Turn Indicators = blow fuse #4

[cocofunk]

I did a lot of research and have checked the wiring in the trunk, checked wiring around the kick panel and steering column, and have played around with the bulb housings at the back taillights. I cannot find the short and cannot find out what the problem is.

Every time I use the turn signal, BAM! Blown fuse #4. What could it be.

Other symptoms:
1. Unloader Relay feels hot (hotter than the other relays).
2. Hazards will work... BUT hazards will blow their respective fuse when I push the brake (engage brake lights) while the hazards are on. WEIRD.

Also, as an FYI, this blown fuse issue seemed to have begun after washing the engine bay. Could it be water causing some corrosion somewhere? Or could it be water/scrubbing just moving something in a weird way to have caused a short?

[roguetoaster]

I'd start with an inspection of the sockets/bulbs for your signals, associated relays/fuses to check for an issue there.

Also, pretty sure you don't have to blow fuse #4 for turn signals to work, but having heard this I suspect it may be the root cause of lack of signal use by BMW drivers.

[cocofunk]

Just for clarification. Fuse 4 blows when I use the turn signal. I can literally stand outside the car with the hood up and SEE the fuse blow when I use the turn signal.

Fuse 24 also blows when I use the hazards. But it blows after about 5-10 secs of blinking.

[Das Delfin]

okay let's see.



fuse 4 governs the turn signals. Fuse 24 has the hazards. Lucky you there is nothing else on these circuits to interfere, which means the problem can only be the turn signal relay or corrosion.

This means you are going to have to inspect the turn signals and their wiring for corrosion. If it happened after you washed your engine bay, there you go.

[cocofunk]

I was thinking that Das. I tried to do a rough inspection of the turn signal wires in the engine bay, but I cannot get to seeing everything. To do a thorough inspection of the turn signal wires right behind the bulbs, will it be necessary to take the bumper out? Or will taking out the inside wheel-well plastics suffice?