fast turn signal

[676cyl]

Hi. I wonder if someone could lead me in the right direction.
I have a 2003 2.0l bug.
Yesterday the left turn signal started flashing really fast (when I put it on).
Is the flasher unit about to "go" ?
If so how do I replace it.
Thanks.

[from Margaritaville...]

Have you checked ALL of your left turn signal lamps (including the one at the mirror)?

[kcfoxie]

Even if they are all flashing, the problem may be connection. Take the bulbs out and use some electrical grease (dielectic grease I think its called) and coat the ends of the bulb connectors with it and reinstall. I had to do this to my right turn signals on my 2002!

[Dorado]

The flasher relay should be OK. Faster flashing is the way the bug tells you that one of the bulbs is out. Check the signal light bulbs and replace them. You just need a screwdriver to get to the bulbs. The new bulbs will cost about $2 a pair or so. Can't be easier.

Do not touch the new bulbs with your fingers. use a paper towel.

Before you install the new bults, spray and clean the electrical contacts with some WD40 or dielectric grease.

And since you you will likely get two new bulbs packaged as a pair, go ahead and replace both sides while you're at it.

Enjoy!

[676cyl]

Hi...just a follow-up.
It seemed to be the drivers front signal bulb. Replaced both and put bulb grease on each. Seemed Ok until I went around the block. It went back to its old trick. I tapped on it and voila it worked....connection loose !
Thanks for the help.

[from Margaritaville...]

Good job there and thanks for getting back to all of us with the results...

[Mr.Yellow]

yeah almost always its just a light bulb that went out.

[pencilneck]

VW released a tech bulletin or something to that effect about this. The issue is with the front bulb holders, they end up making crappy contact with the bulb. The front turn signals will still work, but it thoughs out the whole yen/yang thing with the bulb wattage and hazard switch asm, thus fast blinky bulbs. 99% of the time you can whack the turn signal lens asm with your fist and "correct" the issue. VW has an updated design for the bulb holder.

[dwtruland]

I have a cracked front turn signal lens on my '98 and even with new bulbs, when the water gets in there it loses the connection, on and off. I'm now trying packing tape over the crack. Seems to work so far.

[OkieBeetle]

Sorry for the necrobump but this is the thread that saved me. LOL

Passenger front flasher was burned out. When I pulled the assembly out it was about half full of water. Two summers ago our bug was totaled in a hail storm and the lens cover was cracked at the top. I can't believe this problem didn't occur sooner.

Anyway, after replacing the bulb it was still flashing fast. So I came here and found this thread.

I have a tip that might help. After reading about the poor contact situation it hit me. When I was messing with the bulbs I noticed that there wasn't much resistance from the contacts. So I took a twist tie that was in good shape with all its plastic covering and folded it in half creating a hook and used it to pull up on the contacts. Also used the wd40 as suggested. No more embarrassing annoying flasher.

Just wanted to say thanks. I haven't been here in almost four years and after about ten mintues newbeetle.org comes through.