• From: Baton Rouge, LA
  • Registered: 2010-10-22
  • Posts: 4

Topic: Can someone Please Help Me. Front Turn Signals NOT WORKING

I have a 1970 Beetle that has developed the following problem. It is that yearly time to obtain my State Inspection Certificate. Before going in for the inspection I found that my Front Turn Signals have quit working. The rear turn signals both work, and the dash signal in the speedo works, but nothing from either Front fender signals. When the headlights are turned on, both of the bulbs on both the left and right side of the front light, so I know they are being powered. The turn signals worked properly at last years inspection, so I'm not sure when they quit. I have gone through all of the fuses in the fuse box, and replaced all that appeared to be even slightly discolored due to age. I think that if the problem was the flasher, the rear bulbs, or the dash flasher would not work.
  Has anyone out there had a similar problem, or can anyone help with a possible solution? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
                                                                                                                                                                 Thanks in advance

Last edited by mwriles (2010-10-22 12:37:11)

  • From: somewhere over the rainbow USA
  • Registered: 2006-07-26
  • Posts: 1,889

Re: Can someone Please Help Me. Front Turn Signals NOT WORKING

Welcome.
Get out your test light and see if you are getting 12 v out to the front turn signals. The turn and running light have separate wires.
Does it flash like it used to or is it flashing faster indicating burned out bulbs?

burrhead

A wise man makes his own decisions, an ignorant man follows public opinion.
  • From: Baton Rouge, LA
  • Registered: 2010-10-22
  • Posts: 4

Re: Can someone Please Help Me. Front Turn Signals NOT WORKING

There are two bulbs in the Orange Lens that mounts on top the fender, and serves as both turn signal and park lights. Both of these bulbs are lit when the headlights or running lights are turned on, so I know that the bulbs are good. The speed of the flasher when signal is engaged is unchanged from when all signals were known to work properly. I'm Puzzled

  • From: somewhere over the rainbow USA
  • Registered: 2006-07-26
  • Posts: 1,889

Re: Can someone Please Help Me. Front Turn Signals NOT WORKING

Let me rephrase, the turn signal has a separate filament in the bulb for it(the larger bulb facing front). Even tho running light works turn signal filament could be burnt out.
Do you have a test light? or a wiring diagram to help sort this out? wires could have been pulled out at connection under the trunk.

burrhead

A wise man makes his own decisions, an ignorant man follows public opinion.
  • From: Baton Rouge, LA
  • Registered: 2010-10-22
  • Posts: 4

Re: Can someone Please Help Me. Front Turn Signals NOT WORKING

I'm learning as we go along BURRHEAD, I have a test light, but am not very good with electrical matters. Does it seem likely that both the left and right sides would go out at the same time? Any Idea what the bulb number is for these bulbs, and if they would be still available at a parts house, or would need to be ordered online.
Thanks

  • From: somewhere over the rainbow USA
  • Registered: 2006-07-26
  • Posts: 1,889

Re: Can someone Please Help Me. Front Turn Signals NOT WORKING

1157 would be the generic # for them. yes it would be odd for both to go out but it does happen. We can help walk you thru this. Electrical  can be intimidating but it impassible.
Do you have a Bentley manual for the wiring diagram so we can help you. First you need to pull out the bulbs and see if you are getting 12 v to them.

burrhead

A wise man makes his own decisions, an ignorant man follows public opinion.
  • From: Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Registered: 2005-09-10
  • Posts: 2,336

Re: Can someone Please Help Me. Front Turn Signals NOT WORKING

mwriles wrote:

I'm learning as we go along BURRHEAD, I have a test light, but am not very good with electrical matters. Does it seem likely that both the left and right sides would go out at the same time? Any Idea what the bulb number is for these bulbs, and if they would be still available at a parts house, or would need to be ordered online.
Thanks

How important or how much time do you have before you need to do your State Inspection?  Is this car a daily driver or a "hobby" vehicle?

If you need to get this electrical problem fixed in a hurry...so you can get the car inspected this weekend, and drive it to get to work on Monday...this probably isn't the best time to "learn as you go".  It may be time to take it to a professional.  Sometimes electrical problems (even those that appear simple)...can be REALLY complex, time consuming, and a headache to troubleshoot & solve.

I would NEVER discourage someone from "learning as they go"...since this is the way most of us non-professionals have learned! smile  But if timing is important...give it a shot...and if the answer is found relatively quickly great...but if it's getting tough...take it to a Pro.  Of course if this is a "hobby car"...then take your time until you find the problem...and keep posting here...we'll be glad to help!  smile

- Nick

p.s.  By the way...many times electrical problems can be caused by bad grounds...or the insulation on the wires is wearing thru/off due to 30-40 years or more of vibrations & abrasions...that the bare wire shorts out on the metal of the car.  Have you checked your fuses as well.  If you're blowing fuses...this could also indicate a short somewhere in the electrical system.  Good Luck.

1979 Super Beetle Convertible
  • From: Baton Rouge, LA
  • Registered: 2010-10-22
  • Posts: 4

Re: Can someone Please Help Me. Front Turn Signals NOT WORKING

I do not have a Bentley Service Manual for my car. (I just ordered one online) and the car is not a daily driver. It is a Hobby Car that I do drive to and from work during cooler seasons. I am not blowing fuses, in fact everything other than this front turn signal thing works great. I am going to try bulb replacement, and checking the voltage to each of the terminals in the bulb holder today. Not sure if this could be something with the flasher, but I may try replacing it as well.

  • From: Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Registered: 2005-09-10
  • Posts: 2,336

Re: Can someone Please Help Me. Front Turn Signals NOT WORKING

mwriles wrote:

I do not have a Bentley Service Manual for my car. (I just ordered one online) and the car is not a daily driver. It is a Hobby Car that I do drive to and from work during cooler seasons. I am not blowing fuses, in fact everything other than this front turn signal thing works great. I am going to try bulb replacement, and checking the voltage to each of the terminals in the bulb holder today. Not sure if this could be something with the flasher, but I may try replacing it as well.

Many an expert has been committed to a mental hospital trying to fix electrical problems! wink

Good luck...hopefully the repair is easy! smile 

- Nick

1979 Super Beetle Convertible
  • From: Washington, Indiana
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 1,425

Re: Can someone Please Help Me. Front Turn Signals NOT WORKING

Electrical problems has given me fits for over 35 years now, and here is MY advice.....Always check the fuse first and make SURE that both the fuse AND the fusebox contacts are clean and bright. Now is the time to check if power is AT the fuse if it is supposed to be.......If it is then check the electrical contacts on the BACK of the fusebox to make sure they are not broken, missing or loose.....THEN go to the bulb socket and make sure it is receiving power there....If it is then try changing the bulb......IF there is no power at the bulb contacts then trace the wire back toward the fusebox to find the problem.....Also dont forget to check to make sure the bulb socket has a good ground....If the lights are acting weird or doing funny things, then a bad ground will most likely be the problem.

                                                            Yancey

Yancey's Website

  • Registered: 2010-12-15
  • Posts: 4

Re: Can someone Please Help Me. Front Turn Signals NOT WORKING

i have to agree with the previous posters here.

i had a friend who also had the same problem. and the bad thing was it showed up on the inspection day itself.. talking about bad luck! after going home and after checking the electricals of the bug he said that his head is already being split in half! that was the time he sought professional help and saw that the wires need replacement (my friend said they are good no sign of wear and tear...) he also checked for more problem on the bug and settled on getting new wires and some turn signal light replacement bulbs.

Last edited by kevinlvy (2011-01-05 23:53:43)

  • From: B.C.Canada
  • Registered: 2005-01-26
  • Posts: 2,610

Re: Can someone Please Help Me. Front Turn Signals NOT WORKING

Hmmm.... Guess I'm odd. I love electrical problems like some people like murder mysteries. The Beetle is very simple once you get into it.

Below is a simplified diagram from Speedy Jim's site.

It could be grounds even though the running lights are working. If the running lights appear dim they could be grounding through the marker light.

http://www.nls.net/mp/volks/SCHEM/Flash6a.gif

jim

'71 SB(DD only 79K(now 84K miles) & '78 FI Westy (project)
PO of '65 Beetle in '69, '70 Crewcab & '70 Ghia in '77
'71 Super inside rear vents now available
http://www.openroad.ca/volkswebbin/view … p?id=85915