Turn Signal Problems: Flickering & Sticking

Hello everyone,

'Recently, I've been experiencing a recurring problem that occasionally appeared a couple of years ago: When I use the turn signals or the hazard light switch, the turn signal lights and the associated indicator lights simply get stuck on, meaning they stay lit continuously without blinking. Previously, it usually only happened when I first activated them, but now it sometimes happens after the car has been stationary for a while, or it might stay on for a bit and then start blinking again. Sometimes, it then works normally again.'

Is it the relay, or could other causes be responsible (e.g., moisture)? If, in your opinion, the relay is the most likely culprit, where is it located in a Passat from 1999, and how can I identify the correct one (e.g., by its part number)?

Thank you for your feedback.
Ralf.

Sounds like a faulty relay.

To locate it, the acoustic positioning instruments attached to the sides of the head may prove useful...

I believe the relay is already integrated into your turn signal switch. Simply replace it with one of the same number, or perhaps there's already a 'quieter' version available for your model, which would significantly reduce the clicking sound.

'After the problem became acute yesterday evening, I decided to replace the part. This morning, the old part was doing the same thing again, but I still removed it. It's actually built into the hazard light switch, and the new one is much quieter... it's strange what you don't notice in 5 years. Let's see, the proof will be in the pudding over the next few days, but if it happens again despite the new relay, then it's going to be expensive -> the instrument cluster...'

... but if it happens again despite the new relay, then it's likely to be expensive -> combination instrument...

How do you conclude that the AI is defective?

That was the order that a friend of mine mentioned.

- The switch itself (failed because of the flashing and hazard lights).
- Relay
-AI

So far, it looks like it was actually just a matter of swapping the switches... Do you have any other potential causes in mind (in case it happens again)?

Hello,

I'm having the same problem. I bought one from edgedöns that worked perfectly for two months, and then it stopped working due to smoke. I put my old one back in, and it works most of the time, but sometimes the turn signals just stop working (sometimes they do, sometimes they don't). It seems to be a weak point.

Best regards, Manuel (by the way, both hazard light switches are from a 1999 model).