Turn signals not working?

Tiny
JASON ARCHAMBEAU
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
Neither one of my turn signals work. My hazards do but neither left nor right side work individually. The turn light won't even light up on my dash but does for my hazards. I've replaced the relay located by the foot pedals so not sure what it could be. Please help.
Monday, March 4th, 2019 AT 4:51 AM

51 Replies

Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Did you check the fuse, upper left in diagram, turn/backup fuse? Not only check the fuse, use a test light on fuse circuit to check for voltage, goes hot with key on. Could be other issues like turn signal switch? Always check voltage and grounds.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/turn-signals-not-working-blinker
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Monday, March 4th, 2019 AT 6:41 AM
Tiny
JASON ARCHAMBEAU
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The diagram you attached, is that for the fuse panel on the drivers side of dashboard? Also, does that mean to check fuse #16? Sorry but I'm completely ignorant when it comes to electrical issues.
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Monday, March 4th, 2019 AT 6:56 AM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Yes, fuse 16--15 amp, interior fuse box.
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Monday, March 4th, 2019 AT 7:13 AM
Tiny
CHRIS STEPHENS2
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 156,000 MILES
I replaced my turn signal bulb yet still dont work front works tail lights work just no turn signal
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 12:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,512 POSTS
Hello,

We must see if the socket is getting power. Here are few guides and a wiring diagram so you can do some tests to get the problem fixed. Test with the key on and blinkers going.

Also cycle the hazard switch to, this can some time get the blinkers working.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/turn-signals-not-working-blinker

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

Please run this test and get back to us we are interested to see what it is.

Cheers, Ken

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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 12:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BRADSTAR2K
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1998 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 205,000 MILES
Passenger side brake light and turn signal intermittently working (does not work more often than does work). Bulb has been replaced along with the socket (not the cheap kind). Wiggling the bulb within the socket will make it work, but not for long.

Thanks in advance for the help!
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 12:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
That pretty much tells you the problem is right there. It's either the socket could be the wrong one, could be the wrong bulb or just a bad socket.
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 12:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BRADSTAR2K
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Is there anyway it could be something else? When I got the new socket from the shop I take my truck to (I trust this shop very much), it only worked for a short period of time. I have tried countless bulbs and am confident that it is not the bulb.
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 12:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
If you handle the socket or bulb and that causes the light to come on, common sense will tell you the problem isn't in the front of the car.
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 12:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RJRJR
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
Rear brake and turn signal lights inop. Replaced bulbs, bulb receptacle. Fuses look good and have good ground in wire plug assembly.
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 12:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
IAMI2760
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  • 1 POST
Check the brake switch located on a rod under the dash attached to the brake pedal. I've had to replace three of them on my 98 Silverado. If you have the towing package installed, disconnect the trailer pig tail and just reconnect your rear lights without the pig tail. I've had to that also.
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 12:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
VTOWNER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1997 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 165,000 MILES
1997 chevy silverado 4x4 5.7l. Passenger side signal not working, I turn on dash and headlights neither rear signal lights work, I check the wiring harnesses and disconnected trailer wiring found nothing wrong there.I had gm look at it recently, had no help there. I checked a few diagrams I could find and it seems to point to switching system in steering column but I'm not sure. Any ideas?
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 12:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,004 POSTS
Are you doing this yourself now?

Do you have simple test equipment. Voltmeter. Test light. Know how, as far as running continuity tests and such?

If it comes down to purchasing this over priced hunk of plastic, I can clue you in on saving $$$ on it. Just ask. This overlooked asset works at all kinds of places

i found you a diagram in "mitchell"

this one is for "exterior lamps". Looks like it shows what you are interested in

there are many more for the rest of the wiring, it is not feasible to get 'em all for you (mitchell sorta wants you [and me] to subscribe to their system, they are not a non-profit organization!)

without broadcasting your email address in open forum, if you cannot see this diagram well. Tell me.I will initiate a way to get it to you. Mitchell diagrams are "crisp" in my downloads, they are so ez to understand. Depending on size and content, they may show up great. Then again, could be a blur, once I load it into my answer

the medic
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 12:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
VTOWNER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I have the same drawing and I did check everything with a voltmeter, discovered a new problem with driver front light too, its being looked at again by GM at the moment. Everything points to the switch in steering column malfunctioning intermittently from conversation with mechanic so there looking into for me if parts are needed
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 12:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LUCKY_SEVANS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1997 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 156,000 MILES
Girl friend's truck has no brake lights or signals, but hazards work. Turn signals work up front. Parking lights work. Assuming double filament bulbs good based on hazards. Been reading online and cannot figure out what to do. Not familiar with truck and only barely familiar with electrical. No money to take to professional and she needs a running vehicle. Please point me in right direction. Today is perfect because in Washington and it is not raining.
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 12:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,870 POSTS
The best suspect is the turn signal switch. The hazard function goes through just one small part of that switch, but when switched on, it disconnects a number of circuits within the signal switch. It's one of those contacts that is likely failed.

First, check if the backup lamps work. If they do, the turn signal fuse is okay.

The "Brake light" fuse has to be okay because that runs the hazard flasher.

Look for the "Brake light" relay in the fuse box under the hood. Feel if it clicks when a helper presses the brake pedal.

Next, we'll have to go to the wires going to the signal switch and test for voltage with a test light. I'm trying to figure out from the diagram which wires to check.
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 12:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LUCKY_SEVANS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I figured it out! Tracing the wires from the front I kept getting voltage all the way back to the tail light plug. But still could not get turn signals or brake to light bulbs (right or left). When I was pulling out one of the bulbs while turn signal was on I saw it light the second filament as I pulled it out. If bulb seated properly no contacts, but pulled out some and jiggled a bit and I had function. I manipulated the contact (springs) and voila! Rinse and repeat for the other side.

Wait, why was I getting hazards originally? Do they light up the other (top) bulbs and I just do not remember?
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 12:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,870 POSTS
My diagram showed the same one bulb on each side for signal and brake function. Don't have a suitable answer as to why the hazards worked.

Common things to look for on the sockets include rusty housings for the older 1157 brass-base round bulbs, and contacts overheated and melted into the plastic base. Those contacts are spring-loaded, so when the plastic melts, the contacts sink into the base and no longer touch the contact on the bulb. You can make a temporary fix by adding a drop of solder to the contacts on the bulb.

For the newer plastic-base 3057s, it's real common to find the contact tabs in the socket badly-corroded. Two of them are grounds, but for the two different filaments. You can get a clue a ground is bad by observing that with only one working signal light, it will stop lighting up when the bulb on the other side is removed. Current goes through the bulb that appears to be working, can't get to ground, so it doubles back and goes through the tail light filament, over to the tail light on the other side, through it, THEN to ground on that side. Current goes through three filaments so the one that appears to be working is actually not full brightness. That three-filament circuit can't occur when the brake lights are on, so the signal works properly on the good side, and the one on the bad side goes fully-off. This is where you see the two lights switch between bright filament and dim filament alternately, especially on trailers.
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 12:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DOUGLAS ENTWISTLE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1996 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 5.0L
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 2,000,000 MILES
Brake light and turn signals individually work normally. But when making a left turn, with the turn signals on when I apply the brakes, the turn signal on the left side is cancelled and the brake light is on. The right turn signal and brakes work normally. One other thing, with the left turn signal is on without the brakes on, the light on the top of the cab blinks with the left turn signal. Again this does not happen with the right side lights. I have changed the switch on the steering column with no results. I have removed the wire harness for the trailer lights without success. There are no shorts in the system. The fuses don't blow. I have replaced the signal light flasher unit. For a while I did hear a buzzing sound under the dash. This has stopped. This has made no difference the problem as described above is still the same.
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 12:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,512 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like you have a bad ground I would check at the rear of the truck first. here is a guide and the wiring diagrams so you can check the grounds:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 12:05 PM (Merged)

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