Turn signals mis-behaving....cause?

[Doug&Julie]

Since taking ownership in the spring, my 1970 911T's turn signals have not worked properly. When I hit the stalk, the rear light comes on, but doesn't blink, it just comes on and stays on. The front ones don't even come on. When I hit the hazards, the rears light up, but don't blink. I don't think the fronts even come on either.

I looked at the relay and it looks brand new. (In fact, I think I remember the P.O. mentioning he replaced that relay.) If it's not a relay switch, what could be causing this? It's terribly embarrasing to drive w/o functioning turn signals!

Thanks.

[bigchillcar]

relays aren't cheap, like nearly $40, so i'm sure you aren't in a bug hurry to try replacing it..but it sure sounds like it..assuming you've checked all the wiring and grounds at the four corners for any shorts. i'd try to borrow a relay from a friend's car if available and try that first..
ryan

[redz350]

Check the fuses. I believe your car has individual fuses for both the right and left and front and rear turn signals.

_____________
1973.5 911T Coupe (black)

[Rick V]

try taking the front light assy's out and looking for bad contacts or broken wires. I would start looking at the ground side first it is the easiest to fix or rule out.
do your front parking lights work?


Remember you are driving a Porsche most people don't expect you to signal. We are above such things.

[Doug&Julie]

Thanks all, I'll try to hunt down the cause when I can.

FYI when I turn the lights on, it looks like everything is on and there. Brake lights work just fine. I rear turns light up, I just can't seem to get the front turns to light up.

I remember my '72 had many problems with burning out turn signal bulbs, which caused similar problems. Who knew whole electrics could be taken down by one bulb?!?

Thanks again all.

[Doug&Julie]

By the way...is it possible for a brand new (or nearly new) relay to go bad so quickly? ...or should I say, is it likely?

Thanks,

[bigchillcar]

probably not, doug..it's probably good advice to pull each front light assembly and give them a thorough going over. case in point..i thought a few weeks ago that my relay was failing (i replaced it 2 years ago), but whn i removed the front lens cover, driver side i discovered that the bulb was simply loose in the socket and making intermittent contact. these light assemblies aren't the greatest..pull yours and start checking contacts. good luck.
ryan

[Doug&Julie]

Thanks.

Electrics are my favorite!!!

[bigchillcar]

could be worse..could be a broken crank..
ryan

[Doug&Julie]

...or a blown Boxster motor!

(..oh, wait, I've already done that...)

[coldstart]

I have similar turn signal problems. From examining the left front assembly, I can tell that the bulb contact is not in the correct position.

Any advise on how to remove the turn signal assemblies without removing the front bumper?

[Doug&Julie]

I thought there was a plug or screws in the back of the assembly that allow it to be pulled out. ...or are you saying that area is inaccesible w/o removing the bumper? I seem to remember getting to them on my '73 parts car w/o too much trouble, but I could be thinking of the back? I know one of them was a bi1ch...

[coldstart]

A few months ago I attempted this project. I removed the screws that attach the assembly to the bumper BUT I could not get the wiring assembly to come out and I'm not sure if the assembly would have been able to squeeze out from behind. Mine need a major reconditioning this winter.....

[bigchillcar]

after removing the faceplate, i think there are just two screws then the whole assembly slides out. on the back of the assembly is a screw holding the back plate on. remove it to get good access to the wiring. good luck, coldstart.
ryan

[Doug&Julie]

That's how I remember it. But it is snug.

IF I get to it anytime soon, I'll document it. But I may end up having my wrench look into it. I just hate dealing with electrics...

[alf]

I had a similar issue with the rear turn indicator, turned out that the contact point between the bulb and socket was a little turded up. A few scrapes of the bulb contact on the drive way took care of it.

Good luck!

[DW SD]

Try disconnecting one the fuses which disable turn signals. If the indicators in the tach blink (but very quickly) it is likely not your relay. I bet one of the bulbs is shorting out or you have to clean the grounds at each signal housing. Also, if someone installed the wrong rear light bulbs at the brake light position, they can foul up the turn signals. You should have a proper dual filament bulb. If I remember, a single element can foul up the turn signal system.

Good luck, don't give up. This should be pretty straightforward.

Doug

[Doug&Julie]

Thanks. Now I wish I wasn't heading up to Michigan this weekend. We're going to have perfect weather for sitting in the garage tinkering...

[Doug&Julie]

FYI it turns out it was a bad relay (despite being almost brand new!) and my front right (..or was it left?) turn signal needed it's connection cleaned out around the bulb. Now they work like a charm!