How do I test a flasher relay?
 

I'm having a problem with my turn signals; they only work about 5% of the time. I decided to pull out the flasher relay and try to test it.

I hooked a jumper wire from terminal #49 directly to the battery, a wire from #31 to ground, and a digital volt meter from #49a to ground. I didn't connect anything to terminal #C, since it only powers the dash indicator lights.

Well, the relay didn't work when connected this way, so the question is "Do I have a bad relay, or did I test it incorrectly?"

Can anyone look at the schematic (page #173 of the Haynes manual) and tell me which is the case?

As always, I really appreciate any feedback.

Thanks,
Howard Henneman

Not sure about testing the flasher, but they are hard to find and the Porsche part from Hella is almost $40.00. These are 4 post flashers and you won't find them at most parts stores unless you're in California.

Try going to Radio Shack... They have a 4 post AUTO flasher relay that looks like it will work...Post back if this works. Has anyone seen the Radio Shack flasher besides me?

Good Luck...

Joe

Duh.... Admittedly, I'm a bit slow, but after taking another look at the wiring diagram I noticed that if I just used a jumper wire across terminal #49 and #49a on the socket (not the relay), the turn signal lights should turn on when I move the signal lever. Well, all the signal lights worked when I did this, so now I know for certain that the problem is in the flasher relay.

Hope this info helps someone else.

Howard

There is an oddity about the original 914 relay in that it also drives the handbrake warning light: despite only being a 1.5watt(?) bulb it still flashes at the regular interval. If you use a non-original relay the turn signals work fine but when the handbrake is on the relay emits a mad buzzing noise as it tries to flash the warning light at maybe 100 times a second. Doesn't do any damage, just irritating.

very helpful
 

seems I must have a bad flasher too.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1446939496.jpg