Indicator relay problem

Hi,

I had one of my Octavias parked in the garage for a little over 4 months. After bringing it back to life, I found out that the blinker relay had seen better days: still worked in hazard mode but not for the turn signal.

Being so, I took the switch out, dismantled it and applied contact cleaner thoroughly in hopes that it would solve the problem. Unfortunately, it was beyond recovery. Truth be told, the contacts looked perfect and the contact cleaner made no visible difference; the problem was, most probably, in the relay itself, which is inside the switch. I could have done some more dismantling, but thought that for the cost of a new one (10€) it would be a waste of time.

I leave some photos of the procedure, as it's always worth trying before buying a new switch/relay.

1. Start by gently pulling out the switch cover, with a small screwdriver, exerting force evenly on both sides, alternately. 

2. Gently pull out the switch/relay. What worked better for me was to do the bottom first, 1 ou 2 mm, and then, close to the top, another 1 or 2 mm, repeating the process until it was out enough to pe pulled by hand. Unplug the electrical connector.

      3. Once out, start by detaching the red triangle. In its outer position the 2 clips that hold it to the switch are easily visible and accessible.

4. To separate the case from the circuitry there are 2 clips on each side that need to be relieved. I used the little hole that is visible at the bottom of the case, below number 10, to insert a tiny screw driver, working on that side first.