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Sat Nov 07, 2009 7:09 pm

Hi. So diving into the DC today to iron out the electrical was (insert sarcasm here) lots of fun :roll: . I did not have turn signals/hazards. I tracked down all the grounds that I thought could be causing problems, installed new bulbs everywhere and ended up with working hazards in all 4 corners, turn sigs on the drivers side, but only front turn sig on passenger side (with the flasher going double time). Because its only the front turn sig working and its going way faster, I am thinking its a ground issue or I have a bad switch at the column. Any thoughts?

Sat Nov 07, 2009 7:12 pm

Every time I've had the fast blinker on front or back, it just means that the other bulb in the system (same side) is out, usually burned out. Usually a new bulb fixes it, but that right-rear one is also prone to other problems due to battery-related corrosion, or battery smashing into back of socket, if the strap is long gone, like many are.

You say you checked all the grounds and replaced bulbs. I'd double check that right-rear one. Fast blinker = one bulb not connected in my book.

Sat Nov 07, 2009 7:19 pm

Daverham wrote: You say you checked all the grounds and replaced bulbs. I'd double check that right-rear one. Fast blinker = one bulb not connected in my book.

See thats what I woulda thought except that a) all bulbs are brand new, and b) the bulb works fine with the four way flasher (hazards). Oh, and the brake and running light works. Its just the turn signal thats wonky.
So I am left with either the switch is bad or a bad connection in either ground or one of the fusible links?

Sun Nov 08, 2009 9:04 am

Sounds a bit like an internal switch issue to me if both brake lights work, try jumping the terminals on the switch itself and see if the light still blinks fast. If it works like that try cleaning the guts of the switch with brake cleaner.

Sun Nov 08, 2009 10:06 am

You mean the switch on the column, right? I will try douching it out with cleaner. If that is not the solution, should I replace it? I have an brand new looking switch....

Sun Nov 08, 2009 10:20 am

Yes, the column switch. The rear signal circuits are separated there internally so it's the logical place to look. Since the brake and hazard systems light the bulb you can pretty well rule out a ground or bulb issue and the only time this condition comes up is when the contacts are moved from neutral, dried up grease or wear can prevent a good connection to the some of the contacts.

Sun Nov 08, 2009 10:35 am

busdaddy wrote: Yes, the column switch. The rear signal circuits are separated there internally so it's the logical place to look. Since the brake and hazard systems light the bulb you can pretty well rule out a ground or bulb issue and the only time this condition comes up is when the contacts are moved from neutral, dried up grease or wear can prevent a good connection to the some of the contacts.

See, thats what I thought. By looking at the wiring diagram in the Bently I saw that unlike T3s, the rear turn signal circuit separates at the switch. That is why I was thinking the brand new bulb/ground/etc would not be it.

So to change out the column switch... Is that a PITA job? Do I have to remove the steering wheel? What else? Any tips or tricks?

Sun Nov 08, 2009 11:31 am

jimmy - put a volt meter on the wire at the bulb and see if there is any voltage there at all. If not check it again where it leaves the dash area.

Sun Nov 08, 2009 12:58 pm

You don't have to remove the wheel but removing the instrument cluster makes accessing the connectors and fishing the wires through alot easier. You may want to look at those connectors first but because the brake light works I'm skeptical that's the cause.

Sun Nov 08, 2009 4:11 pm

So I douched out the switch with brake cleaner and- Voila! - everything works as it should. Thanks for the guidance guys... :wink:

Sun Nov 08, 2009 4:31 pm