Volvo 850 Made from 1993 to 1997, this Volvo line was available in both a wagon and a sedan, both with were graced with several trim levels.

Turn signal dies when headlights on

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Old 10-24-2008, 11:49 AM
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Default Turn signal dies when headlights on

The car is a 94 850 Turbo Wagon. When the headlights are off, the turn signals work fine, however when I turn the headlights on the passenger turn signals are steadily lit, they don't turn off or blink at all. There was a post several years ago with the same year car and same exact problem, but there was never a follow up on what the problem was. The last suggestion was to find the ground, but I have tried that without success, the wires branch off so many times that I couldn't trace them back to anything. Any suggestions? I've got to get the car inspected this month, so I'd like to figure this out ASAP!


 
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Old 10-24-2008, 12:18 PM
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Default RE: Turn signal dies when headlights on

Sorry not off hand. The 2 wires have to be touching for the blinker and turn signal.
Also try swapping the socket assembly from one side to the other to make sure it isn't in the socket.
 
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Old 10-24-2008, 07:38 PM
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Default RE: Turn signal dies when headlights on

Try jiggling the key the next time that it happens. A bad electrical portion of the ignition switch often causes similar problems.

...Lee
 
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Old 10-25-2008, 10:01 AM
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Default RE: Turn signal dies when headlights on

I agree with all of the above, but would like to add that you check for chaffed wiring. For some reason the headlight circuit is powering the turn signals as well
 
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Old 10-27-2008, 04:57 PM
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Default RE: Turn signal dies when headlights on

Just wanted to follow up and let you all know the culprit was the socket assembly. Not sure how it could become faulty, but I switched to the other side and then that side had the same symptoms.
 
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Old 10-27-2008, 05:01 PM
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Default RE: Turn signal dies when headlights on

Glad you figured it out.
 
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Old 10-28-2008, 08:55 AM
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Default RE: Turn signal dies when headlights on

Congrats on solving the issue. Score another one for Tech <grin>
 
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Old 10-28-2008, 01:56 PM
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Default RE: Turn signal dies when headlights on

Update #2. Well you were all wrong![&:] I got a brand new socket, put it in, and the turn signal still didn't work with the headlights on. Switched to the other side and same thing. Well, I decided to look at the bulbs and sure enough, the one that wasn't working has one contact at the base, where as the working one has two! Now I looked up this bulb at the parts store, and I bought the one that was recommended, so they are wrong, perhaps it's because it's a 94 and maybe there are two types of bulbs used in that year? Don't know why I never thought to look at this before, I had replaced the bulb when it got broken due to the wreck, so I had thought the issue was wiring related, never thought the parts store sold me the wrong bulb
 
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Old 10-28-2008, 02:28 PM
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Default RE: Turn signal dies when headlights on

Ok then glad now all in all it is fixed.
 
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Old 10-29-2008, 09:20 AM
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Default RE: Turn signal dies when headlights on

Well, I'm glad it is fixed for sure now, but I admit, I am embarrassed. I never thought about the bulb itself, and I am always the one shouting to try the simple stuff first *sigh* Live and learn.
 
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Old 10-29-2008, 10:47 AM
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Default RE: Turn signal dies when headlights on

ORIGINAL: Psaboic

Well, Im glad it is fixed for sure now, but I admit, I am embarrassed. I never thought about the bulb itself, and I am always the one shouting to try the simple stuff first *sigh* Live and learn.
Humility is a good thing. if youre not learning, youre not living.

Hey, nouw youzis learneded. [sm=smiley20.gif]

[sm=icon_cheers.gif]
 
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Old 10-30-2008, 08:47 AM
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Default RE: Turn signal dies when headlights on

Yep, I is now learneded <grin>
 
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