Hi

I recently got a 2002 996 Targa. Turn signal switch will not stay on if I turn right and will not automatically go off if I turn left (I looked at DIY for switch assembly replacement and decided to live like this for a while). This weekend the left front (drivers) turn signal does not come on any more and the rear one flashes at 2x speed. I thought, simple, burned out bulb. Removed the headlight assembly (Xexon lights) and opened the socket for the turn signal. Bulb looks good (I also tested it with ohm meter) - local parts shop did not have replacement anyway. Also tested socket - and that seems good (no opens). The main connector looks like new (no corrosion) so I put the lamp assembly back. Noticed my side marker light was out - so I replaced the bulb in there (from wiring diagram looks like common ground with turn signal - but shouldn't effect the turn signal). Now side marker works - but still not turn signal. Next step is to replace the relay (only $8 from Pelican on-line) - so I will try that this week ... but any other ideas ? From wiring diagram looks like if the switch itself is broken - both front and rear bulbs should not come on). I will change the bulb also when new one arrives (perhaps it looks good but is actually broken) - hopefully it is the relay (if fuse is bad - all signals should not work ?). Anyone had similar experience ?

 

that sounds like the typical bad turn signal switch, column switch assembly

 

Sure - but if the switch is bad - shouldn't both lights not come on (front and rear) ? If I turn on the hazard flashers - same issue - 3 work fine - front left does not. Switch is different - but relay (or wiring) is common ....

 

you say it wont switch on and off when you turn the wheel. Thats the switch, after that you would have to trace it further

 

OK - had time to fix it today. Yes my combination switch is broken (won't stay on - right - won't stay off left) - but that is not the problem (I can still hold the switch in the on/off position manually - and 3 of the turn signal bulbs work). I replaced the relay since that is a cheap part (but that was not the problem either - if the relay is flashing - even too fast - I guess it is working). I removed the front light assembly - the bulb seemed good (I tested with 12V source) but I replaced it anyway. I tested the connector in the light assembly (pin 4 is the turn signal - and 6 or 7 I think are the ground - the pins are numbered inside the white plastic connector) - with ohm meter - and that passed OK . Cleaned the connector inside the fender with flux cleaner spray and carefully re-seated the whole assembly (it is quite easy to get it in the guide rails but worth spending some extra time to make sure this is done well). (There was no sign of corrosion on the connectors or pins) The locking mechanism for the light does not seem well engineered ! The owners manual tells you how to remove and re-insert the lamp assembly with the special key in the tool kit - when locking it back in there is a really loud click as the metal bar snaps the plastic retainer down (almost sounds like something is breaking !) but once I had everything re-seated - it all worked again. So, I guess someone else's post was right - carefully removing and reseating the assembly was the key - seems strange that just the turn-signal bulb would go out (parking lights and headlights were still good). Perhaps just something shook loose in regular driving ! Anyway - all is now good.......

 

My 02 996 C2 left turn signal was not working and it is now fixed after following troubleshooting steps from various posts (including the one from 996TT). I would like to post a quick summary and perhaps it may be useful to someone. I removed the light bulb holder from the headlight assembly and noticed one of the contact is dirty (with some melted black plastics) so I scrapped it off. Also I removed some melted black plastics from the on of the spring contact on the hedlight assembly side as well as bent the springs a little toward the center of hole where the light bulb holder goes in. This will ensure better connection between the springs and the light bulb holder contacts. For a quick diagnostic using an ohmmeter, there should be continuity between pins 1 and 4 in the headlight assembly white connector. Thanks again for all the info.

 

Seems to be a part that fails often. I had to replace mine last year. you can find the complete assembly from LA dismantlers for about $130.

JB

 

OK - I removed headlight again today - pins 1 and 4 tested with ohm meter - no connection - I also checked pins 1 and 4 (1 is bottom left as you look at it) on the white connector in the wing/fender with voltmeter when hazzards were flashing (so I was sure I am getting voltage there), I removed turn signal bulb again - and bent the spring contacts inside the headlight housing out a very little (with small screwdriver) - carefully reseated the turn signal socket - and retested pins 1 and 4 again - this time I got good reading on ohm meter (no resistance). It took me 3 goes to re-seat the headlight housing in the fender again - and lock it down - tested with hazzard flashers and parking light to make sure connection was still good - before closing everything back up again. Hopefully this fix works for a while now ....

 

Turn signal switch will not automatically return to center position from left or right. Replaced combination switch. Did not fix it. Appears to be something mechanical missing on steering column to not cause the switch to return. Any ideas?

 

the switch has to be positioned exactly right or it still wont work. thats the first recommendation. next the steering wheel has a tab on it to acctuate the switch, so you should examine everything to see how it is supposed to work and see if it is all there.

 

no tab on steering shaft to return switch. How is it attached to shaft and is it a standalone part?

 

I dont know, ive never looked for one, but theres something there. you just have to figure out how it works

 

Any ideas what the steering column tab to actuate the turn signal switch should look like?