Date: Thu, 27 Oct 2022 22:47:08 -0400
Reply-To: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Where to start when signal lights don't work?
In-Reply-To: <CO6PR02MB774594F4B2891033C5689F42A4329@CO6PR02MB7745.namprd02.prod.outlook.com>
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Hi John,
yes, Bemyeyes or Be My Eyes, is a great app for blind folks, It connects a sighted volunteer to see through a sighted person’s iPhone camera. I’ve used this for Vanagon work in the past. I could have used it to identify the old and to pick a new fuse of the same color. In fact I did that a couple years ago to replace a water pump fuse behind the driver’s seat.
It is a little tricky because the ability of the volunteers is all over the place. I also use a paid service called AIRA with trained folks. That is great but unlike free bemyeyes the Aira service can get expensive.
Calling a skilled friend or FaceTiming a skilled VW person works well but I try not to over ask.
I waited for my wife for this fuse change because unless I disconnect the battery I almost always manage to short the new fuse as I try to put it in. My Wife with little strong fingers and good eyes, gets it right every time.!
I just have to provide the info and directions. And, a little encouragement.
It would be great to have another 84 experienced person to check in with. But, hopefully this list will also keep all of us connected!
Keep your owner’s manual handy.
Eric Caron
On Oct 27, 2022, at 8:09 PM, John <xstreamcanadian@hotmail.com <mailto:xstreamcanadian@hotmail.com>> wrote:
>
> Have you used the app "be my eyes" if jot I would highly recommend that. I also have an 84 I'd be long distance but I worl from home so I'm around most times and would be happy to help.
>
> You can also text me
>
> 604217395
> John
>
> On Oct. 27, 2022 4:35 p.m., Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET <mailto:ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>> wrote:
> Solved,
>
> A busy day for my 84.
>
> First to the muffler shop. They had installed several pieces and a few weeks later I noticed every new piece had at least one bold that was finger tight. They said if the gaskets failed they would fix it.
> With van running better and more miles the muffler gaskets went.
>
> So, they repaired. Funny thing is they now claim the bolts must have come loose so they double nutted them. I’m sure they just forgot to tighten. And, just as we were about to leave the man stopped us and went to the shop for a wrench came out and tightened something under the van. He said, oops, almost forgot to tighten back that bracket.
>
> OH boy, I’ll check the bolts tomorrow.
>
> Then, off to the tire shop to get a screw taken out of the back tire.
> Next the signal lights stopped working.
>
> So, I tried Richards suggestion and no change.
>
> I was on my own at this point so could not read the manual to find the fuse position.
>
> So, what to do?
>
> I called a friend from this list with a 84 and he told me it was fuse 11.
>
> OK, but I hate touching the fuses as I’m prone to short them. Plus it is a challenge to find the correct color with no vision.
>
> I met my wife at the door with my fuses and off we went to the van. She pulled fuse 11 and it fell apart in her fingers. The new fuse of the same color went in and signals worked again!
>
> I’m thinking I need someone to check the condition of the remaining fuses. At least remove and inspect. If one fell apart likely there are others in similar condition.
>
> So, that is my story and I’m pleased to have the 84 fully functional again.
>
> Eric Caron
>
>
> > On Oct 27, 2022, at 4:08 PM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET <mailto:rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>> wrote:
> >
> > Better solution? Slide off Instrument Cluster Housing; remove the 4 corner screws. Disengage Emergency Flasher switch. On workbench, spray electrical Contact Cleaner into switch internals. Actuate switch 20 times. Spray another shot inside switch. Actuate another 20 times. Shake out and let drain. While you are at it, use abrasive pad to clean up switch terminals; apply the thinnest film of Vaseline onto those terminals; re-connect and re-assemble everything. This has worked for me, and others. Magic.
> >
> > On Thursday, October 27, 2022 at 07:58:01 AM PDT, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net <mailto:rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>> wrote:
> >
> > Try actuating the Emergency Flasher switch....like 20 times...the turn signal lights and that Flasher switch are all inter-related. Through lack of use, the internal contacts in Flasher switch get corrosion and can cause funky turn signal performance.
> >
> > On Thursday, October 27, 2022 at 07:32:36 AM PDT, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net <mailto:ericcaron96@comcast.net>> wrote:
> >
> > Went out in the 84 this morning and noticed no signal lights.
> > Other lights all working normally.
> >
> > What fuse is that normally on and what else would not be working if it is that fuse?
> >
> > Also, is this usually a sign of failing ignition switch?
> >
> > Had a situation in the recent past where headlights did not come on but later after turning car off they came on and worked normally. Could this be related?
> >
> > Thanks for any tips on where to start the investigation.
> >
> > Eric Caron
> >
>
>
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