2005 Corolla: hazards and indicators not working

[PumpkinSteve]

Hi all,

I've got a 2005 Corolla which blows a fuse whenever I switch on the hazards or indicators. I've removed all light clusters to check for water and corrosion, but they were fine. I've removed a large portion of the interior to examine the wiring running from the rear lights, which was all okay. I'm at my wit's end 😞 I'm going to have the flasher relay tested tomorrow, but if that comes back okay I'm out of ideas.

Any suggestions? Thanks.

[DerekHa]

Hi Steve.

Just an idea but try removing all the indicator bulbs to start with.

See if the fuse still blows with them all out when you switch on the hazards or indicators. If the fuse blows like that then you have a fault which you need to trace out, you almost certainly have a short circuit somewhere. Possible either one of those switches could be faulty or the relay.

If the fuse holds up with all bulbs out then start installing just one bulb at a time trying the hazard and indicators. This may help you identify which part of the indicator circuit is causing the fuse to fail.

You may end up removing more interior trim to trace the fault if it's in the loom(s). Look for areas where there are bends and the possibily of loom being chaffed. Also check the bulb connectors for signs of damage.

[Bper]

Hi Steve,

If you have checked the wiring,bulbs and correct fuse size have a look at the hazard warning switch this may be faulty.

[Gerg]

9 hours ago, PumpkinSteve said:

Any suggestions? Thanks.

This is an extreme longshot, but, has the car got or had, a towbar fitted, or a non-standard alarm?

[oldcodger]

If you have elimnated the bulbs and bulb holders, then the most probable cause of the short will be the Flasher Relay or the steering column switch and its wiring.

You can get generic flasher units for around £15 so thats probalby easier than testing out your old unit, which is probably well worn anyway and would be worth replacing as a matter of course.

Rather than rip you car apart, a cheap test meter is all you need to check most wiring for shorts or lack of continuity, you can buy basic ones good enough for your needs for around £10 , you can find ytubes on how to use it to check simple car wiring faults.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-ac-dc-digital-multimeter-600v/75337

[PumpkinSteve]

Hello,

Thanks for your advice everyone. It was a short after all 😒I had the car at the garage last week to replace a wheel bearing. They'd used a self tapping screw to secure a loose arch liner, and you can guess where the screw landed.

It's all sorted now though. Thanks again 😃

[DerekHa]

I hope you gave them what for Steve! Talk about being muppets.

Impressed you managed to find that as well!