an intresting problem.. that seems to be getting worse...?

Question

lately on my '69 beetle iv'e been having an annoying turn signal issue.
it happens when im driving at night, and have the normal lights on (low beams, running lights, tail/brake lights, dash etc). ill flip on the left or right turn signal, and the indicator in the speedometer flashes once or twice, then goes out. but when it does instead of it continually flashing the leftmost warning light flashes somewhat dimly instead, and the turn signals themselves on the outside continue flashing.
at first it only happened at night when i use all the available lights for normal night travel, but now its started up during the day.
so for starters its obvious its an electrical problem, and my best guess is that the battery itself is starting to become worn out. (it probably hasn't ever been changed) and not able to handle such a load of all those lights at once.
i know the basics of a car's electrical system, but not enough to diagnose my car correctly and find a fix for it. and it is a 12V. help?

Answer 1

I had the same problem... it might be the flasher unit, but my guess is that it is the contacts on the turn signal unit itself are finally getting worn or that the ground wire inside the unit has worn its insulation almost all the way down.

It won't be the battery.. but you can simply check by pulling on the lights when it happens and see if they are good.

Check the fuses and the flasher unit... as well as making sure that all of your bulbs are in good working order... but my money is on the turn signal switch assembly.

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Answer 2

Make sure fuses are clean and fuse holders are not corroded. From the back of the dash make sure all grounds are tight.(brown wires) The turn signal unit should be large black square unit. Turn on T/S to find.(clicks) Screw that mounts it is also ground on some units.Must be tight. Check wires running to 4 way flasher switch, part of T/S system. Make sure that switch is tight in dash. Probably will be flasher unit it self. Hard to find quality replacement now a days. Hope this helps a little.

Answer 3

Car batteries are good for 5 years and then you live on a prayer. So if yours is older, change it. You otherwise end up burning up the generator. You may want to have the generator output checked as well. Brushes do wear out, and the charging ability will go with it.

Answer 4

I once had a problem on that order in a GM car, it was a short in a wire in the steering-wheel, I would see about getting an owner's manual or a Chilton Book for it to check what they have to say before trying to track down the entire wiring system. You may even be able to rent a Chilton book from your local library so you don't have to pay for it.