Turn signal switch help needed - 75 targa

[Winter]

The victim is a '75 911 targa, with a 2.2 and matching 5 speed tranny.

I've posted here regarding my problem before, and was hoping that earlier suggestions would pan out, but so far no go. So I'm hoping for a few more suggestions that will lead to my turn indicators starting to flash!

Here's the problem. Turn signals don't flash. I've replaced all bulbs with the correct ones (previous owner had incorrect bulbs), as suggested by the forum here.

I can activate the emergency flashers, no problem. The parking lights (activated by leaving turn signal stalk up or down, depending upon which side you want to remain on) work fine. I just can't get the signals to flash when using the stalk while driving.

Where should I look next? I'm thinking there is a problem with the stalk itself, as the hazards and parking lights work as they should, and all bulbs are correct.

Given the relative "affordability" of the stalk and switch on the column, should I just buck up and replace that? Or are there some under-the-dash connections or relays which may need attention?

Thanks in advance for ideas, suggestions and assistance. The car is relatively new to me, and I'm starting getting to know it well via repairs like this one.

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Tom

[AshEvan]

Are you headlights coming on or not? I am sure someone on this board will have the solution you are looking fo shortly.

[Winter]

Yeah, the headlights come on, although the "bright" function is a bit flaky. Sometimes activation of the brights will result in no headlights at all. Usually turning the car off and playing with the switch fixes it.

Thanks for reminding me about that, as the info is probably helpful to resolving the problem. I'd forgotten because I rarely drive the car at night.

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Tom

[scottb]

Sure sounds like a bad stalk switch. If it's the same (or similar) switch as those found in later cars, there are several threads here on how to clean and repair them.

[AshEvan]

Originally Posted by scottb

Sure sounds like a bad stalk switch. If it's the same (or similar) switch as those found in later cars, there are several threads here on how to clean and repair them.

I have had friends that came to same conclusion about 70% of the time it was the cure . . . . the other 30% were driven crazy andcould not et their headlights working again . . . even with a new switch and headlingt relays as they are still in the dark . . .

JUST LOVE P CARS!

[notmytarga]

I have done a switch replacement when the brights circuit overheated and melted the switch as they all do unless you add the headlight relay solution. The original wiring had all the current for the brights running through that small switch - the relays cure that.

If the switch is activating your parking lights appropriately I think it is OK. Your problem would be that the flasher function is not working. I believe that the flasher for turn indicators and emergency are separate. My wiring diagrams are at home....

Rather than spend the time and money for a new stalk switch I would confirm the turn flasher function and add headlight relays.

[Winter]

Well, certainly looking at the archives, it seems as though the headlight issue is an easy fix, and a relay should prevent melting or further damage. I'll check the contacts today or tomorrow.

However, most of the threads in the the archives deal only with the headlights (or in most cases, lack of them!).

While the headlights are a concern, I'm more concerned about the turn indicators working. So far the most interesting thing I've found in the archives is something about a wire that must also be connected to the emergency flasher switch to make the turn flashers work.

Notmytarga has nailed it: the flasher function is not working.

So, I'm still stuck with wanting to use my turn signals and don't know how to make that happen without installing a new switch, or perhaps a relay (but which one? electronics are not my strong suite). Any more ideas?

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Tom

[Winter]

Bump for some advice so I can attempt this fix this weekend. Anyone?

Switch seems to be working, flasher function isn't working. I'm looking for advice on a the location of the relay, or wiring connections, etc which could be causing the problem.

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Tom

[Porsche_monkey]

Start by taking the switch off and cleaning it. If necessary it can be disassemebled (by drilling the rivets out) and then bolts back together with M2.5 screws.

Do you have a schematic for the turn signal circuit?

[Paulporsche]

When my signals stopped I checked the fusebox. Next I located the relay. It's a small black box you can reach from inside the trunk between the steering wheel and driver's door. I removed it from its mount, turned it on its side and it's worked ever since! When I get some time I may open it up and explore solder joints etc, or I may just put one on my next order to Wayne. I think they are about $45.

If it's the stalk, I think there are some threads on cleaning and bending contacts.

[Porsche_monkey]

The circuit boards on the blinkers are prone to cracking. They are easy to solder and repair.

But his emergency flashers are working so the relay isn't the problem.

[fintstone]

Check the connector from the stalk that plugs into the firewall beneath the dash to make sure it is seated. Then check you brake lights. If they work, the problem is most likely in the stalk switch.

[Porsche_monkey]

Good point on the wiring. The integration of the wires from the stalk to the rest of the car must have have been designed by the same guy that picked the spot for the turn signal relay.

You should also pull the headlight switch and check the connections there for loose wires.

[Winter]

Very helpful, guys. I'm focusing on the switch, but will look at a few other things today.

As finstone suggested, the brake lights work, so that hints at the switch.

I'll also check the wiring from the headlight switch (per finstone) under the dash. The wiring is a messy nightmare from the PO, who did a lot of strange things to this car. I also cleaned the contacts on the stalk yesterday, but no go. It helped one problem, the headlights are no longer flaky, but since I don't really drive at night. I'd really like to get the turn signals working.

Thanks again, everyone who responded to my post. I really appreciate the help.

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Tom

[fintstone]

Yes. The power for the emergency flashers and the turn signals come from different sources. Power to the flasher for the turn signals comes off the same fuse as he brake lights...so, that eliminates some of the potential problem. There are some black rubber 6-pin plugs at the firewall. Make sure they are seated properly.

[Winter]

Whoooh! I just went here: http://www.pelicanparts.com/gallery/fintstone/

Heavy! I know middies +targas are dissed from time to time, but one day. . .maybe my '75 will compare. I can only hope. And to those who have dissed. That link should kill your static!

And, sorry for the typo, finTstone. Got it now.

Didn't quite have the time to check everything at the firewall. That will be next. Tomorrow. I'll keep you guys posted on what I find. Truly a rat's nest down there.

Thanks again, everyone.

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Tom

[Winter]

Well, thanks to the form I've sorted out my problem.

Given the extensively covered issues with non-relayed headlight switches, it was natural to at first suspect a problem with the switch.

However, an obscure mention in an old thread hinted at wiring going through the emergency flasher as a potential source of problems.

And, input from fintstone also pointed to the connections at the firewall.

After cleaning all connections, I finally got the flash. It turns out that the single connection which was the problem was from the wiring to the emergency flasher. There's a spade connector that must be tight and clean for your turn signals to fire. It connects a wire from the emergency switch with a single wire from the headlight/turn signal switch. Mine was neither tight nor clean, but the problem was easily sorted. If fintstone hadn't sent me towards the firewall, I would have kept focusing on the headlight switch on the steering.

Is this set up unique to the '75? If not, its an easy check before you start tearing into the stuff around your steering wheel chasing a problem.

Thanks again, all.

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Tom

[krd]

Winter ---- i sent you a PM.

[Winter]

Simple way to tell if my problem is also your problem.

if all lights work as they should, but turn lights don't blink. Activate "Park" mode on turn signal (car off, turn switch fully to right or left, as if you are using it to turn at intersection). If both turn indicators in instrument panel are not lit at same time or do not light up at all, then check wires from emergency switch under dash first. Dangling female spade clip means look for connection (can be hard to find) with turn signal/headlight switch under dash, towards firewall.

This was for a '75 targa. Other models may differ.

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Tom

[fintstone]

Congrats! Good fix. Turn signals from pretty much all 911s from the '70s and 80's are set up the same.