Why do car turn signals only work sometimes?
Intermittent turn signal failure is typically caused by a loose wiring harness, a failing multi-function switch in the steering column, or a faulty gear selector position switch if signals only function while parked. These electrical glitches leave drivers without working blinkers or hazard lights while on the road, creating an unpredictable and hazardous driving condition.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Checking front harness ground points
- 2Considering replacing the combination switch or looking for frayed wiring
- 3checked the fuses
- 4tried to replace the hazard switch under my dash
- 5check the multifunction switch on the steering column
- 6check the grounds around the steering column or under the dash
- 7Checking or replacing the flasher relay near the tongue
In their words
Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.
“I have brake lights, hazards and running lights, but turn signals on both ends of the trailer are inop.”source ↗
“Hyundai Santa Fe sport 2017 both front blinkers intermittent along with driver side fog light”source ↗
“She describes it as working when it wants to.”source ↗
“randomly yesterday my car did not have turn signals or hazards when i was driving. When i pulled into a parking lot and put it into park i noticed they started working as soon as it is park but no other gear.”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 5Why does my car battery warning light flicker on and off?
- 13Intermittent car hesitation with no trouble codes
- 2Why won't lights work after changing parts or wiring?
- 2How to test a car ignition switch with a multimeter
- 2How to trace an intermittent short circuit in a car wiring harness
- 4Why is my parking brake warning light still on?