Turn signals in Assetto Corsa: how to enable, configure and use correctly

Assetto Corsa is one of the most realistic driving simulators, but even experienced players sometimes find it difficult to control additional functions such as direction indicators. Unlike real cars, where the turn signal lever is always at hand, in the game their activation depends on control settings, modifications, and even the specific car. This article will help you figure out how to properly turn on your turn signals in a variety of situations, from standard racing to online racing with strict rules.

It is important to understand that in the basic version Assetto Corsa Not all cars are equipped with working turn signals. Often this function appears only after installing modifications or special patches. We will look at all possible methods - from standard key bindings to manual configuration through configuration files. We will also look at why turn signals may not work even after all the manipulations, and how to fix it.

If you are participating in online competitions where the use of turn signals is mandatory (for example, in leagues with rules GT3 or Endurance), this instruction will be a real find for you. Using turn signals incorrectly can cost you fines or even disqualification - so it's best to understand all the nuances right away.

Standard turn signal control keys in Assetto Corsa

In most cases, the turn signals in Assetto Corsa are assigned to standard keys, but their location may differ depending on the control scheme. Default developers Kunos Simulazioni The following combinations were prescribed:

• 🔄 Left turn signal: usually a key Left Alt or Left Ctrl (depending on the scheme)
• 🔄 Right turn signal: key Right Alt or Right Ctrl
• 🚨 Emergency alarm: often tied to H or Y
• ❌ Cancel signal: pressing the turn signal button again or a special button (for example, Backspace)

To check your current bindings, go to the menu Settings → Controls → Buttons and find the section Lights or Signals. All available commands related to lighting and signals will be listed there. If the keys are not assigned, they can be reassigned manually.

Please note that in some modifications (for example, Assetto Corsa Competizione) the logic of the turn signals may differ. There they are often tied to additional axes gamepad or steering wheel, not the keys. If you are using wheel (steering wheel), check the settings in the device software - sometimes the turn signals are controlled by separate switches on the base.

⚠️ Attention: In multiplayer races, some servers block the use of turn signals if they do not comply with the actual rules of the race. For example, in 24h Nürburgring Turn signals are mandatory when overtaking, and ignoring them is punishable by a fine.

Checking turn signal support in a specific vehicle

Not all cars in Assetto Corsa support turn signals. It depends on:

• 🚗 Base model: standard cars (eg Abarth 500 or Lotus Exige) often have working turn signals
• 🔧 Modifications: many mod cars require additional patches to activate signals
• 📁 Game versions: in Assetto Corsa Competizione turn signal support is better implemented than in the original game

To check if the feature works in your car:

1. Load the car onto the track in Free Practice.
2. Press the key associated with the turn signal (default Left Alt or Right Alt).
3. Look at dashboard — the turn indicator (green arrow) should light up.
4. Check sound - a characteristic ticking signal should be heard.
5. Get out of the car (Camera → External) and make sure the body lights are flashing.

If nothing happens, then either the keybinding is broken or the machine does not support this function. In this case, you will have to install modifications or edit configuration files.

Configuring turn signals via configuration files

If the keys are assigned correctly, but the turn signals still do not work, the problem may lie in the configuration files. B Assetto Corsa Two key files are responsible for signals:

1. assetto_corsa\system\cfg\controls.ini - Key bindings are stored here.
2. assetto_corsa\content\cars\[car name]\data\car.ini — the configuration of a specific vehicle.

To enable turn signal support:

1. Open the file car.ini in notepad (or Notepad++ for convenience).
2. Find a section [LIGHTS].
3. Make sure there are lines there:

   TURN_SIGNALS_ENABLED=1
   HAZARD_LIGHTS_ENABLED=1

4. If they are not there, add them manually and save the file.
5. Restart the game.

If sections [LIGHTS] no at all, it means that the car does not initially support turn signals. In this case, only installing a modification or replacing the model will help.

⚠️ Attention: Editing files .ini can cause crashes if you make a syntax error. Always make a backup before making changes. Be especially careful with files of modified cars - some modders prohibit editing them.

The controls.ini file contains bindings for LEFT_BLINKER and RIGHT_BLINKER|

In car.ini there is a section [LIGHTS] with the parameter TURN_SIGNALS_ENABLED=1|

Signal sound files (usually turn_signal.wav) are located in the car sounds folder|

The car mod is compatible with the game version-->

Installing mods for turn signals

Many modified cars in Assetto Corsa do not have working turn signals out of the box. This is because modders often focus on appearance and physics while missing out on secondary features. Fortunately, there are special patches and addons that add support for signals.

The most popular solutions:

• 🔧 AC Blinker Fix — a universal patch that adds turn signals for most cars. It works by replacing system files.
• 🎨 Custom Shaders Patch (CSP) — expands lighting capabilities, including animation of turn signals. Requires configuration in custom_shaders.ini.
• 🚗 Individual mods for specific cars - for example, GT3 Packs or Endurance Cars often come with preset signals.

Example installation process Custom Shaders Patch:

1. Download the latest version of CSP from the official repository (Patreon).
2. Unpack the archive into the root folder of the game (replace existing files).
3. Open the file assetto_corsa\ext\cfg\custom_shaders.ini.
4. Find the line ENABLE_CUSTOM_LIGHTS=0 and replace with 1.
5. In section [CAR_SPECIFIC] add the line for your machine:

   [CAR_NAME]
   ENABLE_BLINKERS=1

6. Restart the game.

In some modifications, turn signals may conflict with other scripts (for example, damage or rain systems). If after installing CSP signals do not work correctly, try disabling other addons or updating them to the latest versions.

Using turn signals in online races: rules and nuances

In multiplayer modes Assetto Corsa the use of turn signals is often regulated by server rules. For example, in leagues GT3 or TCR they must be included when:

• 🏁 Overtaking — the turn signal indicates the direction of the maneuver.
• 🚦 Leaving the pit lane — without turning on the turn signal, you can get a fine.
• 🔄 Changing lanes on the straights, especially in a dense peloton.
• 🚨 Emergency situations — turning on the emergency lights (Hazard Lights) in case of an accident or stop on the highway.

On some servers (for example, SimRacing System or LowFuelMotorsport) automatic control systems are in place. They record:

• ⏱️ Time to turn on the turn signal before the maneuver (must be at least 0.5–1 seconds).
• ✅ The signal is correct (left turn signal when turning left, right turn signal when turning left).
• ❌ Premature shutdown (the signal must remain on until the maneuver is completed).

If you are participating in official competitions, read the regulations in advance. For example, in 24 Hours of Spa For failure to comply with the rules for using turn signals, you can receive:

• Warning (first violation).
• Penalty 10 seconds (repeated violation).
• Disqualification (systematic ignoring of signals).

⚠️ Attention: On servers with the plugin Server Manager Administrators can manually check race logs. If the system detects that you have already turned on the turn signal after the beginning of a maneuver (for example, when overtaking), this is regarded as cheating and is punishable by a ban.

Common problems and their solutions

Even after proper adjustment, the turn signals may not work correctly. Let's look at typical errors and ways to eliminate them:

If the problem persists, check:

• 📋 Game logs (assetto_corsa\logs\ac.log) - there may be errors related to loading machines.
• 🔄 Mod conflicts - some addons (for example, Real Head Motion) can block the operation of signals.
• 🎮 Controller Settings — if you use a steering wheel, check the profile in the software (for example, Fanatec or Thrustmaster).

[ERROR] Could not load blinker animation for car: bmw_m3_gt2
[WARNING] Missing sound file: content/cars/bmw_m3_gt2/sounds/turn_signal.wav

Alternative ways to control turn signals

If standard methods do not work or are inconvenient, you can use alternative solutions:

• 🎛️ Programmable buttons on the steering wheel: many rudders (for example, Logitech G29 or Fanatec DD1) allow you to assign turn signals to the switches behind the wheel. This is as close as possible to real control.
• 🖱️ Mouse/Keyboard Macros: using AutoHotkey you can create a script that will turn on the turn signal when you press a key combination (for example, Shift + Arrow).
• 🤖 Voice control: programs like VoiceAttack allow you to turn on signals using voice commands (for example, “left turn signal”).
• 📱 Mobile applications: some applications (for example, Sim Dashboard) can emulate turn signal keys via a smartphone.

Example script for AutoHotkey, which turns on the left turn signal when held CapsLock + A:

#If GetKeyState("CapsLock", "P")
a::
Send {LAlt down} ; Pressing Left Alt (left turn signal)
Sleep 300; Hold for 0.3 seconds
Send {LAlt up}
return
#If

For steering wheel Fanatec the setup looks like this:

1. Open Fanatec Tuning Menu.
2. Go to section Button Assignment.
3. Assign a function Blinker Left to one of the switches (for example, Fun1).
4. Assign similarly Blinker Right.
5. Save your profile and load it in the game.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about turn signals in Assetto Corsa