Turn Signal Won't Work

[alchemist]

The turn signal of my 1967 230Sl quit working, however the 4-way emergency flasher is still working. I read some of the topics discussed in the forum regarding the turn signal's problems and I understand that my car has 2 relays, the cylindrical one is for the turn signal and the second is for the emergency flasher. I am interested to know the diagnosis of my case. When I turn the lever up or down, the turn signal doesn't work nor I hear the ticking noise comes from the relay. The wiper works and the pump for the windshield washer works too. My question is this a relay problem or is it the turn signal lever problem? I understand that the cylindrical flasher relay is not available and there is a box looking electronic relay available. Is anyone has a source for the new relay? Thank you.

[Tyler S]

It could be a number of issues. The lever switch, flasher relay, hazard switch-(yes.. this going bad can cause an issue with the turn signals), loose pin at bulkhead connector etc.. Throwing parts at an issue like this could get costly.
First thing to rule out is the flasher relay. Unplug the connector and put a jumper wire between the 2 terminals with the colored wires. Not the brown wire!  Turn on the ignition and select left or right on the turn signal switch. The corresponding indicators should light but they will not flash. If they light then replace the flasher relay. If they dont light then move on to check the signal switch on the column.

[66andBlue]

If you want to test the turn signal switch first then you can follow the procedure shown here for the 280SL multifunction switch:
http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Electrical/SteeringColumnSwitch
I believe the color codes are the same for your 230SL but the pin connection may not be the same.
In any case, if you measure the resistance between the "black/white/green" wire and the "black/green" (= right) OR "black/white" (= left) wire you should see it going to Zero when you move the stick up or down.
Take a look at the photo: http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Electrical/Rheostat
it shows where these handshake connectors are located under the dash.

If the relay is bad and you want a costly NOS then I am sure Babak will be happy to sell you one:
http://www.vintageeuroparts.com/100335.html

Or you can buy a cheaper current one from AutohausAZ: http://www.autohausaz.com/search/product.aspx?sid=cpbqnjafoiche2fwkhndxe45&partnumber=0336150003
and change the wires over as described here:
http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Electrical/FlasherRelay
or here: http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=20569.

[alchemist]

Thank you Taylor and Alfred for your suggestions. The diagnosis was very direct and simple, the relay was at fault. It is interesting to note that when I disengaged the relay from the connector, I took the metal case out, cleaned its internal circuit with electrical cleaner, then connect it back without the case, it worked. Apparently, it's spring has elongated and it was touching the case. I am currently using it without the case until I get the new relay from Auto Hausa, AZ. I am planning to keep the old one and convert the new by soldering 3 pins taken from an old Mercedes relay to exactly fit the original connector in the car. I will report my procedure with pictures soon.