Why are the turn signals not working?

Turning lights are an important part of the optical system of any car. They are designed to warn other drivers of a planned maneuver. There are many reasons why your turn signals and alarms are not working. You can repair them yourself, after identifying the malfunction.

Signs and causes of malfunctioning turn signals and alarms

These elements of the lighting system stop working due to:

1. The fuse box in the cabin burned out. This problem occurs frequently. If the car is equipped with a relay that regulates the operation of lighting devices, the cause should be sought in it. Depending on the brand of the machine, this part may be located at different distances from the fuses. The diagram attached to the instructions helps to find it.
2. Short circuits in the onboard network. Because of this, the turn signals do not light up, instead the alarm goes off. The system stops responding to user commands. A multimeter is required to locate the fault. The driver must understand the device of the electrical circuit.
3. Failure of the light source. In this case, replace the burnt out light bulb.
4. Break in wiring. Owners of outdated VAZ car models face this. If the wires are in places where there are moving parts, the braid will fray over time. The integrity of the section of the electrical circuit is broken.
5. Faulty cornering light control or steering column switch. In this case, a complete diagnosis of the control buttons is required.

The following signs help to determine the presence of malfunctions in the optical system of the machine:

1. The turn signals are constantly on. The symptom appears when the relay fails, in particular its electromagnetic component. It often gets stuck in one position, so it cannot return to its original position.
2. Changed the blinking frequency of the turn signals. The source of this malfunction is not only the relay, but also the wrong type of light bulb. When buying new lighting products, the cost declared by the car manufacturer is taken into account.
3. The optical system is not working. Not only the bulbs do not burn, but also the sensors on the center console. Clicks that occur when the pointers are on are not observed. There are many reasons for such failures.

Frequent malfunctions of turn signals and emergency lights, and how to fix them

If the turn signals stop working, you need to diagnose and try to eliminate the identified malfunctions. When you can’t do it yourself, you should contact a car service.

Turn switch

To identify such a malfunction, check the operability of the contacts when the switch is in different positions. Inspect plastic or metal parts. In this case, melting or the appearance of soot is possible. Then the relay clicks, but neither the right nor the left rotary mechanism works.

To eliminate the breakdown, the switch is removed, disassembled. After cleaning the contacts, the part is assembled in the reverse order. A photo taken in advance will facilitate the work.

Turns relay

Faulty item requires immediate repair. The piece is cheap, so they buy 2 pieces in reserve. The relay is located in the fuse box in the engine compartment or inside the passenger compartment. The instruction manual helps you locate the part you are looking for. On the mounting block there is a picture describing the purpose of the switches and relays.

Faulty lamp lamella wiring

Finding a broken wire is difficult because the turn signals are connected to the tail lights. Cables run through the entire cabin, headlights are installed on the tailgate.

Most often, electrical wiring is damaged in the following places:

• under the thresholds in the area of ​​​​the seats of the front passenger and driver;
• on the adapter leading the wiring to the trunk lid;
• in cartridges far.

If the left or right turn signal is faulty, you need to check the contacts of the bulbs with a multimeter. In the presence of voltage, the lamellae of the socket are pressed into the place where the base is inserted. Modern manufacturers supply cars with LED elements.

Although they have a long service life individually, they often burn out when assembled online. The problem is solved by replacing the structural element.

Alarm switch

If this part breaks, the lamps turn on simultaneously on both sides. On some machines, the turn relay is located on the emergency switch. A new button is inexpensive, so it is recommended not to repair it, but to replace it.

Malfunction or software failure of the body control unit

In some models, for example Lada Priora, the switching functions of the sensors in question have been transferred to the body control unit. The advantage is the possibility of centralized management, the disadvantage is the complexity of automatic repair. To eliminate the breakdown, disassembly of the unit is required. Such repairs are carried out only in a car service.

Fuses blown

Fusible parts responsible for the operation of turn signals or emergency lights rarely burn out. However, if this happens, check the integrity of the wiring, the condition of the lamp contacts, if necessary, replace the fuse.