How to test turn signal switch

[767Jockey]

I have a VW turnsignal switch in my car, it's a 3 wire switch, and it also has a dimmer built into the back side of the signal lever, and this has two wires for it. Can anyone tell me how I can test this turn signal switch and the dimmer switch as well on the workbench before I install it? It's removed from the car now, and I want to make sure it works before I install it. Please keep it simple as I am an electrical zero!
Is there a better switch for me to use that is more original looking?

[computerworks]

Originally Posted by 767Jockey

Is there a better switch for me to use that is more original looking?

Nope...that is the one used on the real guys.

Easy to test with some continuity tester, like a simple ohmmeter or low-voltage test lamp.

The three wire set is the directional...one wire is the "wiper" that will connect to one of the other leads in one position and the other in the converse position.

Test for continuity in each position; i.e., the center lead will be shorted to one wire in either position.

The button is just a momentary-contact switch that shorts the 2-wire pair together when pressed.

[767Jockey]

OK, I've got five wires coming out of this thing. Two are fairly thin and are both brown. I assume they are likely the momentary switch wires for the button located behind the signal stalk. The other three wires are heavier. Two of them are identical, both are black with a white stripe. The other one is the same thickness, but plain black in color. I am assuming that the black one is the common, or "wiper" as Ron calls it. The other two must be what will become the Left and Right signal depending on which I hook up to each individual side, no? Does this kind of make sense you electrically savvy guys?

One last question, if I remember correctly, in the originals, wasn't the signal switch installed bass ackwards, with the stalk pointing toward the passenger side rather than the drivers door side as is standard here in the US?

[computerworks]

Originally Posted by 767Jockey

One last question, if I remember correctly, in the originals, wasn't the signal switch installed bass ackwards, with the stalk pointing toward the passenger side rather than the drivers door side as is standard here in the US?

Yes, it points inward.

Sounds like you described the wiring as it is.

[767Jockey]

Thanks, Ron!

[Rick 427 Cobra]

A true VW switch will have 5 wires
black/white/green- feed from turn relay
black/white- left turn
black/green- right turn
tan- ground for hi/low beam relay (on the stalk)
tan- horn ground (brass finger contact on switch)
the column it's self must be grounded to the chassis to complete the circuit for the grounds.

[strictlypersonl]

This will help some.
http://erareplicas.com/427man/wiring/signal.htm

and for basic wiring:
http://erareplicas.com/427man/wiring/wprimer.pdf