Turn Signal/Hazard Flasher System - Erratic Operation

Group 61
Electrical

Bulletin Number
61 06 94 (4069)

Woodcliff Lake, NJ
December 1994
Product Engineering

SUBJECT:
Malfunction of Turn Signal and Hazard Flasher System

MODELS:
3 Series (E36), 5 Series (E34), 7 Series (E32), and 8 Series (E31)

Situation:
The following malfunctions of the turn signal/hazard flasher system may be sporadically encountered:

^ Hazard flashers switch themselves on for approximately 10 seconds.

^ When switching on a turn signal, the turn signals blink at twice the normal frequency.

^ Continuous illumination of the turn signals when a turn signal is switched on (no blinking).

Cause:
Rapid temperature fluctuations can cause condensation to form on the printed circuit board of the hazard flasher relay. This moisture can lead to short circuits between electronic components, causing the above-mentioned complaints.

Vehicles Affected:
All E31, E32, E34, and E36 vehicles equipped with a hazard flasher relay produced by Wehrle, TRW, or Elektroautomation. During March 1994 production, a hazard flasher relay produced by Siemens was introduced in series production. This hazard flasher relay has improved resistance to condensation and resultant complaints.





Correction:
If the above-mentioned customer complaints are encountered, the hazard flasher relay should be replaced by one produced by Siemens (see illustration).

Note:
The aforementioned complaints can also be caused by other factors, such as defective fuses, short circuits, faulty connections, or defective bulbs. Verify that all bulbs are functional before checking the manufacturer of the hazard flasher relay (hazard flasher relay is located in the front Power Distribution Box), and replacing it if necessary.

Parts Information:
Part Number Description
61 36 1 388 547 Hazard Flasher Relay

Warranty Information:
Parts and labor are reimbursable under the terms of the applicable BMW New Car Limited Warranty.

Defect Code: 61 31 32 79 00

Main Work Associated Work
Labor Operation: 61 31 465 61 31 980
Labor Allowance: See appropriate See appropriate
Flat Rate Manual Flat Rate Manual

NOTE:

Main Work: Use this labor operation number when the only repair performed is the listed warranty repair.

Associated Work: Use this labor operation number when other repairs or services are performed along with the listed warranty repair.

Under no circumstances should both labor operation numbers be claimed.