rayray
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• Memphis, TN, USA |
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• Registered on 2/10/2004 |
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• 4 posts |
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 Posted:5/10/2004 14:44 |
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Coming back from lunch signal lights went out on me. At work so haven't had an opportunity to troubleshoot yet. Has anyone experienced the same problem or have any ideas of where to start looking to resolve?
Any advice is greatly appreciated. |
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RS-TX
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• Little River, TX, USA |
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• Registered on 11/22/2002 |
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• 298 posts |
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Posted:5/10/2004 22:29 |
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Did you change the turn signal fluid recently? Sometimes going to synthetic will result in a gasket leak and loss of fluid, thereby burning up the bulbs. Synthetic TSF (Turn Signal Fluid) may result in a slight increase in performance and possibly bpm (blinks per minute), but to me it is false economy. If you are still running regular TSF and they went out it will be harder to diagnose. It could have become contaminated or your TSF filter may be clogged and it could have starved the bulbes of fluid. Most of us here are running a bypass filter system to help prevent this. There was a TSB out not long ago regarding the TSF sending unit. If you haven't had this replaced it could be your problem.
If none of the above applies to you I would check your fuse panel. Your owners manual will tell you which fuse does what. 
Rick
2004 VW Jetta TDI |
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Orf
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• Pittsburgh, PA, USA |
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• Registered on 8/29/2003 |
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• 143 posts |
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Posted:5/11/2004 07:57 |
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| Quote: | | Most of us here are running a bypass filter system to help prevent this. |
I have this, too. In an effort to increase the reliability of the turn signals, I also added a TSF cooler behind the radiator. To ensure cool air over the coils, I made a sort of "Ram Air" intake for the TSF cooler. The inlet is directly below the bumper, and is hardly noticable from the front. The ducting has smooth bends to provide laminar flow of the air to the cooler. I am considering making this mod available to everyone, but as I am making them in my garage, I will accept deposits on a first come, first served basis. Email me for details.
Apologies to Landyot. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery |
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LANDYOT
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• Subscriber since 11/23/2003 |
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• Newport News, VA, USA |
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• Registered on 7/15/2003 |
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• 1,110 posts |
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Posted:5/11/2004 12:06 |
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Don't worry. I'm flattered.
(I thought some of your verbiage sounded familiar. lol) |
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rayray
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• Memphis, TN, USA |
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• Registered on 2/10/2004 |
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• 4 posts |
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Posted:5/11/2004 13:46 |
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Thanks for the assistance guys. Was under the impression that there was a possible short somewhere in the wiring as the 20A fuse for the signal lights was blowing immediately upon insertion but after checking with a voltmeter and the process of elimination all roads lead to the multifunction switch underneath the instrument panel.
Regardless, it's covered under warranty so I dropped her off at the dealership today. Was hoping it would be a quick and easy fix. |
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RS-TX
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• Little River, TX, USA |
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• Registered on 11/22/2002 |
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• 298 posts |
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Posted:5/11/2004 16:45 |
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| Quote: | I have this, too. In an effort to increase the reliability of the turn signals, I also added a TSF cooler behind the radiator. To ensure cool air over the coils, I made a sort of "Ram Air" intake for the TSF cooler. The inlet is directly below the bumper, and is hardly noticable from the front. The ducting has smooth bends to provide laminar flow of the air to the cooler. I am considering making this mod available to everyone, but as I am making them in my garage, I will accept deposits on a first come, first served basis. Email me for details.
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Sign me up for the very first one. After yours of course. You can't keep those bulbs cool enough. 
The theory is that if you use a high quality synthetic TSF and just change the filter you should be able to run for many many blinks before you have to change the bulb. I'm a bit skeptical about this and prefer to change my TSF per Ford's schedule.
Do you think that using synthetic would be a better way to go? I suppose it would dissipate the heat better than regular TSF. I'm sure that the Ram Air cooler set up will be a great mod. Keep us posted.
Rick
2004 VW Jetta TDI |
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MONGO
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• Sandwich, IL, USA |
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• Registered on 1/3/2003 |
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• 210 posts |
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Posted:5/11/2004 21:50 |
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You guy`s are killin` me. 
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Orf
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• Pittsburgh, PA, USA |
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• Registered on 8/29/2003 |
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• 143 posts |
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Posted:5/12/2004 13:20 |
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| Quote: | Sign me up for the very first one. After yours of course. You can't keep those bulbs cool enough.
The theory is that if you use a high quality synthetic TSF and just change the filter you should be able to run for many many blinks before you have to change the bulb. I'm a bit skeptical about this and prefer to change my TSF per Ford's schedule.
Do you think that using synthetic would be a better way to go? I suppose it would dissipate the heat better than regular TSF. I'm sure that the Ram Air cooler set up will be a great mod. Keep us posted. |
I don't disagree that the synthetic TSF will increase buld life. The synthetic not only dissipates the heat, but it doesn't break down like organic based TSF. I feel safe going on the record as saying that synthetic TSF is a must.
One interesting side effect I noticed with my TSF cooler was an increase in rear bulb Hp (halogen power - I upgraded to halogen bulbs). Initially, I thought it was like all those other mods that promise increased Hp, but never back it up with scientific proof. The first time I signaled for a turn with the TSF cooler installed, my "butt dyno" told me there was a little something more in those bulbs. After about a week of driving, I thought I'd take it to the local speed shop for a dyno run.
For the first two runs, I blocked the ram air opening and the Hp curve was the same as the stock curve published in the Ford manuals. The next two runs I opened 'er up and added a large floor fan to simulate 60 mph air flow. What a shock. Not only was the max Hp considerably higher, but the Hp curve jumped right up and stayed flat throughout the different fan settings. It proves that the cooler increases the stock Hp, even at the slower speeds around town.
I was thinking of sending my results to the NASCAR headquarters, then I realized they don't have turn signals. Maybe the SCCA will be interested.
Geez. Do I have too much time on my hands, or what? |
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RS-TX
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• Little River, TX, USA |
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• Registered on 11/22/2002 |
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• 298 posts |
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Posted:5/12/2004 13:51 |
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Orf, you are undoubtably THE MAN! I've never known anyone who had more interest in turn signal performance. I've always been interested but never made the jump to a true enthusiast. You have inspired me.
I've decided to raid the kids college funds (they are smart, they'll get scholarships) and go with HID turn signals all around. I'm also going to install a twin turbo/intercooler setup to give me the ultimate in bulb cooling and power. Your Ram Air setup will be an ideal mod. I would be interested in having two intakes, one on each side of the X. I plan on dumping the regular TSF and putting in straight synthetic from now on. Of course I'll probably need to get rid of the steel fluid pan and put in a finned aluminum one to increase the cooling. My goal is to have the ultimate in turn signal performance AND reliability. As soon as I get this done I will go to the local dyno shop and post my results. Can't wait! 
Rick
2004 VW Jetta TDI |
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Orf
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• Pittsburgh, PA, USA |
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• Registered on 8/29/2003 |
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• 143 posts |
• 1
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Posted:5/12/2004 14:05 |
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Just to throw some fuel on the fire:
I'm tinkering with Ferrari style quarter panel scoops for the rear bulbs. My concern is that the location would have to be behind the wheel well, and I'm afraid that it would look just plain stupid. |
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