TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sat Feb 28, 2004 1:19 pm

Hello all,
I just got a 71 Ghia and am haveing an odd problem I've never had with any of my other VW's. The turn signals and emergency signal work just fine until you turn on the headlights. I've check and cleaned all ground connections thinking that may be the root of the problem. It didnt help any. I cant :?: even hear the relay clicking once I turn on the headlights. The signal lights do however work with only the parking lights on. If anyone had any ideas of something to check please let me know. Oh one last thing,,I've tried cleaning the switch with electronics contact cleaner.
Please let me know as it has me stumped???
Thanks
Greg

Sat Feb 28, 2004 11:22 pm

So you've got turnsignals during the daytime and headlights at night? Hell, you're way ahead of most of us right now, quit complaining. :twisted:

Since no one else is stepping up to help, I'll try:

It's obviously the current draw from the headlights that is shutting down the turnsignals, but finding the problem might be a nightmare.

Since each of the headlights is on a separate fuse I would start by pulling one headlight fuse at a time. See if it still happens with only one headlight lit. If one headlight circuit is causing the problem then check the grounds on that circuit. Ditto with the turnsignal circuit.

If that doesn't reveal a problem I would check to make sure that my battery is fully charged and the generator and regulator are up to snuff. The headlights are going claim whatever voltage is available because their wiring is pretty much a homerun right to them.A weak charging system might have enough oomph to serve the headlights and not much else.

Try those ideas and report back. Maybe someone better at wiring than I am will wander by in the meantime.

Mon Mar 01, 2004 12:19 pm

Sounds like a common ground. Put the signals on a sep ground.

Fri Mar 05, 2004 7:30 am

Thanks everybody!
I moved the grounds a inch or so over and made a new hole for the ground screws. Not only did it fix the headlight Vs. turnsignal problem it also made my signal indicator start working. I thought it was burned out.
Thanks again.
Greg