Every day a new bug. Turn signal weirdness! ('68 220)
 

When I bought my MB a couple weeks ago, the flasher relay was crapped out (it's the one built into the four-way switch, mounted in the console). Just to get by until I order the proper (expensive) part, I hooked up a generic flasher and it's been working perfectly ever since.

Then suddenly last night I realized the turn signal indicators in the dash weren't blinking when the signals were activated; a quick look around the outside of the car revealed that the actual signals weren't blinking, either.

The weirdest part: The flasher relay still clicks! So the power is getting to the flasher, and it is doing its thing, but the blinkers just won't come on.

Bonus weirdness: After I noted this last night, I prepared to snoop around and see what might be causing it, when suddenly the signals started working again. They worked this morning on the way to work, then didn't, then did, then didn't again...all between my home and office.

I replaced the fuse (just as a precaution...it didn't seem like it could really be the problem)...where can I look next? I sure don't want to drive around with no signals, and it's too cold to hand signal.

You guys are awesome, and I really appreciate all of you who take the time to answer this clueless noob's questions. Thanks!

Sounds like you have a problem with the ground. I would look for loose connectors / frayed wires first. turn on the flasher and start at the relay and work toward the lights.

Hey, Duffman!

I kinda wondered about it being a ground issue...electrical problems are the bane of my existence. I appreciate the guidance.

ditto. i suspect ground too.

tom w

You didn't cross something when you put in your after marker flasher did you? and kinda related to ground, make sure all the sockets where the bulbs are tucked in are clean and making good contact. You could also have some gummed up junk in the turnsignal switch, start with the easy stuff first

Hey, Ron, thanks for pitching in your $.02. I've been reading about Libby, so I know you've got experience with a very similar car.

There's no place for me to have crossed something up in installing the flasher; I poked a wire into each of the two holes that make the circuit for the turn signals, taped it up carefully (so I can untape it without a headache when I get the proper switch/relay), then ran the other ends of the wires to the blades of a two-terminal generic flasher. Those ends are also taped securely.

As I mentioned, the clicker keeps clicking, even though the signals do not light. That's the weirdest part of all to me.

At any rate, the problem has gone away for the moment, but I expect it to return at any time. Unfortunately we're supposed to get a blast of ice-cold winter weather right as the weekend approaches, so I hope the problem remains at bay until I have a chance to really jack around with it.

Thanks again to everybody who has posted a response. I truly appreciate the advice!

I almost forgot, on mine ( not sure yours has it) there is a fuse that is not in the fuse box that is in the marker light circuit. The little fuse box is actually located on the fender (on mine anyway) I missed that for awhile back when searching for a similar light gremlin.

Hey, Panda...really? Man, those Benz engineers sure were a wacky bunch.

I will try and track that down...I actually have my original owner's manual with wiring diagram, and I bought the manualsunlimited.com e-book service manual, too. One or both ought to note any such weirdness.

Thanks again for the tips!