Howdy.

I recently had my headlights go out. When I searched the forums I saw some posts about faulty headlight switches and my symptoms matched everything I read (high beams could be activated by pulling back, etc).

I ordered the part and replaced it today. Now my headlights work but my turn signals do not.

I even put the old switch back in and they don't work with it either.

They did work fine before I started.

My emergency flasher button activates fine and all the lights flash normally but I cannot get the turn signals to come on, either left or right.

I don't have an owner's manual but I checked the fuse that relates to the turn signal and it seems fine (I even switched it out just to be certain).

I don't see any broken wires inside the steering column area.

Any thoughts or ideas gratefully considered.

Thanks,

Andrew

1998 Audi A4 Quattro, 2.8l 130,000mi

 

It's very likely the hazard/signal relay built into the hazard button. Your fail symptoms match it. Search YouTube for a video on cleaning the relay and if that doesn't work, just replace it.

 

Well, okay, but I'm curious why they worked fine moments before I replaced the headlight switch and then just quit working altogether with either the new or old headlight switch.

And the hazards do work when activated. Seems a little too coincidental that the hazard relay would just quit like that, doesn't it?

 

Also, another question... I see there is a part called the "Turn signal flasher" which has a Part Number: 7426-07113889.

Is that relay located inside the dash? I can see a few when I take the fuse panel cover off but I have no idea how you would get to them.

The 3 bladed turn signal flasher is like $10 on line while the hazard relay is closer to $70.

I did see some suggestion elsewhere for using a VW hazard relay because it's $15-20 cheaper.

Just wondering what the most likely scenario might be and how best to begin replacing parts.

I did pull the hazard relay out and cleaned the metal tabs but it made no difference.