[1973 1800ES]

OK, just finished a trip in my 73 ES and came down with a new problem. The lighting system was working fine , but now with the headlight off, if I turn on the passenger side turn signal it is back feeding somehow and making both left and right side markers blink. If the headlights are on and then the right turn signal is engaged then nothing happens - no back feed and no turn signal. I'm think of replacing the flasher but am unsure of its location. Also the parking light/dash fuse blew but might not be related. I hope to work on the car this weekend. Any thoughts on this? Thanks ahead of time. <IMG NAME="icon" SRC="http://www.vwvortex.com/vwbb/confused.gif" BORDER="0">

 

[stev vanveit]

Re: Short in turn signal circuit (1973 1800ES)

Hi<br>I own a 1972 1800ES and I too have experienced gremlins in them WWII Spitfire, Smith electrics as well. It sounds like a "ground" problem. Location is somewhat combersome but under the lower dash. Move the seat all the way back and put a cushion on the rocker (hard on your ribs) and with a trouble light crawl under to see what you can see - it's all there. Now, with a tester you should be able to trace each lead to determine if power is going to the guages and switches. Make a patch wire to try a bypass to determine if the relay is at fault. It's either a wiring problem, ground or relay. Buy a packet of fuses as you'll be blowing them during your test. Oh! Sometimes the wire has comes loose at terminal. Soldering is the way to go. Here's a question? Does the green signal light flash when engaged? Do you have a manual - very handy to have.<br>Oh! By the way I'm no auto electrical expert.... I too am learning, baby steps.<br>Stev<br>1972 1800ES <IMG NAME="icon" SRC="http://********************/smile/emthup.gif" BORDER="0">

 

[Phil Singher]

Re: Short in turn signal circuit (stev vanveit)

It does sound like a missing ground, probably at one of the lamp housings rather than under the dash.

 

[1973 1800ES]

Re: Short in turn signal circuit (Phil Singher)

Well had a little time today to check out the wiring. The short was in the front right turn/parking light socket. The bakelite base had over time bent in the middle and allowed the red and green wires to short against each other. I straighten out the brass connectors and put liquid tape around the area where the wires were touching. This will hold until I can find a complete socket with good wiring and rubber. Thanks for the posts on this. See ya down the road........ <IMG NAME="icon" SRC="http://********************/smile/emthup.gif" BORDER="0">