Flasher relay constantly clicking
 

I am finishing up the wiring on a total restore of a 71 914

I am using the original wiring harness, and have everything working, finallY!

I had some trouble getting the turn signals and flasher warning lights to work. At one point none of them worked, and I kept blowing the fuse.

I finally got working, and now all turn signals and emergency flashers work, but when the ignition key is turned on, and the flasher switch and turn signal is OFF, the relay clicks as if the turn signals are on.

I have searched the forum, and read many posts that are similar but nothing exactly like this weird issue.

I swapped out the relay with two spares that i have, and I even swapped the flasher swith out. no luck

any suggestions?

Thanks1

Handbrake up? When the handle is up, the big light in the combo gauge should blink. That will cause the clicking as well.

--DD

thanks Dave! I will have to get back to you on that. since there is no handbrake currently installed. haha

where would the sensor be for the handbrake? I dont recall seeing one. hmmmmm

It's a button under where the handbrake handle would be. When the button is not pressed, the light should blink. Pressing the button interrupts the connection to ground through the switch, and stops the blinking. (Assuming the brake switch isn't tripped.)

--DD

Hi - sorry to open up this old thread but I have the exact same problem. The flasher relay ticks continuously even when the flashers are off and the handbrake is disengaged. When I apply the handbrake the red light starts flashing in time with the ticking, so I think the switch down there is ok. Is this still to do with the master cylinder sensor by any chance? I've bled the brakes about 5 times and they feel firm. Thanks.

There is a reset on the master cylinder - The reset is on the left side of the master cylinder. You can get at it without lifting the car. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the right. Get a flashlight. It is a small rubber protusion maybe 5mm on the left side. Just push it back in.

Thank for your reply. I had a look but couldn't see any reset button on mine. I could see the two wires going to the sensor and decided to pull one off. The red light now flashed continuously, so the sensor/switch must be ok. Any other ideas please? I recall that some master cylinders have a reset and others don't.
Regards, Dylan

I would suggest checking the turn signal bulbs to see if they are flashing even when signal arm is off? If no lights blinking try the turn signals to see if they work, if so then try the emergency flasher switch to see if the lights come on? Early Porsches and VWs used the blinking of the lights to tell you a turn signal was left on. If the switch is centered and no lights then it could be the turn signal switch and that means to unplug that flat connecter under the steering column. There is a small oval opening under there and with a mirror you can see the plug. I just thought you did try switching relays with a know good and proper one? Good luck

Thanks - I've checked all the bulbs and everything is working as it should but as indicators and hazards. I need to get hold of a new relay I think next. Something is making it click and I can't work out how or what! Its strange that the red light only flashes when the hand brake is engaged. Thanks for your suggestions. D

I fitted a new flasher unit today but unfortunately no change. As I understand it, there is a live supply into the flasher unit and a live out which goes off to indicators, hazards, brake warning light. If any of those are switched and complete the circuit then the relay ticks. However on mine, it ticks constantly. Does anyone know if there is anything else that uses this circuit please - maybe there is a short circuit somewhere? Thanks D

The seat belt warning light is connected to the flasher circuit also. Made sure your seat belt circuit
( leads that plug into the round connectors) are plug in also seat belts like you are sitting in the car
and see if that stops the flashing sound.

904svo thanks for the info, unfortunately, i am replacing the master cylinder for the third time as each new one I install has leaked :( and i ve been distracted by other projects. but i appreciate it, and will figure it out with your help. thanks

usually the master cylinder reset button for low brake pressure has popped.

thats what I am hoping! I have replaced the darn thing twice and both times the BRAND new one leaked :( trying for a third time soon.