Weird electrical issue

[UNCL3AN1]

I posted this up on bimmerforums, but i didn't get much feedback, so I figured I'd try here too.

I recently purchased a 1986 325 es that the PO swapped out the old dash on. He just put one in that didn't have as many cracks. The swap job was basically around 80%-90% finished. The main issue I need help with is the turn signals. THe headlights work, the brights work, the brake lights work, as well as the tail lights. The only thing that doesn't work is the turn signals. When you hit the lever, nothing happens. If you push in the hazard button, only the right side works. If you pull down on the lever as if you're turning left, then both sides work only when the hazard button is pressed in.
I thought it might be a bad relay, so I bought one of those and found out that wasn't the problem.
I figured I'd try getting a turn signal lever after that. That didn't fix anything either.
I was told to check the ground to the signals, and I was also told to try switching to a new hazard button. I'm going to check the ground tomorrow and the fuse, but if that doesn't work, does anybody here have any ideas what else I should check? I'd really like to get this thing going so I can at least get it inspected and on the road. It's bugging me that I can't drive it around yet.

Thanks in advance.

[e30partsguy]

The hazard switch must be connected for the signal lights to work. You stated when pressing down (left turn) then both sides work, do you mean both lights flashing at the same time in the instrument cluster? When signal light is 'not working', do you hear ticking sound?

[UNCL3AN1]

I should've been a little more clear. When the hazard button is pressed in, and the turn signal switch is in the down position, then both sides work as hazards, outside and inside the car.
I'm at work right now, but if i remember correctly, there's no ticking when just using the turn signal switch without the hazard button pressed in.

[jlevie]

Replace the hazard switch. When engaged it bypasses the turn signal switch. So if only one side works with the switch engaged the switch is bad. A bad hazard switch can disable the turn signal switch.

[UNCL3AN1]

I'll give that a try. Any idea where I can find a new one for a good deal? I called an autoparts store around here and they said they couldn't get one. I figured it was a dealer only item. I just don't want to get one only to find out that's not the issue.

[Silverdogz]

http://bit.ly/QxrsiH

[mikeedler]

he forgot to connect some ground, which one............................no idea. def. sounds like a ground problem to me.

[UNCL3AN1]

So, I got it figured out. Pretty funny actually. I ran out to the local pick-n-pull and got another one. Had another one in the car. None of them worked. I looked at the connector and noticed that the connector could fit on two different ways. I figured it would only fit one way. I turned the connector around, plugged in the original switch that i had and they worked! Hahaha. I love when the fix is something cheap and goofy.