• Flasher relay or body control module (BCM): older cars use a thermal/electronic relay; newer vehicles time the flashes via the BCM and play the “tick” sound through a speaker.
• Self-canceling mechanism: a plastic or metal cam on the steering column cancels the signal after a turn.
• Bulbs/LEDs and resistors: incandescent bulbs were standard; LEDs are now common. If LEDs are retrofitted to older systems, a compatible flasher or load resistors may be needed to prevent “hyperflash.”
• Side repeaters: additional indicator lamps on fenders or mirror housings to improve side visibility.

Together, these elements ensure your signal is seen, heard (inside the cabin), and automatically canceled, helping prevent confusion on the road.

When to Use Which Term

If you’re describing or ordering parts, use “turn signal switch” or “multifunction/combination switch” for the steering-column control, “turn signal lever” or “stalk” for the physical handle, and “turn signal bulbs/indicator lamps” for the lights. If you need the all-sides flasher, ask for the “hazard switch” or “hazard lights.”

Summary

The “turn signal thing” can mean two parts: the steering-column control—properly the turn signal (multi­function) switch, commonly the lever/stalk—and the lights that flash, known as turn signals or indicators (often “blinkers”). The exact term varies by region, but they all refer to the same signaling system used to indicate your driving intent.

What are the turn signal lights called?

Any flashing light can be called a blinker, but it usually refers to the turn signal on a car. Before you suddenly turn left, be sure to put your blinker on. A light that blinks on and off is a blinker, and it may be used to signal your plans to change direction in a car, or to send some kind of signal.

What is the turn signal stick called?

The turn signal stick is most accurately called the turn signal switch, but it’s also commonly known as the turn signal lever, turn signal stalk, or simply the stalk or light stick. It’s a multi-function switch located on the steering column that controls not only the turn signals but often also the headlights, wipers, and fog lights.
 
Common Names

• Turn Signal Switch: The most precise technical term. 
• Turn Signal Lever: Emphasizes the lever-like action of the control. 
• Turn Signal Stalk: Refers to its stalk-like appearance on the steering column. 
• Stalk/Light Stick: A more general term for the lever controlling various light functions. 
• Multi-function Switch: A more comprehensive term as this component often controls other vehicle systems besides the turn signals. 

Function
This switch is a critical input device for your vehicle’s lighting and other systems. 

• Activating Turn Signals: Moving the lever up or down activates the right or left turn signals, respectively. 
• Controlling Other Functions: On many cars, it also controls the headlights (high and low beams) and windshield wipers. 

This video shows how to replace the turn signal stalk on a Chevy truck: 58sJustin Nelson’s ProjectsYouTube · Oct 6, 2024

How do I tell if my turn signal flasher is bad?

Listen for clicking sounds when signaling; no click indicates a bad relay. Inspect fuses related to turn signals and hazard lights. Replace the flasher relay if faulty. Also, verify wiring connections for corrosion or looseness. Proper relay function ensures correct blinking speed and signal operation.

How much does it cost to replace a blinker bulb?

Replacing a blinker bulb can cost anywhere from around $10 for the bulb itself to over $200 for a professional replacement, depending on the car’s make and model, the bulb’s location, and whether you do it yourself or have a shop do it. A simple bulb change for an accessible bulb can be a very inexpensive DIY job, costing just a few dollars for the part, while more complex or difficult-to-reach bulbs will require more labor and may increase the overall cost. 
Factors influencing the cost:

• DIY vs. Professional: You can save money by replacing the bulb yourself, especially if the bulb is easy to access. 
• Bulb Type and Location:
  • Front vs. Rear: Rear bulbs are often easier to replace than front bulbs. 
  • Accessible vs. Difficult: Some bulbs require extensive dismantling of the car’s interior or exterior to reach, increasing labor time and cost. 
• Vehicle Make and Model: The complexity and cost of replacing a blinker bulb can vary significantly by vehicle. 
• Labor Rates: Shop and dealer rates vary, with some charging a minimum service fee or an hourly rate for the work. 

Examples of costs:

• DIY: If you replace the bulb yourself, the cost is typically just the price of the bulb, which can be under $10 or a few dollars. 
• Professional (DIY cost included): For some vehicles, a professional service can cost between $130 and $220, including parts and labor. 
• Complex bulb replacement: For a difficult-to-reach or less common bulb, costs can be much higher.