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“Fluttering” front driver’s side signal light - What to do? 850 1996

posted by  Hugh on  Wed Oct 25 12:43 CST 2017
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last visit: Fri Oct 24 09:47 CST 2014
[RELATED]

Hello All,

I have a 1996 850 GLT wagon (5 speed) with nearly 400,000 miles. Recently, I replaced the lamp housing for the front driver’s side turn signal. The plastic housing had developed a crack and was letting in moisture. After I replaced the housing, and went to use the passenger side turn signal, the signal start “fluttering” rapidly. I went to examine the bulb in the front passer turn signal, expecting to see it had burned out. It hadn’t nor had any of the rear bulbs. I put a new bulb in just to be sure there wasn’t a defect with the bulb, but the “flutter” or excessive flashing of the passenger side turn signal continued. The left or driver’s side turn signal works fine. Because the turn signal works properly on the driver’s side and not the passenger side, I have been advised by my Volvo dealer, the socket itself is bad and the hazard warning flasher (which controls the 4 way flashers and the turn signals) is fine.

Does anybody have any thoughts on what could be causing this problem? Thanks to all who reply.

Hugh








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    “Fluttering” front driver’s side signal light - What to do? 850 1996

    posted by  KlausC on  Wed Oct 25 14:42 CST 2017
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    last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
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    Probable user error. Hi, Hugh!

    If the bulb doesn't light, check the plug and make sure either end didn't push the pins out of whack. Then try scraping the ground for the plug (in the assembly) to get a cleaner contact.
    --
    Keeping it running is better than buying new








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      “Fluttering” front driver’s side signal light - What to do? 850 1996

      posted by  Hugh on  Wed Oct 25 18:19 CST 2017
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      last visit: Fri Oct 24 09:47 CST 2014
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      Klaus,

      The bulb in the front direction lamp (passenger side) does light, but it flashes at an excessive rate. That’s why I thought a bulb was burned out, because from prior experience, that excessive fast flashing of the turn signal was indicative of a burned out bulb. I did plug and re-plug the socket the lamp housing and it was secure. I also cleaned the bulb and the contacts where the bulb fits into the socket, to no avail.

      I sort of hope I have a faulty socket and not a defective hazard warning light switch, because Volvo doesn’t sell them anymore.

      Hugh








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        “Fluttering” front driver’s side signal light - What to do? 850 1996

        posted by  james_a_sousa on  Wed Oct 25 19:53 CST 2017
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        last visit: Thu Oct 23 18:51 CST 2014
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        Try adding a ground wire in addition to the existing one. I often start trouble shooting by running power and a ground directly to the suspected device, this can save a lot of time.

        In my 544, I carry several pieces of wire with a couple of different terminations, I have some spare connectors and alligator clips for trouble shooting and temporary wiring fixes. I also carry a terminal crimper. A couple of my wires can reach anything electrical.

        A tip, when I started to organize some of my scrap wire, one turn around a 1 pound metal coffee can is just about 1 foot - I coil my scrap wire and can count the loops to figure how long the wire is.

        You can even fuse some of the wires by cutting the wire, add 2 female spade connectors and using a spade terminal fuse.







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