| Just_Shep |
Tue Sep 27, 2022 6:53 pm |
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Hi all!
My right turn signal pops the #1 fuse as soon as the relay clicks over. Left turn signal has no issues, but flashers also pop the fuse. I'm definitely not great on the wiring/electrical side of things and don't know where to start troubleshooting with the volt meter. The fuse block connections look good, and the wiring looks in tact.
If anyone is willing to dumb it down and help me out, that would be super appreciated. Thanks! |
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| mondshine |
Wed Sep 28, 2022 6:48 am |
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I suspect there is a short circuit in the black.green wire that powers the right turn signals.
Lower the right hand dash panel, and check the connections at the hazard switch.
Sometimes these switches come apart where the metal housing is piened over the plastic base, causing all kinds of screwy problems.
If that looks OK...
Unplug the turn signal switch connector at the steering column (it's the one under my thumb).
Try the turn signal switch.
If the fuse still blows, the problem is in the turn signal switch. Look for pinched wires, etc.
If the fuse does not blow, the problem is in the wiring; most likely in the black green wire.
Remove both right turn signal bulbs.
Use your VOM to check for continuity to ground at the black/green wire on the turn signal switch connector. If you find continuity, follow the black/green wire to the 3 way connector that splits to the front and rear bulbs. Unplug the wires to front and rear and check each one for continuity to ground.
It is a pains taking process; just take your time and you will find the short.
Good luck, Mondshine
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/wiring/181_Wiring_Diagram_4-73.pdf |
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| Just_Shep |
Wed Sep 28, 2022 9:11 am |
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| You are a literal saint Mondshine! Ill go through those steps today and see if I can find the gremlin, thanks! |
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| Just_Shep |
Wed Sep 28, 2022 12:35 pm |
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mondshine wrote: I suspect there is a short circuit in the black.green wire that powers the right turn signals.
Try the turn signal switch.
If the fuse still blows, the problem is in the turn signal switch. Look for pinched wires, etc.
If the fuse does not blow, the problem is in the wiring; most likely in the black green wire.
Remove both right turn signal bulbs.
Use your VOM to check for continuity to ground at the black/green wire on the turn signal switch connector. If you find continuity, follow the black/green wire to the 3 way connector that splits to the front and rear bulbs. Unplug the wires to front and rear and check each one for continuity to ground.
It is a pains taking process; just take your time and you will find the short.
Good luck, Mondshine
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/wiring/181_Wiring_Diagram_4-73.pdf
OK, so with the signal switch disconnected, the flashers work just fine on all four corners ruling out wiring to the bulbs themselves. With the turn signal switch connected to the steering column, fuse #10 (emergency flasher) pops.
Am I in the right direction in assuming the turn signal switch is most likely the culprit? I took the whole thing apart and it is pretty crusty and a lot of the plastic retainers are falling apart. Im assuming Ill need a whole new unit. |
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| mondshine |
Wed Sep 28, 2022 1:04 pm |
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With the ignition switched on, and the turn signal switch unplugged, what happens when you move the turn signal switch for a right turn?
If the fuse blows, the problem is with the turn signal switch. (Steering wheel off recently?)
If the fuse does not blow, the problem is downstream of the turn signal switch; either in the wiring or in the front or rear lights. Perform the tests I mentioned previously, and report back. |
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| Just_Shep |
Wed Sep 28, 2022 2:28 pm |
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mondshine wrote: With the ignition switched on, and the turn signal switch unplugged, what happens when you move the turn signal switch for a right turn?
If the fuse blows, the problem is with the turn signal switch. (Steering wheel off recently?)
If the fuse does not blow, the problem is downstream of the turn signal switch; either in the wiring or in the front or rear lights. Perform the tests I mentioned previously, and report back.
I took apart the entire turn signal switch, cleaned up all the connections and now everything works as it should. Including right turn signals. For my own knowledge, if the turn signal switch were to be unplugged wouldn't nothing happen because it is not receiving power from the flasher switch? Therefore a fuse would not blow if the short was in the signal switch?
This car now has right blinkers for the first time in 10 years! thanks again for all of the help! |
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| mondshine |
Wed Sep 28, 2022 2:57 pm |
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Good news.
The black/green (R) and the black/white (L) turn signal wires are powered by the ignition switch (Terminal 15...fuse#1). Then, current moves on to the hazard switch, and flasher.
When the ignition is switched off, the hazard switch receives current from the battery (Terminal 30...fuse #10).
But a short at the turn signal switch (as you seem to have experienced) would kill fuse #10 with the hazard switch on). |
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