Turn Signal Puzzle
 

I am having a problem with the turn signal / hazards on my 1986 560SL. I realize that this topic has been addressed at length, but I have not been able to figure this one out - Here is the situation:
1. Front turn signals work fine when headlights are off, but not when the headlights are on
2. Turn signals in rear work fine regardless of headlights on/off
3 Hazard lights do not flash any time
4. I do get a circuit warning light on the dash when trying to use the turn signals with headlights off
5. I have replaced the hazard switch as I thought it would be the culprit - no luck

Might this be the flasher that I understand is located behind the left speaker in the dash? If so, why would the turn signals flash when headlights are off?

Any advice or suggestions would be helpful. Thanks.

strange problem
 

without knowing where the front lights ground, i'll take a guess.
i've fixed many strange electrical problems like this in other cars by cleaning grounds. first head light ground, then panel the lights are bolted to. signal light socket's themselves. new turn signal bulbs.
there was one time i had to clean where the bumper brackets bolted to body. seems like the headlights are using the signal ground. do the signal bulbs have a very dim glow when head lighs are on? maybe clip a temporary ground wire from battery neg. to signal bulb socket with signal and headlights on. move the ground to a few differant places.
grounds cause very strange problem
good luck rich

True, I'd check all my ground connections. Phantom electrical problems are oftetimes from poorly grounded wires.

Rich:
Appreciate the advice, I'll try fiddling with the grounds. To answer your question - no, there is no glow in the signals that I can perceive. I'm also going to pull the bulbs today, clean, and possibly replace. Thanks again.

I agree -- start with looking at the grounds.

If no go, consider the hazard switch. If it's bad, directional signals don't work properly. I've read about some strange turn signal problems being cured by the owner working the hazard switch on and off a few dozen times to clean the contacts.