What causes the turn signals not to light up when locking the Passat with the remote?
2 Answers
The reasons why the turn signals do not light up when locking the Passat with the remote include no power at the flasher relay's live wire terminal, whether the flasher relay is intact, and a faulty turn signal switch. No power at the live wire terminal: Check if there is power at the flasher relay's live wire terminal. If there is no power, inspect for any open circuit between the wire and the power source. If there is power, use a screwdriver to connect the two terminals of the flasher relay. If the turn signals light up, it indicates a fault with the flasher relay, which should be replaced promptly. Flasher relay: Open the flasher relay cover and check if the coil and resistor are intact. If the resistor heats up and the contacts fail to close, press the movable contact. If the turn signals light up, it indicates a fault with the relay, which should be replaced. Faulty turn signal switch: Use a screwdriver to connect the turn signal switch's live wire terminal to the left and right turn signal wire terminals separately. If the lights come on, it indicates a fault with the turn signal switch, which should be removed for repair or replacement.
I've had a similar experience with my Volkswagen. When remotely locking the car, the turn signals don't flash, which is most likely an issue with the turn signal lights themselves. The most common causes are aging or burnt-out bulbs, especially in older cars where filaments tend to break easily. Alternatively, a blown fuse could be the culprit—you can find and replace the relevant fuse in the engine compartment's fuse box. If these aren't the issues, loose connections or short circuits in the wiring are key suspects, such as moisture-induced oxidation causing poor contact. Additionally, the Passat's remote system's smart module can sometimes develop minor glitches, preventing the signal from reaching the turn signals. Faults in the wiper or headlight linkage systems might also indirectly affect this. Don't underestimate this problem—delaying repairs can lead to a failure in the lock confirmation signal, increasing the risk of theft. Checking bulbs and fuses yourself is practical, but for more complex issues, a computer diagnostic scan at a dealership is more reliable. It's also worth asking for advice in car owner groups.
