inoperative turn signals
 

Yesterday and today, the first time I attempted to signal a turn, the signal did not work. Checked the other direction and got the same result: no blink, no nothing. Curiously, both days, at the very next turn and for the duration of the trip, the signal worked. Hazard flashers appear to function normally.

Seems reasonable to assume the switch is failing. Any other explanation?
Does anyone know if the entire multi-switch assembly must be replaced, or are there "user-serviceable" parts inside? Thanks,

dcb

Re: inoperative turn signals
 

Do you have reverse/backing up light? If not, check the fuse under driver dash.

Re: inoperative turn signals
 

Check the bulbs. My turn signal lights go out when the truck slams and the bulbs get loose or break.

Re: inoperative turn signals
 

I don't believe I'd be experiencing intermittent operation if it were a blown anything.

dcb

Re: inoperative turn signals
 

I hate to interject logic here, but could it be the flasher unit itself:confused:

Keith:cool:

Re: inoperative turn signals
 

Start by turning all your lights on and walking around the car. If only the headlights work and everything else is out then it's the fuse under the dash. If everything work fine then move on to replacing the flasher relay.

Re: inoperative turn signals
 

Actually, that's a good question, and that's why I immediately hit the hazard button, thinking the hazard and directionals operate off the same flasher. (Do they?)

My heart sank a bit when the hazards worked, and my worst-case brain immediately concluded: It's the switch.

I'd definitely replace the flasher before resorting to drastic measures. Now, where under the dash is the thing?

dcb

Re: inoperative turn signals
 

I think they do... I only took a few seconds to take a look at the schematic, but It sure looks like it. Will check farther...
Keith

Re: inoperative turn signals
 

Also, I had it in mind that when a flasher relay fails, the indicator illuminates, it just doesn't blink.

Worked fine today when I ran out for lunch.

Thanks,
dcb

Re: inoperative turn signals
 

Yes they do! But... there is a separate flashing system going to the turn signals than the one to the flashers incorporated in that flashing unit. It is all in the same unit!

Which means... the flashing unit has electrical power to it. Which means that the flashing unit is defective, if we discount the possibility that the combination switch is defective. I personally would discount that possibility, considering the current flow level in the circuit.

Good luck!

Keith:cool:

Re: inoperative turn signals
 

The Flasher is mounted either underneath the column, or right next to the column, as I broke one in my first 5-speed swap when I dropped the column....

Re: inoperative turn signals
 

Picked up a new flasher today (<$12.00 @ O'Reilly Auto Parts). Of course, since my first post, the thing has worked perfectly. She's messin' with me again.

Will report back if the problem persists. Thanks again to all.

dcb

Re: inoperative turn signals
 

It takes an electronic flasher, not the same as all the other Subarus of that era, so they might have sold you the wrong one....so let us know if it works.

Re: inoperative turn signals
 

They gave me a rectangular unit of the sort that comes to mind when one thinks of a relay; not the cylindrical gizmo I recall replacing in some car years ago. We'll see.

dcb

Re: inoperative turn signals
 

The electrical leads on this car are reversed compared to most other cars if you plug it in and nothing works it is most likely the wrong one. I had this trouble on mine when I switched to a led friendly flasher I couldnt get the correct one so I just rewired the plug.