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  #1  
Old 05-07-2012, 06:09 AM
dcarrb dcarrb is offline
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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
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  #2  
Old 05-07-2012, 08:53 AM
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Re: inoperative turn signals

Do you have reverse/backing up light? If not, check the fuse under driver dash.
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  #3  
Old 05-07-2012, 09:14 AM
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Re: inoperative turn signals

Check the bulbs. My turn signal lights go out when the truck slams and the bulbs get loose or break.
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  #4  
Old 05-07-2012, 10:03 AM
dcarrb dcarrb is offline
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Re: inoperative turn signals

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

dcb
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  #5  
Old 05-07-2012, 12:01 PM
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Re: inoperative turn signals

Quote:
Originally Posted by dcarrb View Post
I don't believe I'd be experiencing intermittent operation if it were a blown anything.

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

Keith
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  #6  
Old 05-07-2012, 12:11 PM
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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.
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  #7  
Old 05-07-2012, 12:18 PM
dcarrb dcarrb is offline
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Re: inoperative turn signals

Quote:
Originally Posted by kwren View Post
I hate to interject logic here, but could it be the flasher unit itself

Keith
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
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  #8  
Old 05-07-2012, 12:30 PM
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Re: inoperative turn signals

Quote:
Originally Posted by dcarrb View Post
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?)

dcb
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
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  #9  
Old 05-07-2012, 12:39 PM
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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
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  #10  
Old 05-07-2012, 12:43 PM
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Re: inoperative turn signals

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Originally Posted by kwren View Post
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
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

Last edited by kwren; 05-07-2012 at 12:45 PM.
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  #11  
Old 05-08-2012, 05:04 AM
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huck369 huck369 is offline
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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....
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  #12  
Old 05-09-2012, 11:21 AM
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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
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  #13  
Old 05-09-2012, 12:32 PM
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Re: inoperative turn signals

Quote:
Originally Posted by dcarrb View Post
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
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.
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  #14  
Old 05-09-2012, 01:24 PM
dcarrb dcarrb is offline
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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
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  #15  
Old 05-09-2012, 02:10 PM
92 SVX 92 SVX is offline
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Re: inoperative turn signals

Quote:
Originally Posted by dcarrb View Post
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
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.
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