Question on turn signals

PorscheRyan911 · 01-25-2005, 08:35 PM

I am new to this forum, so I don't know if any of you guys can help me out or if this is even the right forum to ask this question in? Recently both of my left turn signals (front and back) stopped working along with the lights. They all worked fine since I owned the car and all went out at the same time. I checked the bulbs just to make sure and they were fine. I then checked the fuse, it was fine other than the fact that it wasn't getting any juice. I just turned 21 and am in school so I figure rather than paying someone it might be a good thing to try myself. Any help on what to check or do next would be great.

PS The car is a 1971 911T all stock and in pretty good shape. I have had the car for a year and it hasn't given me a problem until this.

PorscheRyan911 · 01-25-2005, 08:37 PM

Here is a pic of the car too if anyone is interested.

Paulporsche · 01-26-2005, 06:51 AM

Hi and welcome. I see noone has responded to your question. When this happens you can bump it forward to the head of the line just in case it got lost in the shuffle. This reply will do that for you.

Checking the fuse was a good start. You also need to check the wiring, the ground, the bulb connections, the bulbs and the relay. It could also be your switch.

Since you checked the bulbs and fuse, I think I would try the relay next. See if you can borrow one from another 911 owner and swap it in for a test.

In the future, you should always try the search function to look for tech problem first. Usually many others will have also had the same problem and someone will have posted a solution.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

PorscheRyan911 · 01-26-2005, 08:07 AM

Paul, Thanks for your response. Bare with me if you can, I know a dedent amount about Porsches but I am new to actually working on them and any car for that matter (I did an alternator and voltage regulator on my 1st 911 and that went better than I thought). All the grounds on the old 911s are brown right and every light has its own individual ground right? I say that only because they all went out at the same time and I don't know if that might narrow it down. Sorry again that I know so little but where is the relay located? Can I check the relay with a volt meter or does it have to be swopped? Now one more thing that may help, the switch for the light is missing that little metal O ring that the button rests against when you screw it in. I need to hold the wires in the back to turn the lights on and off. Do you thinks its possible that I could have nudged something loose?

Sunroof · 01-26-2005, 08:47 AM

Nice "T".
I have the 73.5T, which may have the same electrical set up as yours. Their are a few black relays inside the dash that could be on the blink and should be freshened if never replaced. Carefully remove the tach, or one of the instruments and with a flashlight you can see them attached to the rear of the dash housing. You might get to them under the dash. Your turnsignal system is weaved through one of those relays. Its a good and easy start besides the fuses up front.

My turn signal switch is messing up with only the brights staying on. I purchased a replacement that came with no less than seven connecting wires. Its going to be interesting.

Regards
Bob
73.5T

PS. My wife is from Providence and grew up on the beaches of Naragansset,. Nice place.

Paulporsche · 01-26-2005, 09:12 AM

Ryan,

Try a search for poster "Randy Webb". He had a thread called "LF turn signals don't work - relay?". This should get you going.

The grounds are brown, and I think ea fixture has its own, but there are about 10 spots on the chassis where they connect. It's possible the wires have come loose as you suggest. Also, it's possible the connection @ the bulb is bad, even though the bulb is good.

That thread will help you to find and test the relay.

randywebb · 01-26-2005, 12:20 PM

or it might be under Randywebb - one word. I should fix that I guess

you will want the square relay in there - you'll need a flashlight or a headlamp too (it's an exotic car, right?)

There are several tips in that thread - if the following aren't in it, then check:
- continuity at the round 5 pin (6 pin?) connector, the bulb contacts, etc.
- the bulb prongs & their angle and freedom from corrosion

you'll want to pull the whole signal unit and clean it up and make sure the rubber water drain 'hose' is present and clear of debris

PorscheRyan911 · 01-27-2005, 06:06 PM

Thanks guys. I am going to look up that post now. I Have Saturday off from school and work so I am going to fiddle with it and see what I can come up with. I'll post on here and let you know how it went. -Ryan

PorscheRyan911 · 01-29-2005, 03:33 PM

Fixed! Its fixed! I started by checking the connection on the front left side. There was a ton of oxidation and the two metal connectors were pushed back. I lightly sanded off the oxidation with 600 grit sand paper and pulled the two tabs back a bit with a flat head. Popped the bulb back in and on went the light! Thanks for all your help.