Hello HM, an excellent and thorough presentation for repair. I'm a mechanic myself and was looking on youtube for the diagnostics for a wiper switch for a 1997 Ford Ranger which has been giving me a headache. Your method of teaching is excellent, and though I didn't get anything dealing with my wiper switch, still, I learned your technique for solution of a short, and it is a good technique . . . excellent.
Awesome video!! I had some issues with my 03 V6 b5.5 Passat where I replaced my relay, and even the turn signal wand and still had no signals for almost 6 months. Well, finally one day while my mechanic was replacing my steering wheel he realized these sort of connectors that we're placed DIRECTLY UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG COMPARTMENT. Once connected, I had turn signals again, even connected my old relay just to discover it still worked fine and I'm pretty sure my old turn signal wand still works too. But this was just in case anyone had the problem and these AWESOME VIDEOS LIKE THIS ONE didn't help...
I have the same problem and was just going to replace the fuses and be done with it. Knowing that the headlights may be the cause of the fuses blowing saves me a great deal of time and money. Thanks.
hey Charles. I have lots of specialty tools in my tool arsenal. your videos/expertise is part of it. thanks for sharing your experience. I've wrenched for over 30 years professionally but in reality my whole life (49).a good tech never stops learning. if I ever get a chance, have a cold one on me.cheers mate.
Excellent video. Just bought a 95 wrangler. Turn signals don't work but the guy I bought it from had replaced headlights with LED. I think this video is the exact trouble shooting guide I needed! Will find out shortly. Thank you!
Thank you for the informative film. My Turn Signals stopped working, I did several things on it, so it was sitting for a while. What it was in my case: I found it!! And what it was, I removed the headliner board for re[placing the upholstery on it, and disconnected the wire to the ceiling lens. The shop manual (I fortunately have for that car 2001 Saturn SL2) advised to attach those wires w/scotch tape, so I disconnected it fm/the plug by the rear window. The plug was sitting on a thin plate, which I assumed was there for keeping the plug in correct place. After I did some research I've learned that grounding could cause Turning Signals go off. The Manual showed 2 grounding wires on the rear close to that plug. There was a clip on the plug, metal one. I disconnected the grounding there, so even w/plug in the T S-ls didn't work of course. It might be helpful for someone else. Pls check the grounding as well if you have a problem w/T Signals and the fuse is fine. I was about to replace the Steering Column Switch, and actually ordered one already (so will have a spare now, not bad thing though).
Thank you for this video! I have figured that mine is a wiring issue and didn't have a clue as to where to begin looking. I will look inside the headlight to see if the problem is there. Thanks so much!
Hello friends! In case the turn signals don't work and the hazard lights do work, you can try and check the hazard lights relay situated inside the hazard light button. Reinforce the contact between the metal slips as they to tend to go apart after some usage. This was my case, after 100.000 miles, and the fix was easy (pull out the button and pry the metal slips closer). I am currently at 170.000 miles with the original button/relay! Safe driving!
Adrian thanks for the advice. Today I checked the turn signals fuse (10a) and it was blown. This was on fuse slot #2. Replaced, checked and it was good to go. I must say I installed 2 years ago a turn signal LED dynamic strip. I guess the load is a little too much for that circuit, maybe upgrading to a 15a fuse will do. Will have to check amp load on that circuit. Thanks anyway man for the advice.
Thanks to this video, I fixed my turn signals. While I was at it, the electric locks and seats. The fuse wasn't the problem for the flashers. It's something in the steering column. Adjusted all the way down, they don't work. Up a couple steps, perfect. I don't adjust it anymore.
Here again Charles. I had the same issue on my Passat, turn signals not working, but hazard lights ok. Checked the fuse on #2 and it was blown. Have to mention I installed a pair of dynamic LED turn signals 2 years ago without cancelling the bulb (load) inside the headlight housing. For now it was replaved with a 10a fuse, but I should check the circuit's load. So there it is, sometimes we mod smthg and later it backfires. Kind of like that engine you destroyed with the nitrous! 😝
I own a 2003 V6 B5.5 Passat wagon that looks and runs like new, but only because I am obsessive with maintenance. I'm the original owner and I love it. I had no idea these headlight wires were so prone to cracking - good to know. They should have used wiring with silicone insulation or some other material if subject to that much heat. Had to replace the wiring from the ECU to the coil pack recently ... after 14 years of baking from engine heat they did started to do the same thing. PS - love the videos.
just finished my basic electrical class today at UTI and this was really cool of you how you kept going to see the real problem of why they fuse melted. more electrical diag videos please :D
Charles finaly got to the problem with the turn signals, being eratic , it was the signal lever internal problems . unbeleivable ,thanks for your help .
I have this exact car but it’s up to 155 k miles. Only thing I had to replace was a hose that I got for $16 in Amazon. And now have to fix a fast right signal that’s probably a faulty bulb. Always feel like I’m the luckiest VW owner from everyone’s stories
it's always seemed like voodoo to me, to figure out how to replace a wiring harness... I can never get my head around where the various harnesses run to, I'm afraid to start unwrapping things, etc...
JD when I was getting started learning electrical, when all plugs could interchange, i looped masking tape on both sides of connection plugs with something identical written on each before separation to easily identify mated plugs. I have noticed an increasing trend of all connectors are becoming unique. Another thing to remember is wires don't really deform after long-term placement and many hot/cold cycles so don't bind them in bundles and majority of harnesses will layout almost exactly with little effort. I wish you luck but after basics are learned the rest is mostly some knowledge and mostly applied common sense.
I have a similar problem with my jeep. Except that when I turn on the blinker, the dashboard light comes on and does not blink. And yet the hazard works fine. Any ideas?
I'm at a lost, was tighting my drivers side headlight and having a hard time putting the clip on 2006 bmw 325i, I made contact with the needle nose plyers and now my turn signals, wipers , bright lights all together not working
When I am checking fuses I always make sure to check them all like you do. I also like to study the fuses and the fuse card or owners manual, depending on the car, for fuses that should be in a certain place that may be missing. I have seen problem on cars before where nobody could figure it out and I would find a fuse missing altogether.
+Mr.Mister I've seen missing fuses burn techs so many times. To me, checking fuses also includes looking for missing ones. I've seen guys spend days on cars over missing fuses.
Hi I’ve just come across your video along with others. Really helpful how to explain everything. Unfortunately I don’t think it will help me with my problem on my 2003 beetle. No indicators or hazards, all fuses good, replaced the hazard relay, after we did that, all indicators and hazards working fine, then 30 mins into driving the car, smoke coming out of relay switch and no indicators again 😕
Well, I have watched your vid again w/o realizing it. The guy I bought my 2001 Beetle from (lives 4 houses away and) has his own shop in town GermanWerks - yet he doesn't know how to fix many of the issues I am willing to pay to get resolved (which were present when I bought the little beast.) I should have figured it out by now (5 yrs later) he sold it because it became a hot mess and wanted to pass it off to someone - anyone - else. My dilemma is what to fix of the many issues just so I can pass it off to someone - anyone - else. But on the positive side, everyone (it seems) young, old, male, female, gay, straight all look at my little buggy and smile. (prob not WWII Vets if still alive) I think it's a great little ride, my skinny butt fits the seat but I don't think the transmission is going to last much longer, it's getting harder & harder to shift into reverse. And now...that's enough endless bother from me. If I have the little Black Jelly Bean (I HATE ANISE! - the flavor of black licorice) in another 4-5 yrs and find your site, I'm sure I'll have a new set of so sorry for me having to tolerate the little Black Beetle of which I have no trouble stepping on the insect any time of the day or night.
thank You..You made it simple for me....My hazards don't work nor the turn signals. I noticed my passenger head light was out of the socket.. I need to check it further...Thanks I will check the fuses again
I had somewhat of the same problem My 2003 chevy venture would blow the back door automatic door open would blow the fuse. I used a 12 volt test light . I had a repair book for it and chased down the wire along the floor and found out it was caused by the factory had not put a waterproof system around the wire harness . I checked the other harness on the other side and it had the water proofing . I took it to a dealer and they had to fix it for free since it was a factory problem.
This is great, thanks! I am, oddly enough, working on my maroon 98 S10 and certainly this is the route I need to take. Both sides dead at same time, now to check fuses, and wiring. Could be grounds corrosion or wiring breaking I mean the thing is ancient at this point. lol. Parts cannon approach wants me to swap the signal tree in the column as it is a known issue, but the wipers, cruise control all work perfectly. It is rarely just the fuse, so hopefully I can track this one down. 190 bucks is pretty steep for that unit so it will be worth it.
Thanks for this I know having issues with hyper flashing as well, I replaced a couple fuses still doing that checked my wiring harness etc. 😢not sure what else is going on. I got some resistors too. So we’ll see if that helps 2012 vw Jetta s sedan.
Good video , Charles ! A lot of people that watch your videos probably are not professional Tech's . I'am assuming . I know what bulb monitoring is but maybe some of your other views may not , maybe you could explain that in one of your pod cast's . Working on ford vehicles , this feature would have a message on the DIC .( Check left front turn signal bulb ). Or something like that . How does VW do this function . Ford uses (SJB) smart junction box.
Thank you for this video. For some reason mine doest work but does click by the fuse box. Then if you really push on the relay a certain way, it works. But I can't get it to work steady. I have replaced the relay
It's after midnight. I had a new radio put in my 2010 KIA Soul today at Best Buy. He told me the factory radio was toast. The new radio has GPS and it's really nice to have my music back. Tonight I noticed my directionals are not working. Oops! I'm going out to the alligator-infested parking lot here in Palm Springs, Fl and try to pull a fuse or two. Thanks for your great video. I can't get back to Best Buy until Wednesday. Off to Pompano Beach tomorrow to take delivery on a 2002 Cadillac Deville. I wonder if the dark cloud that always follows me will come along on the train ride?
I had an intermittent problem with my right turn signal. It’d only happen if I took a hard right or hit a bump. I knew what I was looking for but the wire eluded me. I ended taking it to the dealer. The poor tech spent 8 hours to find it. He got paid for 1. Flat rate took his lunch that day and I feel validated in how hard it was but bad for the tech.
Thanx man, I've been looking thru alot of these trying to figure out y only my right turn don't work and all I've been hearing is it's either fuse or flasher relay if not those the turn signal switch..I bought flashers and bulbs and seen the switch goes for $175 used and I would hate to pay that to find its not that,my main problem is the previous owner thought he was a master electrician,those wires are thrown on the starter fuse and the fuel pump moved to the horn fuse and radio wired into a non existent ac unit wiring...so im just looking for more wiring problems...lol
Hey humble mechanic I got a 1998 Audi A4 2.8 and my turn signal don’t work. Both the fuses are good. I had to put a turn signal switch in the car as it was damaged. Any ideas
Hey, non-VW question (Audi) I upgraded all of my exterior bulbs to L.E.D.'s and I'm getting all the expected bulb out faults at the dash. I was led to understand that as an alternative to having multiple resistors for every replaced bulb to remedy this, I could replace a specific turn indicator relay (not the emergency flasher switch/button/relay) instead. Through all of my searching both my car and the web, I am unable to locate any actual information on a relay for the turn signals separate from the emergency flasher switch, yet parts stores appear to sell them. I have a 2008 A4/B7 Quattro S-Line sedan. I need to know is there in fact a separate relay from the emergency flashers for the turn indicator lights? My turn signals hyper flash due to the L.E.D.'s, yet my hazards do not, and function as normal.
My first car was a 1986 Volkswagen Jetta Deluxe (Wolfsburg Edition. The back said "Deluxe" the side had the Wolfsburg Castle badge.) I still have the T-shirt. Had the badges for awhile. That car got T-boned by a 1990 CAPRICE (Caprice Classic?) DRIVER'S SIDE and I WAS FINE. Fahrvergnugen.
I have to thank you for this video. I have a 2003 Pontiac Sunbird, 115k. The turn signals and reverse lights had stopped working (they share a fuse on this car), and checked fuse, not tripped. replaced bulbs all the way around (Reverse now works), no luck on signals, BUT ...I did turn on hazards, and they all worked. (surprise me..duh) Here's the part that confuses me: the turn signals work, for now! What should I be looking at to prevent this problem in future? Wish I had thought to check hazards first, but lesson learned there...thus my thank you for the video..Any ideas on prevention?
Wow, that harness looks gnarly. Makes you wonder if it would be better to make a fresh light harness for yourself and re-pin the connectors - if that's possible on these cars.
+aussiebloke609 it's possible. Doing that would probably be a little cheaper too. Luckily VW offers the harness separate. I had one in my tool box for some reason, and bought another one. So fixing this cost me about $40
I'd hate to install something that was going to get so ratty again. I think I'd do the rewire, just so I didn't have to worry about it in the future - unless they've upgraded their insulation since. I've had cars that were left out in the Australian sun for 30 years, and the elec. insulation didn't get nearly as brittle and flaky as that.
I had the problem of no turn signals and the electrics in my mirror being out, took it to a mechanic today. Luckily he didn't make me pay for the stunning insight of, "Oh wow, I dunno. Did you Google it?" *eyeroll*
Did you become "bent" as a result of working on VW's for so many years? Seriously, I like your approach to diagnosing vehicle ills. A professional and common sense approach to proper diagnosis.
@mossman381. Thanks for replying. My signal and flasher lights blink inside appearing ok, but rear right blinker not working after another new bulb. It did blink while hanging on the bumper. Right blinker blinks faster than other on the panel. I'm gonna refer your videos to mechanic and tell him to change hazard switch. I really think he gave it back to me not working. Thank you so much for the videos.
Hello i loved your video i have a 2006 dodge dakota that does kinda same as yours but mine emergency lights works perfectly but not thw signals lights.
After I changed both of my headlights on my Mitsubishi Galant 2007 , the turn signal stopped working. They checked the fuses but, all of them were good. So frustrating being without blinkers.
I had come to see if there was a way to diag these kinds of vehicles. The one I'm dealing with is a newer car which works over com lines. What's weird in my case is that the turn lights work after a period of time; so this is what it does: 1. Turn signal on the right side: front right blinks normally for 2-3 times and then becomes solid, after around 10 seconds, it starts to blink normally but the flasher indicator on the cluster blinks rapidly even though that's not the case with the physical bult on the front right only, it does that throughout the whole time. 2. Same with the left turn side, except the bulb that is acting up is the right rear. Using the hazard button duplicates the same scenario for both lights; I'm starting to think that the BCM called Vehicle Electrical System Control Module is failing. Sets codes for open circuit / short to power in both cases, the monitoring system is not working properly; swapping the bulbs to the other side of the turn signal lights do not follow the fault either so the bulb cannot be the culprit. Just not sure why it fails like this and replicates the fault every time; I've never seen something like that before.
Great on the head light diagnostics I had the same problem on my 09 tiggy. Now I have another issue that I'm asking for help with. Every time I remove the oil cap the car almost stalls and runs terrible. I'm thinking a pcv valv? What do you thinking? Thanks for the help
My hazards work , when pressed the cluster lights up and flashers on the front and back on the vehicle work but when i use the turn signals nothing happens. No cluster lights and no exterior lights. Would I still replace the hazard relay? I have a 02 VW Jetta
your a good dude humble mechanic dude but you cut out part of the diagnosis which tells me you not really trying to show how to diagnose the problem which is half the battle. However i still like your videos im just real hard to fool. I give you grade C+
rofl.. you solved my problem @ e signal. I was doing work and unplugged my esignal to get behind dash. forgot to plug it back in. that's my turn signal circuit.
I have a 2003 ford focus. In summer when interior of car gets warm/hot turn signals don't work but hazards do. Also wipers don't work in intermittent or wash, but they do work in low or high. Both functions will start working again if the car interior gets cool enough, but can take till the next morning. I'm thinking it's timer/relay on what ford calls a GEM (generic or general electric module). Any similar issue with VW , other brand or worked on a ford?
There is so much room in that engine bay! Have you removed the relay to disable the DTRL that might help prolong the life on the harness I did that on almost day one with my 03 Passet.
Hi Charles, I am in the process of building a headlight harness adapter to get my aftermarket xenon headlights with LED DRL to function the same as the factory ones without any bulb out errors. My question is, what gauge wire should I use? Factory wires look about 18 gauge but should I be using a smaller (thicker) gauge of wire? Thanks again!
Hello HM, an excellent and thorough presentation for repair. I'm a mechanic myself and was looking on youtube for the diagnostics for a wiper switch for a 1997 Ford Ranger which has been giving me a headache. Your method of teaching is excellent, and though I didn't get anything dealing with my wiper switch, still, I learned your technique for solution of a short, and it is a good technique . . . excellent.
YOURE A DANG GENIUS. SOON AS YOU SAID WARNING LIGHTS BEING CONNECTED. I PERKED UP, hit my warnings and signaled left and it came right on
No questions today, just a thank you for taking the time to record and upload the knowledge
+Brad Nimbus thanks so much
Awesome video!! I had some issues with my 03 V6 b5.5 Passat where I replaced my relay, and even the turn signal wand and still had no signals for almost 6 months. Well, finally one day while my mechanic was replacing my steering wheel he realized these sort of connectors that we're placed DIRECTLY UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG COMPARTMENT. Once connected, I had turn signals again, even connected my old relay just to discover it still worked fine and I'm pretty sure my old turn signal wand still works too. But this was just in case anyone had the problem and these AWESOME VIDEOS LIKE THIS ONE didn't help...
I have the same problem and was just going to replace the fuses and be done with it. Knowing that the headlights may be the cause of the fuses blowing saves me a great deal of time and money. Thanks.
hey Charles. I have lots of specialty tools in my tool arsenal. your videos/expertise is part of it. thanks for sharing your experience. I've wrenched for over 30 years professionally but in reality my whole life (49).a good tech never stops learning. if I ever get a chance, have a cold one on me.cheers mate.
Excellent video. Just bought a 95 wrangler. Turn signals don't work but the guy I bought it from had replaced headlights with LED. I think this video is the exact trouble shooting guide I needed! Will find out shortly. Thank you!
Thank you for the informative film. My Turn Signals stopped working, I did several things on it, so it was sitting for a while. What it was in my case:
I found it!! And what it was, I removed the headliner board for re[placing the upholstery on it, and disconnected the wire to the ceiling lens. The shop manual (I fortunately have for that car 2001 Saturn SL2) advised to attach those wires w/scotch tape, so I disconnected it fm/the plug by the rear window. The plug was sitting on a thin plate, which I assumed was there for keeping the plug in correct place. After I did some research I've learned that grounding could cause Turning Signals go off. The Manual showed 2 grounding wires on the rear close to that plug. There was a clip on the plug, metal one. I disconnected the grounding there, so even w/plug in the T S-ls didn't work of course. It might be helpful for someone else. Pls check the grounding as well if you have a problem w/T Signals and the fuse is fine. I was about to replace the Steering Column Switch, and actually ordered one already (so will have a spare now, not bad thing though).
Well done, Charles! You missed one critical diagnostic step, though: You forgot to check for a BMW badge on the trunk lid! ;D
+rhkips Hahahha it's true
rhkips haha...that is exactly what I was about to post
BMW drivers be like "What's a turn signal?"
erik myers lol or everyone I Utah !!!
BMW BIG MONEY WASTER
Youre suppose to know where they are going to turn
But what is it idk
Mine litterly dont even work
Thank you for this video! I have figured that mine is a wiring issue and didn't have a clue as to where to begin looking. I will look inside the headlight to see if the problem is there. Thanks so much!
Hello friends! In case the turn signals don't work and the hazard lights do work, you can try and check the hazard lights relay situated inside the hazard light button. Reinforce the contact between the metal slips as they to tend to go apart after some usage. This was my case, after 100.000 miles, and the fix was easy (pull out the button and pry the metal slips closer). I am currently at 170.000 miles with the original button/relay! Safe driving!
Great advice! I will try that tomorrow in my Passat. Thanks!
Adrian thanks for the advice. Today I checked the turn signals fuse (10a) and it was blown. This was on fuse slot #2. Replaced, checked and it was good to go.
I must say I installed 2 years ago a turn signal LED dynamic strip. I guess the load is a little too much for that circuit, maybe upgrading to a 15a fuse will do. Will have to check amp load on that circuit.
Thanks anyway man for the advice.
@@rudolfhuijs4526 up
7years later and still helpful, just solved the issue first day on new projektcar!
Thanks to this video, I fixed my turn signals. While I was at it, the electric locks and seats. The fuse wasn't the problem for the flashers. It's something in the steering column. Adjusted all the way down, they don't work. Up a couple steps, perfect. I don't adjust it anymore.
Here again Charles. I had the same issue on my Passat, turn signals not working, but hazard lights ok. Checked the fuse on #2 and it was blown. Have to mention I installed a pair of dynamic LED turn signals 2 years ago without cancelling the bulb (load) inside the headlight housing. For now it was replaved with a 10a fuse, but I should check the circuit's load. So there it is, sometimes we mod smthg and later it backfires. Kind of like that engine you destroyed with the nitrous! 😝
A great tutorial that is well articulated in layman terms.
Strong work Brother. 👍
Great walk through. That wire insulation crumbling is unbelievable.
I own a 2003 V6 B5.5 Passat wagon that looks and runs like new, but only because I am obsessive with maintenance. I'm the original owner and I love it. I had no idea these headlight wires were so prone to cracking - good to know. They should have used wiring with silicone insulation or some other material if subject to that much heat. Had to replace the wiring from the ECU to the coil pack recently ... after 14 years of baking from engine heat they did started to do the same thing. PS - love the videos.
Perfect video that just focuses on the diagnoses which is really good. My issue was with the wiring. This video helped me realize that. Thanks
Glad to help
just finished my basic electrical class today at UTI and this was really cool of you how you kept going to see the real problem of why they fuse melted. more electrical diag videos please :D
Charles finaly got to the problem with the turn signals, being eratic , it was the signal lever internal problems . unbeleivable ,thanks for your help .
I have this exact car but it’s up to 155 k miles. Only thing I had to replace was a hose that I got for $16 in Amazon. And now have to fix a fast right signal that’s probably a faulty bulb.
Always feel like I’m the luckiest VW owner from everyone’s stories
I am currently editing the video(s) for removing the headlights and fixing the issue I found.
it's always seemed like voodoo to me, to figure out how to replace a wiring harness... I can never get my head around where the various harnesses run to, I'm afraid to start unwrapping things, etc...
JD when I was getting started learning electrical, when all plugs could interchange, i looped masking tape on both sides of connection plugs with something identical written on each before separation to easily identify mated plugs. I have noticed an increasing trend of all connectors are becoming unique. Another thing to remember is wires don't really deform after long-term placement and many hot/cold cycles so don't bind them in bundles and majority of harnesses will layout almost exactly with little effort. I wish you luck but after basics are learned the rest is mostly some knowledge and mostly applied common sense.
Humble mechanic.. Left turn signal turns of headlights.. Any idea why?
I have a similar problem with my jeep. Except that when I turn on the blinker, the dashboard light comes on and does not blink. And yet the hazard works fine. Any ideas?
I'm at a lost, was tighting my drivers side headlight and having a hard time putting the clip on 2006 bmw 325i, I made contact with the needle nose plyers and now my turn signals, wipers , bright lights all together not working
When I am checking fuses I always make sure to check them all like you do. I also like to study the fuses and the fuse card or owners manual, depending on the car, for fuses that should be in a certain place that may be missing. I have seen problem on cars before where nobody could figure it out and I would find a fuse missing altogether.
+Mr.Mister I've seen missing fuses burn techs so many times. To me, checking fuses also includes looking for missing ones.
I've seen guys spend days on cars over missing fuses.
HumbleMechanic Yep. Thanks for the reply, as always.
Hi I’ve just come across your video along with others. Really helpful how to explain everything. Unfortunately I don’t think it will help me with my problem on my 2003 beetle. No indicators or hazards, all fuses good, replaced the hazard relay, after we did that, all indicators and hazards working fine, then 30 mins into driving the car, smoke coming out of relay switch and no indicators again 😕
This is a bulb shorting, replace all turn signal bulbs.
This freakin guy just solved my school bus light issue
0zzz
Hi, this is a very patient mechanic. And he doesnt shot gun a problem. Very cool
Thank you
Well, I have watched your vid again w/o realizing it. The guy I bought my 2001 Beetle from (lives 4 houses away and) has his own shop in town GermanWerks - yet he doesn't know how to fix many of the issues I am willing to pay to get resolved (which were present when I bought the little beast.) I should have figured it out by now (5 yrs later) he sold it because it became a hot mess and wanted to pass it off to someone - anyone - else. My dilemma is what to fix of the many issues just so I can pass it off to someone - anyone - else.
But on the positive side, everyone (it seems) young, old, male, female, gay, straight all look at my little buggy and smile. (prob not WWII Vets if still alive)
I think it's a great little ride, my skinny butt fits the seat but I don't think the transmission is going to last much longer, it's getting harder & harder to shift into reverse. And now...that's enough endless bother from me. If I have the little Black Jelly Bean (I HATE ANISE! - the flavor of black licorice) in another 4-5 yrs and find your site, I'm sure I'll have a new set of so sorry for me having to tolerate the little Black Beetle of which I have no trouble stepping on the insect any time of the day or night.
By far you are the best mechanic I have come across dealing with the VW/Audi manufacturers. Thanks
Man, cars are fascinating
thank You..You made it simple for me....My hazards don't work nor the turn signals. I noticed my passenger head light was out of the socket.. I need to check it further...Thanks I will check the fuses again
Wow thank you man. This video help me to understand many things. Thank you very much.
It's a common problem that the hazard/blinker relay unit fails, replace it and you are golden. ;D
+sucowar that's the most common issue for sure. But not he only one ;)
Much appreciated for the video, I appreciate the help 🙏🙏 had no idea the two worked on the same relay
I had somewhat of the same problem My 2003 chevy venture would blow the back door automatic door open would blow the fuse. I used a 12 volt test light . I had a repair book for it and chased down the wire along the floor and found out it was caused by the factory had not put a waterproof system around the wire harness . I checked the other harness on the other side and it had the water proofing . I took it to a dealer and they had to fix it for free since it was a factory problem.
This is great, thanks! I am, oddly enough, working on my maroon 98 S10 and certainly this is the route I need to take. Both sides dead at same time, now to check fuses, and wiring. Could be grounds corrosion or wiring breaking I mean the thing is ancient at this point. lol. Parts cannon approach wants me to swap the signal tree in the column as it is a known issue, but the wipers, cruise control all work perfectly.
It is rarely just the fuse, so hopefully I can track this one down. 190 bucks is pretty steep for that unit so it will be worth it.
Did you ever find the issue? Having a similar problem with my 00 vette. Front signals don’t work. Changed the $300 column stick and nothing changed 😭
This reminded me of every cell tech call ever. " Did you try restarting the device". Yeah dude we've checked the fuse. Jesh
Djeezuss , that's really bad plastic... wow, never seen that ..
That 1.8t would really benefit from a GT28rs or at least a K04. :)
just fixxed my car and the problem was just a fuse!! thanks a lot,,
I'm having issues with turn signals, thank you for the tutorial, I'm about to jump into the car and see if I can fix it today.
Good luck!
Thanks, HM. A detailed, understandable and much appreciated lecture.
Thanks for the diagnostic steps. Solved the problem for me, i.e., short in headlight from missing wire sheathing.
Thanks for this I know having issues with hyper flashing as well, I replaced a couple fuses still doing that checked my wiring harness etc. 😢not sure what else is going on. I got some resistors too. So we’ll see if that helps 2012 vw Jetta s sedan.
Your advice was spot on! Now do a video on why overhead light not working! please. lol
Good video , Charles ! A lot of people that watch your videos probably are not professional Tech's . I'am assuming . I know what bulb monitoring is but maybe some of your other views may not , maybe you could explain that in one of your pod cast's . Working on ford vehicles , this feature would have a message on the DIC .( Check left front turn signal bulb ). Or something like that . How does VW do this function . Ford uses (SJB) smart junction box.
always trust the bearded guys! 😂
Thank you for this video. For some reason mine doest work but does click by the fuse box. Then if you really push on the relay a certain way, it works. But I can't get it to work steady. I have replaced the relay
It's after midnight. I had a new radio put in my 2010 KIA Soul today at Best Buy. He told me the factory radio was toast. The new radio has GPS and it's really nice to have my music back. Tonight I noticed my directionals are not working. Oops! I'm going out to the alligator-infested parking lot here in Palm Springs, Fl and try to pull a fuse or two. Thanks for your great video. I can't get back to Best Buy until Wednesday. Off to Pompano Beach tomorrow to take delivery on a 2002 Cadillac Deville. I wonder if the dark cloud that always follows me will come along on the train ride?
Be safe!!!
Great mechanics are thorough mechanics like our expert here.
This video was easy to understand and helpful. Thank you
I had an intermittent problem with my right turn signal. It’d only happen if I took a hard right or hit a bump. I knew what I was looking for but the wire eluded me. I ended taking it to the dealer. The poor tech spent 8 hours to find it. He got paid for 1. Flat rate took his lunch that day and I feel validated in how hard it was but bad for the tech.
Thanx man, I've been looking thru alot of these trying to figure out y only my right turn don't work and all I've been hearing is it's either fuse or flasher relay if not those the turn signal switch..I bought flashers and bulbs and seen the switch goes for $175 used and I would hate to pay that to find its not that,my main problem is the previous owner thought he was a master electrician,those wires are thrown on the starter fuse and the fuel pump moved to the horn fuse and radio wired into a non existent ac unit wiring...so im just looking for more wiring problems...lol
U find the issue? Mine works off and on too I heard it’s a known issue but I need the fix for it
Good job! Info is all good. Diagnostic is as important as fix!
Thanks so much.saved me big money and time.
Had same issue..all wires bad inside headlite..
Thanks so much
Hey humble mechanic I got a 1998 Audi A4 2.8 and my turn signal don’t work. Both the fuses are good. I had to put a turn signal switch in the car as it was damaged. Any ideas
gotta love that German engineering. I have never seen wires insulation crumble that bad.
dav8388 it's not garman engineering any more,the things are made in Mexico
....... and then sold at the jerman price $$$$
Thanks lots of people have terrible things to say till it happens to them thank you for your time...
Hey, non-VW question (Audi) I upgraded all of my exterior bulbs to L.E.D.'s and I'm getting all
the expected bulb out faults at the dash. I was led to understand that
as an alternative to having multiple resistors for every replaced bulb
to remedy this, I could replace a specific turn indicator relay (not the
emergency flasher switch/button/relay) instead. Through all of my
searching both my car and the web, I am unable to locate any actual
information on a relay for the turn signals separate from the
emergency flasher switch, yet parts stores appear to sell them. I have a
2008 A4/B7 Quattro S-Line sedan. I need to know is there in
fact a separate relay from the emergency flashers for the turn indicator
lights? My turn signals hyper flash due to the L.E.D.'s, yet my hazards
do not, and function as normal.
Great breakdown on how to find a issue.
+wyattoneable thank you
My first car was a 1986 Volkswagen Jetta Deluxe (Wolfsburg Edition. The back said "Deluxe" the side had the Wolfsburg Castle badge.) I still have the T-shirt. Had the badges for awhile. That car got T-boned by a 1990 CAPRICE (Caprice Classic?) DRIVER'S SIDE and I WAS FINE.
Fahrvergnugen.
Glad to hear you are okay! I bet that Jetta is worth a lot today LOL
Hi. MR Humble thank you for showing me to fixing the signals now is working thank you every much good video I will 👀 next time.
Great video, straight to the problem no joke
I respect your beard, bro.
fuse removal tool, mind is blown!
I have to thank you for this video. I have a 2003 Pontiac Sunbird, 115k. The turn signals and reverse lights had stopped working (they share a fuse on this car), and checked fuse, not tripped. replaced bulbs all the way around (Reverse now works), no luck on signals, BUT
...I did turn on hazards, and they all worked. (surprise me..duh) Here's the part that confuses me: the turn signals work, for now! What should I be looking at to prevent this problem in future? Wish I had thought to check hazards first, but lesson learned there...thus my thank you for the video..Any ideas on prevention?
Great video Charles, as always! ❤️👍
Wow, that harness looks gnarly. Makes you wonder if it would be better to make a fresh light harness for yourself and re-pin the connectors - if that's possible on these cars.
+aussiebloke609 it's possible. Doing that would probably be a little cheaper too.
Luckily VW offers the harness separate. I had one in my tool box for some reason, and bought another one. So fixing this cost me about $40
I'd hate to install something that was going to get so ratty again. I think I'd do the rewire, just so I didn't have to worry about it in the future - unless they've upgraded their insulation since. I've had cars that were left out in the Australian sun for 30 years, and the elec. insulation didn't get nearly as brittle and flaky as that.
I had the problem of no turn signals and the electrics in my mirror being out, took it to a mechanic today. Luckily he didn't make me pay for the stunning insight of, "Oh wow, I dunno. Did you Google it?" *eyeroll*
Very Nice info! Logical and to the point. Good work! Thank you!
+Murphy Padgett thank you
So you altered the tip of that PP? I like it. Going to have to steal that one.
Steal on man. I love the bent tip. It's great for this set up. It is not so great for the newer fuse panels on VW
Did you become "bent" as a result of working on VW's for so many years?
Seriously, I like your approach to diagnosing vehicle ills. A professional and common sense approach to proper diagnosis.
I love your way of working.
Thanks a lot for the video
How is it possible for VW to install wires of such a bad quality? My beetle from sixties had excellent wires...
Thank you for great video!
Your good buddy, explanation is clear.
Thanks so much for sharing this,it's a great help
@mossman381. Thanks for replying. My signal and flasher lights blink inside appearing ok, but rear right blinker not working after another new bulb. It did blink while hanging on the bumper. Right blinker blinks faster than other on the panel. I'm gonna refer your videos to mechanic and tell him to change hazard switch. I really think he gave it back to me not working. Thank you so much for the videos.
What if you push up for your right turn signal which flashes but then your left turn signal starts flashing instead like its switching back n forth?
You are freaking amazing and just solved my crisis LOL
super fan of diagnosing videos
Thanks
Great video! Now I have an idea of what to do!
Hello i loved your video i have a 2006 dodge dakota that does kinda same as yours but mine emergency lights works perfectly but not thw signals lights.
Thank you Sir.
For the effort, I appreciated on ur
Tutorial.
After I changed both of my headlights on my Mitsubishi Galant 2007 , the turn signal stopped working. They checked the fuses but, all of them were good. So frustrating being without blinkers.
I had come to see if there was a way to diag these kinds of vehicles. The one I'm dealing with is a newer car which works over com lines. What's weird in my case is that the turn lights work after a period of time; so this is what it does:
1. Turn signal on the right side: front right blinks normally for 2-3 times and then becomes solid, after around 10 seconds, it starts to blink normally but the flasher indicator on the cluster blinks rapidly even though that's not the case with the physical bult on the front right only, it does that throughout the whole time.
2. Same with the left turn side, except the bulb that is acting up is the right rear. Using the hazard button duplicates the same scenario for both lights; I'm starting to think that the BCM called Vehicle Electrical System Control Module is failing. Sets codes for open circuit / short to power in both cases, the monitoring system is not working properly; swapping the bulbs to the other side of the turn signal lights do not follow the fault either so the bulb cannot be the culprit. Just not sure why it fails like this and replicates the fault every time; I've never seen something like that before.
Great on the head light diagnostics I had the same problem on my 09 tiggy.
Now I have another issue that I'm asking for help with.
Every time I remove the oil cap the car almost stalls and runs terrible.
I'm thinking a pcv valv? What do you thinking?
Thanks for the help
+Jeriko A, Sosa that's normal. It makes a big vacuum leak.
If you took it off and the car ran good I'd be worried
My hazards work , when pressed the cluster lights up and flashers on the front and back on the vehicle work but when i use the turn signals nothing happens. No cluster lights and no exterior lights. Would I still replace the hazard relay? I have a 02 VW Jetta
your a good dude humble mechanic dude but you cut out part of the diagnosis which tells me you not really trying to show how to diagnose the problem which is half the battle. However i still like your videos im just real hard to fool. I give you grade C+
Thanks dude I rectify my Lexus is 250 by your vedio
I have had this problem on a customer's 9C Beetle. Basically had to re-make the internal headlight wiring harness from scratch.
+Dean W yeah Beetles were bad about it too.
Mine was not working because the fuse was blown. Thank you!
rofl.. you solved my problem @ e signal. I was doing work and unplugged my esignal to get behind dash. forgot to plug it back in. that's my turn signal circuit.
I think your VW might just be a BMW in disguise, that's all.
+Paku Liew Hahahah. That joke never gets old
This is a great video. Thank you so much.
I have a 2003 ford focus. In summer when interior of car gets warm/hot turn signals don't work but hazards do. Also wipers don't work in intermittent or wash, but they do work in low or high. Both functions will start working again if the car interior gets cool enough, but can take till the next morning. I'm thinking it's timer/relay on what ford calls a GEM (generic or general electric module). Any similar issue with VW , other brand or worked on a ford?
My turn signals work sometimes but sometimes don't. Hazards work even when turn sigs don't. Fuses are good. Help
This was my exact issue, I’m getting new headlights anyway so I’ll be driving with Turn signals again😂😂
This was really helpful, thank you.
Fixed it with your thumbnail. Lol Thanks!
Hahahah
There is so much room in that engine bay! Have you removed the relay to disable the DTRL that might help prolong the life on the harness I did that on almost day one with my 03 Passet.
+soundman447 the DRLs have been disconnected for about 8 years. :)
Wise Man. these cars look so much better with out them now to only find a way to keep the headlights from fogging
It’s not issue I’m having but very helpful thanks
Hi Charles,
I am in the process of building a headlight harness adapter to get my aftermarket xenon headlights with LED DRL to function the same as the factory ones without any bulb out errors. My question is, what gauge wire should I use? Factory wires look about 18 gauge but should I be using a smaller (thicker) gauge of wire?
Thanks again!
I would error on the one too big size. Most of the headlight harnesses are 1mm I think..