I just purchased a nicely preserved 240 with a cornucopia of issues, large and small. Near the top of the list is non functioning turn signals. The flasher works, but no turn signals. I have good wiring diagrams, but tracing this circuit makes me painfully aware of my intellectual limitations. How is it that em. flashers work, but not turn signals? Any tips on tracing would be appreciated.

"How is it that em. flashers work, but not turn signals?"

Hi Dave,

It could be the most common reason, fuse 5 has some corrosion on the end of it. But there are other possibilities, in order of likelihood, the stalk switch in the column, the hazard switch itself, or, maybe not so low on the list these days, some wiring funny business perpetrated by an aspiring automotive electrician in the past.

The flashers are operated even if the key is not in, but the turn signals only work with the key on, so separate fuses.
--
Art Benstein near Baltimore

My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am.

To quote the great Moe Howard, "Am I dumb."
Never considered that one requires the key being on. Havent started on it yet, spent yesterday on brake leak at warning sensor under master cylinder, brake flush, and rear brake pad down to rotor.
Will check, in the order you suggest.
Thanks.
PS A guy that runs an auto electrical shop once told me, "I always look for the simple stuff first." Good advice.

Doesn't hurt to remove and insert all the fuses several times
. Most likely the last time connection was made was at the factory.

One more related suggestion. Sandpaper the fuse ends and contacts.
--
Will I buy another Volvo??? We'll see....

search out all grounds,,,I once had all the dash lights come on & it turned out all the grounds in the 4 corners were corroded

Wellll..... All of you guys have good suggestions.
I did some and will do them all.
1. I removed all fuses, sand papered the fuse holders and fuse ends.
2. I re installed the fuses.
Presto, turn signals work now. This car, like many old Volvos I have bought, has spare parts, fuses, relays, coolant temp sensor, ( Volvo, but from wrong year ) and much evidence of a shade tree previous owner. ( Just like me)
I now have non leaking brakes, turn signals that work, a semi clean interior, and new tires. Is already a pleasure to drive. When I finish my long list of minor issue repair, it will be a great car for years to com.

Thanks guys.