New turn signal switch not self cancelling/bright won't stay on

[mikeonthebike]

I just installed a new turn signal switch on my 72 Super. The old one was worn out. I bought it at the local VW supply store. CIP1 quality. It won't self cancel. There was a loose spring in the old one when I took it out. About 1 1/2 long and skinny. Kind of like an ink pen spring. Does it need to go somewhere? I read a post that sometimes when bought new the self cancel doesn't work. I can live with it but it would be nice to have if I can fix it.
Also, when I turn on brights they won't stay on unless I hold the switch back. This also happened with the old turn signal switch. And sometimes when I click on brights, the headlights go off then I have to switch on again and they work.
Is there another bright light switch I can replace?

[baldessariclan]

Unfortunately, if you search older Samba threads, you’ll find plenty of evidence and talk about current aftermarket turn signal switches not functioning correctly right out of the box, not cancelling after turns, and etc., etc. - they seem to be universally pretty crappy, for the most part. Some folks reported the turn signal switch available from Wolfsburg West working a little better, but thought I read at least a couple posts where those ones wouldn’t cancel either (?).

First thought would be to contact CIP1 and exchange for another new switch to try out and see if it works any better than the first one they sent you. And/or return the defective unit(s) for a refund (although I’ve had issues w/ them in the past for stuff like that - caveat emptor).

Another thought would be to try to clean & repair your original turn signal switch if possible. If it’s too far gone, then maybe search out another original German used switch to clean and repair instead - ? Just a couple ideas to think about...
_________________
1971 Standard Beetle — fairly stock / driver

baldessariclan -- often in error, never in doubt...

[mikeonthebike]

Thanks. I guess I'll live without the cancel. A lot less work than replacing.

Now if I can figure out why the high beams don't stay on. Those are more important to me.

[OldSchoolVW's]

I couldn't salvage the turn signal switch on my '69 ... plastic components were too brittle and easily broke during removal. Replaced it with the WW reproduction and so far it is working as it should (self canceling and high beam switch). I seem to recall that the self cancelling function worked best if the switch assembly was only tightened down just snug ... if too tight it seemed to prevent parts of the assembly from moving freely. The switch for my '69 is currently ~ $98 (I think I paid $70-something for it last year.) Pricey for sure, but worth it if it works. The one for your '72 can be found at:

https://www.wolfsburgwest.com/cart/DetailsList.cfm?ID=111953513F

This one is only $66 ... so perhaps not the same quality as the one I used. It might be worth asking them where they source it and how the quality compares to the ones they sell for other years.
_________________
Tom

"Following distance is proportional to IQ."

'63 Beetle Sedan
'69 Beetle Sunroof
'70 Beetle Sedan
'73 Type 3 Fastback

[Jimbug57]

I've purchased 3 turn signal switches for my 73 super over the last couple years. I would have purchased from Wolfsburg West, but they haven't been in stock for as long as I've been looking. The first one was purchased based on lowest price from Cip1 - junk. The second was an Empi from my regular guy here in Michigan - better, but still not usable.

The third one came from partsgeek. It actually works after some careful installation. Horn, blinkers, and high beam all work. It is branded "Volkswagon" (not Volkswagen) but is made in Mexico instead of China.

https://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/1972/volkswagen/...witch.html

That's what worked for me anyway - Jim
_________________
Repeat after me "I am smarter than metal!"

[KTPhil]

Likely the headlight relay is faulty or mis-wired.

[ashman40]

[doug bugg]

I had to buy three aftermarket switches before I got one that worked. I don't remember where I got it but I could dig up the paperwork on it.

[mikeonthebike]

Thanks for the advice. I'll take another look at everything this weekend.

[BUGGED11111]

Those aftermarket switches are very fussy about how they are tightened down with the 4 screws. One screw too tight in relation to the one across from it and it's not going to work. I've had switches where I needed to leave one screw untightened for the switch to cancel.
A bit like tensioning the head of a banjo.

[mwbrown42]

[clockworkbox]

[OldSchoolVW's]

[baldessariclan]

[OldSchoolVW's]

[baldessariclan]

[OldSchoolVW's]

[heimlich]

[baldessariclan]