Intermittent turn signal failure (1985 380SL) - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Southin · #1 10-09-2003, 02:27 PM

On occasion I find I have no turn signal response in either direction (no ticking, no flashing indicator lights, no front or rear turn signals). However, if I turn off the ignition and restart the car, usually everything returns to normal. What can cause this and how can I fix it? It doesn't appear to be a faulty turn signal stalk, since if the turn signal doesn't work, no amount of jiggling the stalk will reactivate it...but restarting the car usually does.

maheath · #2 10-09-2003, 05:11 PM

Have you tried jiggling the ignition switch when it happens?

Southin · #3 10-09-2003, 06:15 PM

No, silly me, I haven't tried that, but I shall the next time it happens and let you know. Now that you mention it, it does sound like a faulty ignition switch, doesn't it?

Southin · #4 10-10-2003, 05:11 PM

Well, I tried jiggling the key...and it didn't help. I'm beginning to focus on the relay as the source of the problem.

#5 10-10-2003, 10:21 PM

Try tapping on the red HAZARD switch on the center console; sometimes they have a tendancy to jamb up some how.
Possibly the wire connector to the HAZARD switch may need to be cleaned, this solved my problem with intermittent turn signal problems.

Ultraformat · #6 10-11-2003, 05:53 PM

Is the turn signal supposed to make a clicking noise? Mine work fine but are silent--just figured it was a design flaw

Gregy · #7 10-13-2003, 05:14 PM

Yes, I also had the problem: the hazard swith was dirty inside.
I opened the hazard swith box and cleaned it with a contact cleaner and blew it out with an air compressor: the problem whas gone.