TheSamba.com :: View topic

Wed Jul 07, 2004 2:37 pm

I just replaced my ignition switch and starter, and decided to replace my partially broken turn signal/wiper switch as long as the column was apart(wasn't self cancelling). After installing the replacement, I decided to try and test it. I tried left first, and it worked. Then right-which blinked fast. Then left again-normal. Then right-fast, faster, stop. When it stopped, neither side worked-nor did my hazards. The indicator light will come on and stay on, but the signal lights won't.

All the bulbs are good, and I tried replacing the flasher switch already, but that didn't fix it...

Any ideas? I'm hoping it's not a ground problem...

Wed Jul 07, 2004 10:34 pm

If everything worked before you did the replacement you might check the connections to the new blinker switch. Did you replace the switch and wires all the way to the fuse block and connectors to the lights or did you do a splice job under the dash.

Wed Jul 07, 2004 10:54 pm

The '74 has wire-channels with connectors on the end. All that is necessary for a change-out is to unplug the old ones and plug in the new. I simply changed the two out.

I'd think it was something simple with the switch, but it worked for a minute or two after being installed and then stopped...

Fri Jul 09, 2004 9:55 am

I talked to another mechanic friend of mine who is by no means a vw or electrical specialist, but he told me to check the grounds all around the car. I think I may've touched some wires in the right side-rear... but I was wondering-would it have to be a right-side ground that caused the problem since the signals only sped up on the right side?

Fri Jul 09, 2004 12:44 pm

The same thing happened with my bug. Grounds can cause this issue. The sockets for the bulbs can also have a little corrosion build up on them and it would cause the issue also. Check all the connections and the sockets- this should take care of the issue. Check the wires for internal corrosion as well.

Sat Jul 10, 2004 10:47 pm

Is there anything within the switch that would've caused that, or just the light assemblies/wiring themselves? The only wires I touched were some in the back of the car for the back-up lights...which still don't work... I replaced the in-line fuse and was going to splice two wires together that I thought had something to do with the back-up lights and then said forget it (I was working on the starter and saw the wires off the transmission). Other than that, I didn't touch any wires anywhere around either right-side light assembly...

Fri Jul 16, 2004 9:54 pm

Check the flasher relay or put in a new one. If that doesn't fix it you have a bad ground on the side that flashes fast. Could be all that is needed is to wiggle the right bulb.

Tue Jul 20, 2004 11:12 pm

dude you need sum blinker fluid naw im jus kidding. my 73 super does that it dont go back say when ur turnin and then go str8 u know but i got used to it and turned it of my self.

Wed Jul 21, 2004 3:49 am

yeah, check the relay but also cheak the fuse for the blinker blubs, because a fast blink means that the off/on unit is getting too much voltage causeing it to bink much faster then normal, also, yes, check the grounds.

Mon Jul 26, 2004 5:01 pm

I checked all the bulbs and fuses and both are all good. Every fuse on the block was removed checked and replaced. The flasher relay was replaced and the problem didn't get reproduced, making me think the relay is fine. I plugged my car into a truck when I towed it last week (my dad and I made a towing hook-up for turn signals) and all the lights worked fine, so it's gotta be somewhere between the fuse block and the switch, right?

Mon Jul 26, 2004 7:54 pm

I bet ya a dollar that if you un-do the trailer hookup, your problem will be fixed. You probably have something crossed in the plug that is grounding the circuit. If that doesn't help, look at the switch and make sure it's hooked up properly [and grounded].

If pulling your bug is going to be a common exercise, build a light bar to attach to your bumper or pick up a set of those magnetic taillights tow trucks use.

good luck

-jeffrey