In 80-84 the grounding signal for the turn indicator is on pin 14 of the
14 pin connector. Being an end pin it is a more likely one to be
stressed and deformed when someone reaches in blind to line up and
insert the connector from behind. Likewise the blue foil contact strip
for it is more likely to suffer damage.

The 14 pin housing will open like a hinge after the end clips are pried
a little. Then any of the wires can be slid out and the pins inspected
and slightly tweaked if need be. The same pins were used on most 80 VW
clusters so a junkyard is a source to get a replacement wire stub with
good pin, to splice in for a damaged one.

With your history of led issues I would look down the edge opening and
see if some or all of your pins are tired and not protruding enough
above their guides. The black wire one is very important.

Mark

Jim Felder wrote:
> Problem found and solved, sort of...
>
> I did as mark directed and discovered that I could not make the led
> light come on even when jumpering from ground to the flasher as he
> said. Hmmm. Then it occurred to me that since I had tested the LED and
> the value of the resistor in line to it and carefully examined the
> foil circuit previously, and the indicator still would not work, then
> I figured the problem must lie in the connector. With the instrument
> cluster in the car, I reached behind the 14-pin connector and shifted
> it while the key was on and the signal lever was turned. The signals
> came on! If the connected is seated, they won't work. The connector
> must be pulled out very, very slightly and then the connection is
> made. All other leds and instruments seem to be working fine. ....