Annoying problems with my turn signals, please help!

[squirrelman]

I've been having an annoying problem with my 1979 Porsche SC. My turn signals have been flashing really quickly for a little while so i posted and it was suggested that i change the bulbs and clean the contacts. Well the yesterday before i cleaned the contacts the turn signals died out on me totally. So first i checked the fuses. Number 11(brake lights(right and left), flasher relay, back-up light, automatic speed control) and number 17( Emergency flaser) fuses were dead. I replaced them and then cleaned the contacts and the number 17 fuse blew again and the turn signals still dont work. I dont know what to check now. Anyone have suggestions for things i can do before i have to take the plunge and take it in? Thanks.
Andy

[slider]

Andy
had a similar problem last year with quickly flashing turn signals, though it didn't evidentualy lead to any fuses issues. Like you, I did all the bulb changing, contact cleaning stuff, but no luck.

This might just be a simple case of replacing the turn signal relay. It can be found behind the fuel gauge/oil level gauge on the dash. Pull out the gauge and turn on the turn signal. Reach in thru the vacant hole and, by brail, feel for a square plastic box about 1 inch square. You'll be able to ID it by hand because you should be able to feel the clicking of the turn signal indicator (you know, "click click, click click"). Anyway, that relay should just pull straight up and replacement is just the opposite. Problem solved for me.

Good luck

Joe

[CrossT]

I had the same issue. You might also try bending out the spring contacts in the bulb receptacles. Mine had gone a bit slack. When I reached it and pulled them out a bit, having already cleaned the bulb contacts, they were much more solid and the quick flashing was cured.

todd
86 coupe

[squirrelman]

Anyone else have any experience with this? Also does anyone know of a good how to on changing turn signal relays with pictures otherwise about how much can i expect on speding for a mechanic to do it? Thanks guys.

[fintstone]

If it is the relay, all you do is unplug it and plug the new one in. I would try unplugging the old one to see if the fuse still blows when power is applied while it is unplugged.

[squirrelman]

The biggest problem is i dont know how to get to the fuse, i'm not sure i skilled enought to get at it

[fintstone]

If you are taking about the relay, It is the smaller square device behind the brake reservoir. It most likely says "blinkgeber" somewhere on it. You can most likely reach it by opening your front luggage compartment and feeling around on the far right behind the gauges for a square box with attached wires. If necessary, you can remove the 4 small bolts holding the cardboardlike cover that protects that area behind the gauges. Take a look and if you are unsure, I will take a picture or two for you tomorrow of the setup on my '74. It is similar.
If you do a search, there are several good threads on troubleshooting flasher/turn signal problems.