[Vwdiesel] 81 vw pickup turn signals do not work; cluster light displays solid green

[sandy cameron]

On 6/26/2015 8:33 PM, ken1 wrote:
> Sandy:
> The 1981 and 1982 diesel pickups used the grey fuse block with two-pronged fuses. The Turn signal fuse is #10 with a 15A fuse and the hazard lights is a 15A fuse at #24. I will double check the fuses on Saturday and document the flasher relay and the emergency flasher switch. I think that if I pull the turn signal connector and test the power pin with a test light, that should verify that power is getting to the turn signal switch, but am at a loss for what to do next. I suppose if there is no power at the pin, I should try to find the source of power to the turn signal connector.

You are on the trail. DO NOT USE A MULTIMETER FOR TROUBLE SHOOTING 12 V 
WIRING. IT WILL LIE TO YOU! it does not draw enough current to "prove" 
the integrity of a 12v circuit.

Use a small 12v lamp bulb in a reliable socket, or with wires soldered 
to it.
If you want the signal flasher to operate (flash), you will have to use 
2 - 21cp signal bulbs in parallel to "wake it up" although it might 
flash double speed using only one.

Remember that the turn signals are powered through the ignition switch, 
(which must be on for testing) while the hazards are powered directly 
from the battery (via their own fuse).

I once drove my wife's buick home after the infamous GM ignition sw 
failure, by turning on the hazards, which apparently back- powered the 
ignition/start circuit  enough to run the car! No smarts here, just dumb 
luck.

Sandy