Turn signal problems

GLS-BDR226 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-05-2010, 12:12 PM

After taking BDR 226 out for a Monday holiday drive, I used the left turn signal. It was blinking but then when I completed the turn the turn signal light stayed on. After getting it home, the lights work (front and back) when I use the signal lever but the lights are not blinking. The turn indicator stays on no matter what I do. I thought maybe it was just stuck because it did not self-cancel but I could hear the click when I made a turn.

Any help is appreciated from a new BDR owner. I purchased this a little over a month ago. It has 2000 miles on it and it is great condition. (except for the turn signal-ha!) Thanks.

GLS-BDR226 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-05-2010, 02:43 PM

I think I've fixed it. I checked the 15amp fuse and it appeared ok. I then pulled out the blinker relay (round can) and replaced it. I then tried it again. It still wouldn't work and now the emergency blinker wouldn't work either, it did before. I went back and removed the blinkier again and pushed it in harder to reseat it. Now it works. Geez. Does anyone know what the replacement blinker part number is? Just in case. Thanks.

Blittleton · #3 (**permalink**) 07-05-2010, 03:09 PM

Those flasher units really stinks sometimes. They seem to work better when the battery is fully charged. And sometimes I really hate to say either replace it or tap on it and it will work fine.

Bill

cbreez · #4 (**permalink**) 07-05-2010, 03:19 PM

I had similar turn signal problems. The problem was in the mechanism in the steering column. Easy to take the wheel off and check out.

Rwillia4 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-06-2010, 10:58 PM

your basic VW relay will work. Available at any part store.

From your explination it sounded like it was in the column

GLS-BDR226 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-14-2010, 03:12 PM

I thought all was well but now I need some more advice. Well now, a month later my whole turn signal assembly is moving on the column and stuck on the left turn signal. The lever won't move down to engage the right turn signal. Feels like it is binding. I pulled off the steer wheel center cover (which was just held on with foam tape), removed the center nut to try to remove the steer wheel so I could get to the turn signal assembly.

But the wheel won't budge. I guess I will have to pick up a steering wheel puller but I'm not sure where I would hook the jaws (some of the ones I saw on line don't have jaws) without damaging the wheel. It is the original wood steering wheel with the billet housing (boss?). Any suggestions?

Also, once I get off the wheel, is there a retaining ring (or nut) to remove to get the turn assembly off?

Thanks.

Outwest34au · #7 (**permalink**) 08-14-2010, 03:34 PM

You can use a puller to remove the wheel but if you can't get one just grab the wheel, brace hard against the floor or brake pedal and pull and wobble really hard. You could also put the nut back on to protect the thread and get someone to whack the centre with a hammer while you pull on the wheel. Some wheels have 2 bolt holes tapped in close to the centre of the hub for puller bolts. If it does then you can use a bit of flat plate with 2 holes, tighten each bolt gradually and evenly, and hit the centre of the shaft to jar it loose. It will 99% sure be a tapered spline. When it comes off it will be off.
Safer to pull it with the nut on else you may end up smacking yourself in the nose with the wheel. (yes it happens lol).
Most all blinker assy's have a cam setup which may simply need lubricating or possibly a tang has broken off. It won't be too hard to see whats wrong with the wheel off.
With the flasher can, don't search for a genuine item, buy an aftermarket unit from any auto parts store. The older types rely on bi-metallic strips to heat up and disconnect/ cool and connect. The more modern version is more electronic, draws less current and is more reliable. Should only set you back $10 or so.

GLS-BDR226 · #8 (**permalink**) 08-14-2010, 09:46 PM

Got the steering wheel off using a suggestion from Blittleton in an old post. I grabbed the bottom while tapping the back of the top. I also put the nut back on the steering wheel as suggested by outwest34au. I would have hit myself for sure

. I removed the retaining clip on the turn signal assembly and took it apart. The levers that looked like mini distributor weights were binding. I cleaned and lubed those and realigned them. I put it back together and it works! Now I just need a little blue loctite to put on the nut. Thanks.

cbreez · #9 (**permalink**) 08-15-2010, 12:54 PM

I wouldn't/didn't locktight that nut. You may be doing that repair again. If you torque it snug you will be fine. If it loosens up, you will know it before it comes off. Good Luck.

henrik · #10 (**permalink**) 08-15-2010, 01:20 PM

now it works - now it don't - now it works - now it don't...

GLS-BDR226 · #11 (**permalink**) 08-16-2010, 07:29 PM

I used very little blue loctite on the end of the steering wheel nut since it had a little on there when I removed it. But you are probably right that I probably shouldn't have since I may be taking it apart again. Has anyone used the replacement assembly on the BDR website? Is it more reliable or is it just a new identical part? Thanks.