After replacing turn signal switch, blew a fuse and now turn signal flasher relay and hazards are not working

1989 BUICK REGAL
55,900 MILES • 2.8L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
COOLOLDS85
  • MEMBER
  • 173 POSTS
I just installed a new turn signal switch because the right turn signal was only flashing. After I installed the new turn signal switch it was working fine. I then reinstalled my hazard switch knob. When I toggled the hazard switch to make sure it was working I blew a fuse. Turn signal flasher relay is not working or turn signal and hazards itself. I checked all fuses and they are still good. I am thinking I blew out the turn signal flasher harness connector.

Also, after that happened I noticed the headlight switch is not working because my front headlights do not turn on. Only the front side marker lights turn on. I also checked the headlight bulbs and they are still good too.

If none of the fuses are blown than could it be the flasher harness? Also, could my headlight switch be broken now?
Jun 8, 2018 at 10:19 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
It sounds like the wiring harness that goes through the column is shorting out, I would start there.
Jun 10, 2018 at 11:12 AM
Avatar
COOLOLDS85
  • MEMBER
  • 173 POSTS
I was thinking that myself, but how would you check if it has power to it still? If the harness is shorting out does that mean I would have to replace the entire harness?
Jun 13, 2018 at 9:38 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
I would take it back apart to make sure none of the wires are pinched.
Jun 15, 2018 at 10:56 AM
Avatar
COOLOLDS85
  • MEMBER
  • 173 POSTS
I think it is the brake switch. Because the hazard switch keeps blowing the 20 amp stop fuse when I keep putting a new fuse in the fuse box. I can hear it burn out and the head lights as in the headlight switch are malfunctioning and also do not have turn signals. The brake light gets grounded by the hazard switch which the fuse is powered at all times. Do you know where the brake switch is located in my car?
Image (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Jun 22, 2018 at 8:36 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
Sure it is up on the brake pedal right below the pivot. Use a flashlight and you will see it.

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what you find.

Cheers, Ken
Image (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Jun 23, 2018 at 12:02 PM
Avatar
COOLOLDS85
  • MEMBER
  • 173 POSTS
It has got to be the brake switch. I just checked it and the brake lights did not light up when I stepped on the brake. So it looks like from the wire diagram I was right. I need to buy a brake switch and see what it does now.
Jun 24, 2018 at 11:03 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
Okay, good find. Let me know what happens. :) Ken
Jun 24, 2018 at 12:20 PM
Avatar
COOLOLDS85
  • MEMBER
  • 173 POSTS
Although something bad happened when turning on the headlight switch. One of the brake light bulb sockets almost caught on fire. So I had to wire a new lamp socket. But did not check if it worked yet because I do not want to risk putting the other one on fire risking more things going wrong. Now I do not know if it is safe to drive to the place since that happened. I do not even have any brake lights or turn signals.
Jun 25, 2018 at 6:45 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
Do you have the correct fuses in place? It should of blown a fuse not catch fire.
Jun 25, 2018 at 11:31 AM
Avatar
COOLOLDS85
  • MEMBER
  • 173 POSTS
Fuse did not catch fire. One of the tail light bulb sockets almost caught fire. One of them had a short in one for a very long time. And one day I turn on the head light switch and saw one of the tail light bulbs smoking. I replace the bulb socket. But did not check to see if it works. This electrical issue got too out of hand. From a turn signal replacement to a hazard switch blowing a fuse. I am going to take it somewhere to have them look at it. As of right now I cannot even drive the car because I have none of the warning lights even working.
Jul 6, 2018 at 12:01 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
It is normal for the socket to melt when the connection at the bulb has resistance. Try replacing the socket and bulb it should fix the problem.
Jul 13, 2018 at 4:41 PM