What to do if the turn signals and hazard lights of Honda CRV are not working?
3 Answers
Honda CRV turn signals and hazard lights are not working: First, check if the bulbs are burnt out, since the turn signals and hazard lights share the same bulbs. Then, inspect whether the fuse is damaged. If the fuse is intact, the issue likely lies with the hazard light switch. If the cause of the malfunction cannot be determined, it is recommended to visit an auto repair shop for inspection and replacement. Below is some relevant information about turn signals and hazard lights: 1. Turn signals are crucial indicators activated when a motor vehicle turns to alert surrounding vehicles and pedestrians. The turn signal tubes use xenon tubes, controlled by a microcontroller circuit, with alternating left-right flashing operation. Turn signals employ flashers to achieve light blinking, which can be mainly categorized into resistance wire type, capacitor type, and electronic type. The resistance wire type can be further divided into thermal wire type (electrothermal) and wing type (spring-action), while the electronic type includes hybrid (relay with contacts and electronic components) and fully electronic (no relay). For example, the spring-action flasher operates on the principle of thermal expansion and contraction, using the heat effect of current to cause sudden movement of the spring plate, thereby connecting and disconnecting contacts to achieve light blinking. 2. Hazard lights are essentially turn signals, which are among the lighting systems most prone to malfunctions in vehicles. If your vehicle's turn signals malfunction during regular use, immediate repair is necessary.
I also drive a Honda CRV and have encountered a situation where both the turn signals and hazard lights stopped working, which was quite annoying. The key is to check step by step, starting with the fuse. The turn signals and hazard lights share the same fuse, usually located in the fuse box under the driver's seat. Find the one labeled "Turn Signal" or "Hazard," pull it out, and check if it's blown. If the fuse is fine, the problem might be a faulty flasher relay—that thing controls the blinking of the bulbs. It's located near the fuse box; try replacing it with a new one. A short circuit in the wiring could also be the culprit, such as aged or water-damaged wires causing a short, which can paralyze the entire system. Last month, I had to tow my car to the repair shop because of this. They used a multimeter to diagnose the wiring issue and fixed it for a few dozen bucks. Remember, don’t tamper with the wiring yourself to avoid electric shock or damaging other components—safety first. If the issue persists after checking, it’s best to take it to a professional workshop, as non-functional turn signals seriously affect driving safety, especially at night. Regularly checking the condition of the fuses can also help prevent such failures.
Veteran Driver's Advice: If both the turn signals and hazard lights of a Honda CRV are not working, it's no small matter and can easily lead to accidents. A similar issue occurred with my car ten years ago, and it ultimately came down to a problem with the flasher or fuse. For specific checks, first open the hood, locate the fuse box, and refer to the manual to find the fuse position for the turn signal system. If it's blown, replace it with a new one. Relay failure is the most common issue—it controls the flashing rhythm of the bulbs, and if it fails, the entire system stops working. Simply buy a matching model and replace it. Poor wiring connections are also common, especially after rain when corroded wire ends can cause a circuit break. In such cases, cleaning the connectors with sandpaper might help. But before working, ensure the power is off to avoid short circuits damaging the car. For safety, don't force driving—operating without turn signals increases the risk of being rear-ended. My lesson was to drive directly to a professional shop for inspection. They can also check if the combination switch is malfunctioning due to wear. Overall, timely repairs are better than delays, as postponing can lead to costlier fixes later.
