In two years (or more) of trying to figure out why my turn signal
indicator doesn't work in my 83 vanagon, I think I have narrowed
things down to the fact that there must be differences between 83 and
82 instruments and the larger electrical system into which the
instruments fit.

I swapped a really nice 82 cluster into my 83 several years ago,
changing out only the gas gauge to the more accurate 83 I had and of
course the 4-speed speedometer unit with the 5-speed 83 with the
correct shift point and mileage.

According to my notes, that's when the TS indicator stopped working.

What should I be looking to change?

Thanks,

Jim