Why Do the Turn Signals Not Work When the Hazard Lights Are Normal?
2 Answers
If the turn signals do not work while the hazard lights are functioning normally, it may be due to a blown fuse. Below is relevant information about automotive fuses: Introduction: Fuses are commonly referred to as such, but they are officially called circuit breakers in national standards. The role of a fuse is to protect the circuit (wiring) and electrical equipment. They can be categorized into blade-type automotive fuses, glass-tube automotive fuses, and fork-bolt-type automotive fuses. Precautions: When replacing a fuse, always use one with the rated current value specified on the fuse box cover. If the new fuse blows immediately, it indicates a potential fault in the circuit system, which should be inspected and repaired as soon as possible. If no spare fuse is available, you can temporarily replace it with a fuse from another device that does not affect driving or safety. If a fuse with the same current load cannot be found, you may use one with a lower rated current than the original fuse.
I encountered the same situation a few days ago. While driving, I suddenly noticed the turn signals weren't working, but the hazard lights were still functioning normally. This is actually quite common because although turn signals and hazard lights use the same bulbs, they operate through different circuits and control modules. After checking some information, I found it could be due to a blown dedicated turn signal fuse or poor contact in the turn signal switch - sometimes prolonged use can wear out the contacts inside the switch, causing failure. Another possibility is a glitch in the body control module's programming, specifically affecting the turn signal function. The most troublesome issue would be aged or broken wiring, especially the section beneath the steering wheel which is prone to wear. If you're inspecting it yourself, you can try turning on the hazard lights to confirm the bulbs are fine, then focus on checking the fuse box near the driver's seat and the turn signal stalk. A veteran mechanic told me it's best to avoid frequently using turn signals during rainy days to reduce short-circuit risks.