73 911 Turn signal problems

[Thomas Wilkinson]

Hello,

My 911 has developed the following "condition".

Turn signals stopped working completely.

-Replaced blown fuse #8 listed as "Blink/stop-turn signal and back up light/direction."
-Removed right front signal assembly as light was dimer than other side.
Cleaned all connections of corrosion including bulbs and reinstalled.
Cured dim issue.

#1 Result;

-Front turn signals do not operate with running lights or headlights on, rear turn signals operational.
-All turn signal operate with main light switch off BUT normal clicking of relay occurs only once when switch
is activated, then stops.
-European parking function works for each respective side.
-Hazard lights work
-All lights work with main switch on

Installed new flasher relay

#2 Result;

-Hazard switch lights constant when depressed, no flash of any lights
-No turn signals with lights off
-When ignition is turned on new relay emits steady buzzing sound which goes off if hazard or turn signal switch is activated
-Turning t/s switch to the left (drivers side) with ignition on results in rapid cycling of relay and signals.

When I reinstalled the old relay all conditions revert back to condition #1.

At this point it appears that something is wrong on the left side.
Adding to my confusion is the change in conditions with the new relay.
Is it possible I got a bad relay or is the new unit reflecting the short or other electrical issues?

Any help or suggestions much appreciated.

Tom Wilkinson

[jeff m]

Get a few lengths of wire with crocodile clips at each end and start supplying grounds from a GOOD source to the brown wires on the lights.
If the condition improves, leave that wire in place and go to the next lamp unit, supply a new ground to that one.

I would start with your OLD relay in the circuit.

Do all the browns in each "corner" of the car including headlamps.

Good luck

Jeff

[fintstone]

Any luck Tom? Sounds like your replacement relay is bad. What about your horns? Do they work any differently with or without the lights on?

[Thomas Wilkinson]

Thanks to both gentlemen who responded to my post.
I've been busy lately and have not spend much time on the car troubleshooting.

A local shop lent me a new t/s switch along with a second flasher relay to test.
Neither improved the situation.
Glad as the switch is rather spendy.
Odd thou, the second new relay performed as did the first i.e. buzzing with the
ignition on.
Two bad relays in a row? Stranger things have happened I guess.

Now I need to get some alligator clips and start checking grounds.

Could the main light switch be suspect?
Reason I ask is all signal functions work with the lights off.
Pulling out the main light switch kills the front signals.
4 wires from the t/s switch go to the light switch....

I must admit electricals are probably my weakest area.
By the time I'm done that may no longer be the case.


Tom Wilkinson

R Gruppe # 130

1970 914-6 2.5
1973 911 2.7RS spec.

[fintstone]

Once again...Did you try check if the horns were any different with the lights on as I suggested before?
I believe that your right front signal gets it's ground from the wire on the back of your right front headlight which is also connected to your right front parking light. It eventually also goes to your horn. I cannot believe your current problem and your original problem are not related, thus this is the logical place to start. First, put in the original flasher. Then try taking out the right front headlight fuse and see if the turn signal works with the lights on. If not, go back to the right front signal and unplug it. See if your left signal works with your lights on.

[73911guy]

Check the binding terminal screws at the fuse block - mine had come loose and would pass enough current to make a digital volt meter say everything was OK but not enough to light up the lights.

Another reason I don't like electrons.

Jim

[Thomas Wilkinson]

OK,

Tried pulling headlight fuses for each respective side and then pulling
main plug for each turn signal assembly. No improvement i.e. front signals
not operational with running lights or headlights on.
Horn works fine regardless of light switch position.

All fuse block screws are clean and tight.
I checked all connections at the start of the "project" including stripping the
ends and inserting fresh wire, cleaned screws and connection points, and
inspected/replaced questionable fuses.

Tom Wilkinson

[ART C.]

I had intermittant turn signal responses. I removed all the fuses, dremel wire wheeled the fuse/clip contact points and the fuse ends, reinstalled the fuses, and all is well.(71 911e)

[fintstone]

Tom
I know these questions are assinine, but don't want to miss anything:
1. Is this a new problem..did everything work ok before?
2. Is it possible you got a wire switched? ie a brown one (ground) to another color?
3. Did you change a bulb? Are your turn signals dual filament bulbs (2 prongs on back)?
4. Do you have a multimeter or a test light so you can check more specific items?

[Free911]

I just got a 74 911 and am having similar issue ( just the buzzing) I replaced the relay behind the dash that controls the signal/ hazzard/ ebrake lights. still buzzes, but when you put the hazard on, or the turn signals it goes away. Just annoying enough, and to make it better, every now and then it stops. Check the wire to your ebrake, and I guess check grounds. I'll be doing the same.