Turn signals just quit on our 2001 S40... pulled out fuse #6 (listed in manual as turn signals) and it looked fine, switched it for the reserve fuse anyway, still no signals. No noise or lights.

Everything else appears to be working - headlights, brake lights, cruise control etc.

If it was the turn signal switch, cruise control would also be broken right (had that happen on the S70 a few years ago)?

Any ideas?

The hazard light button contains the relay for the turn signals as well. Do the flashers still work with the car off? If not, the relay inside may have seized up and you'll need a new switch. Pull the button out and whack it on something and you may get it to work again until you get a new one.

Not sure if this is a problem on the -40 series cars, but it's a common problem with the 850/-70 cars. The electrical contacts in the ignition switch begin to get loose, and sometimes jiggling the key will solve the problem of things not starting up. I doubt this is your issue though, as your headlights and everything else are working.

I didn't think of testing the flashers - tested everything else, my husband just drove it in to work (using hand signals for turns LOL) and confirmed that cruise is working.

Last week, I had to remove the center console (and seats etc, disconnected battery) when removing the the carpet to dry it (long story, sunroof was not closed all the way), and just read this on a parts description:

"2001 S40 The flasher is located somewhere under the ashtray in the middle of the console."

So if the hazards are out, chances are it is the "flasher unit" under the ashtray - maybe I forgot to plug something back in. Do you know what part the above quote is referring to?

...who said that?

In a 2002, it's right at the top of the dash there, not under the ashtray.

http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/vehicle-pictures/2002/volvo/40-series/02904101990006-480.jpg

The whole switch pulls out, and contains the switch and the turn signal relay.

Someone described how to remove the switch here:
http://www.justanswer.com/questions/1189k-2000-volvo-s40-turn-signal-problem-sporatically

Ignore the person that is confused about the under-dash relay.

Hope this helps!

That is very helpful thanks! Yes the post was on an "expert answers" site that came up when i searched, sounds like they don't know Volvos.

So, husband just called to say the signals are working again, he didn't do anything (hasn't even tested the hazards yet). There were never any codes or warning lights BTW. So it sounds like something intermittent like a faulty switch. Seems like these are the likely candidates:

1. turn signal switch on the steering colum (however cruise control was still working when signals were not, so seems unlikely)

2. flasher relay, which is apparently in the driver's leg area, not sure if this could cause intermittent problems. Part is only $40 from dealer but they have to order

3. hazard switch - read on another forum this can become corroded and can be cleaned up or replaced

4. some complicated computer problem, hope that's not it.

Water is the most common problem if it continues to work I'd say problem solved

You forgot the obvious: rain water leaked into the hazard switch (which is also the relay) and kept it from working. When it dried out, fixed!!

Klaus
--
Proud owner of a 220S. If I had more room, I would have more Volvos.

That could be - but the lights were working all weekend I am pretty sure, after I replaced the carpet- so if anything they should have been more dry today than the past few days... I just couldn't remember for sure if they'd been working but I think we would have noticed. In fact i think they were working in the morning today too. I guess I will wait and see if it happens again!