Driving with faulty hazard lights and turn signals can be extremely dangerous. With your turn signals and hazards not working, drivers behind you will have no idea when you’re about to take a turn, or worse – braking hard.
In most cars, the turn signals and hazard lights share the same bulbs and flasher relays. If none of these bulbs are working, it’s most likely the result of a faulty relay. You could test it out by temporarily swapping the turn signal/hazard light relay with another relay of the same type to see if the problem persists. If the problem indeed lies in the relay, all you have to do is replace it with a new one. Don’t worry – signal relays are pretty cheap and easy to replace.
Common reasons behind blinkers and hazard lights not working
| Problem | Symptom | Troubleshooting |
|---|---|---|
| Faulty flasher relay | Blinkers and hazard lights not working | Test the flasher relay by swapping it with a similar relay from another part of the vehicle. |
| A dead light bulb | One of the hazards/turn signal lights don’t work | Check for a broken filament and/or, test the bulb separately, or swap it with another bulb to see if it works. |
| A burnt-out fuse | Either the turn signals or hazards aren’t working | Test the fuses using a multimeter or by swapping them. Turn signals and hazard lights have separate fuses. |
| Corroded bulb socket | One of the hazards/turn signal lights don’t work | Look for visible signs of oxidation in the bulb sockets. |
| Faulty turn signal switch | Turn signals don’t work but hazards do | Inspect the wiring connected to the switch and carry out a multimeter test if needed. |
What Causes Hazard Lights to Come On?
The hazard lights are designed to alert drivers behind you that your vehicle is a temporary obstruction or hazard, potentially due to a mishap. While you need to turn them on manually, hazard lights are activated automatically in the event of a collision or if you brake hard. The problem, however, is that they can also turn on unexpectedly even when you aren’t braking. This could be caused by a number of issues:
- A faulty hazard switch
- Poor grounding
- Glovebox connection problems
- Corroded electronics
- Faulty sensors
- Short circuits or voltage drops
Hazard Lights Not Working but Indicators Are – What to Do?
Assuming your car uses the same bulbs for the hazard lights and turn indicators, you can rule out the chances of a faulty light bulb if the hazard lights aren’t working but the indicators are. The problem is potentially caused by a blown fuse since turn signals and hazard lights use separate fuses.
If your vehicle has separate flasher units for the two, the problem may also lie in a faulty flasher. Troubleshoot the issue by testing the fuse and/or the flasher. If both are working fine, check for loose connections or short or open circuits.
Why Are My Turn Signals Not Working Even Though the Hazard Lights Are Working Fine?
Let’s reverse the scenario – what if your hazard lights are working fine but the turn indicators aren’t? Once again, a blown fuse or a faulty relay (in the case of separate turn signals and hazard light relays) is the most probable cause behind the problem.
If the relay and the fuses are fine, inspect the turn signal switches – a broken connection can prevent the signal from being transmitted from the switch to the relay. A loose connection in a wiring that connects only to the turn signals and doesn’t affect the hazard lights can prevent the former from working too.
Turn Signals Brake Lights and Hazards Not Working – What to Do?
If your vehicle uses the same bulb for all three purposes, a blown bulb could prevent the brake lights, hazards, and turn signals from working. However, if none of the bulbs are working, you should test the relay and inspect for electrical issues like loose connections.
FAQ
1. Can I Repair My Own Turn Signals and Hazard Lights?
Depending on the issue and your level of expertise, you may be able to repair your turn signals and hazard lights yourself. For instance, replacing a relay is pretty straightforward, but some electrical issues may prove too complex for many car owners.
2. What should I do if only one side of my car’s turn signals and hazard lights are working?
If your vehicle’s hazards and turn indicators are working on only one side, the other side probably has a dead bulb. However, if replacing the bulb doesn’t fix the issue, inspect the bulb socket for corrosion and look for issues in the grounding or electrical connection.
3. My turn signals work sometimes but not always. What’s the issue?
If your turn signals work only intermittently, it could be due to a faulty turn signal switch, poor grounding, loose connection, a faulty flasher, or a corroded bulb socket.
Endnote
To sum up, the reasons behind non-functional turn signals and hazard lights can range from simple issues like a dead light bulb to corroded or damaged electrical connections. If you struggle to troubleshoot the issue yourself, take it for a professional inspection