Turn Signal Intermittent

psflyr · Post by **psflyr** » 28 Sep 2012, 08:28

When the turn signal lever is 'activated', both left and right, it will often act intermittently or not at all. It works normally sometimes or when I turn off (neutral position) then back on (L or R) if it was acting intermittently.
Is this a component problem within the steering column or something else?
Anyone have experience with this?
Easy fix?
Regards,
Psflyr

psflyr · Post by **psflyr** » 28 Sep 2012, 08:29

Forgot to mention that my car is a 2001 XC70.
Psflyr

Post by **chrism** » 28 Sep 2012, 13:54

If you press a little harder on the lever, does it tend to flash more consistently?

How does it perform with the the lever in the momentary "lane change" position? Any different?

Post by **jimmy57** » 28 Sep 2012, 14:07

I have repaired this on a few 2001 and 2002's by dismantling the t signal switch and cleaning it.

psflyr · Post by **psflyr** » 28 Sep 2012, 21:01

Thanks for the replies. I read today if there's an issue with a filament on one of the turn signals that the electrical inteference could cause some issues. I checked this evening an noticed that one of the front signals was markedly weaker than the other. I'll change the bulb and check to see if the issue us solved. Either way I'll let you know.
Cheers

Post by **FjordMoCo** » 29 Sep 2012, 00:13

jimmy57 wrote:I have repaired this on a few 2001 and 2002's by dismantling the t signal switch and cleaning it.

This worked for my 2002. I also brightened up the contacts with some fine sandpaper.

Post by **jimmy57** » 29 Sep 2012, 08:55

If you have a bulb out it flashes fast, it doesnt fail to flash.
Often the amber bulbs have the paint crackle and fall off and it makes them less yellow when lit.

Post by **chrism** » 03 Oct 2012, 14:30

jimmy57 and FjordMoCo,

Can I remove and dismantle the switch assembly without pulling the steering wheel? (2003 V70 & 2005 S80 - they're both starting to hit and miss.)

When I operated on my son's Saab turn signal switch, I had to remove the air bag and steering wheel. What a drag!

Post by **FjordMoCo** » 03 Oct 2012, 22:56

Yes, you just need to remove the steering column cover. A couple of screws on the bottom, IIRC.

Post by **chrism** » 04 Oct 2012, 10:32

Ah-ha! That's the answer I was hoping for. Thank you.

When it gets bad enough I think I'll do my car first. If I screw up the switch on my own car, I can stick my arm out of the window to signal. If I screw up the wife's car....... well, let's not even go there.