turn signal issue on rebuild

[Boris3]

Hi guys. I'm reassembling the car after gutting for a cage install. So far the electrics re-hookups are all going well but I ran into a exception today. Here's the puzzle. Turn signals do not work: no flash, no light, nothing. Did a search and nothing quite matches up with my symptoms.

If I push the hazard switch I will get flashing but only on the passenger side front and rear, nothing lights up on the driver's side front/rear. Also only passenger side turn signal indicator lights light up in the cluster.

If I turn the headlight switch on, the front turn signal light and side markers all work (drivers and passenger side) so I am getting power to the signal blubs.

I removed the steering column cover and traced the wiring from the turn signal stalk and the connection to the black relay is tight, and the wiring to the white connector at the base of the column also looks to be plugged in tight.

Turn signal was working fine prior to the gutting so the turn signal relay and switch/stalk should be OK. Fuses 4 and 24 are also fine.

According to Bentley the hazard relay overrides the turn signal relay which does suggest the turn signal relay but again there is the puzzle of why the driver's side front and rear is not blinking when the hazards are on.

My guess is that I'm missing a connection somewhere or....? Insights welcomed!!

[audiquattrot]

My guess would still be that stalk relay. My buddy's E30 was doing weird things w/ the turn signals (similar to yours), where the cluster indicators would go on, but nothing outside. Swapped the relays w a good one, and it cleared the issue.

[Boris3]

Thanks. Looking at wiring diagrams the relay looks like a place to start. Hope it's that easy.

[jlevie]

If any of the lights flash normally it won't be the flasher relay. In this case the problem will be at or after the hazard switch, as I recall. The factory wiring diagrams at http://wedophones.com/BMWManualsLead.htm will be helpful.

[Boris3]

I'm looking at 6313-0 and 6313-1 in the troubleshooting manual from the site (I've got a 1990). Could be issue with the turn signal switch (since I don't get anything when I use it) and/or something at S211 disrupting the drivers side hazards.

[Boris3]

OK interesting test: with the ignition switch off and the left turn signal switch in the "on" position, all the hazard flashers work. If the turn signal switch is in the off or the right position on, only the passenger side hazard flashers work. With the ignition switch on nothing happens with the turn signals. Could be the switch as the culprit?

[Boris3]

Jim, hazard switch was the answer. Turns out the hazard switch will fit into its connector upside down as well as right side up. Simple fix for a dumb mistake.