Indicator problem

[Donkeyoaty]

On the left hand side the indicator indicates at twice the normal speed. I have had this before with other cars and it normally is a sign of one indicator not working. In this case, all the indicators work. Sometimes it rectifies itself, but then goes back to its bad old ways. Could this be an earth problem ? or does it need a replacement unit? Any ideas. thanks.

 

[mrscalex]

It's quite probably a sign a bulb is on it's way out but still currently working. As the filament burns out the resistance changes and the speed is a tell-tale warning. Indicator bulbs are only a few pennies so I'd replace all 3 on that side.

 

[t-tony]

Definitely worth checking the earths on the nearside indicators also the bulbs and bulb holders too. Do the hazard light play up at the same time?

Tony.

 

[Donkeyoaty]

Thanks all for the useful comments. Today it went back to working properly...doh ! I will go around each light and clean and check on the connections as i am sure its just a temporary reprieve. I didn't think of trying the hazzards when it was playing up, but will do, if it plays up again. Also the bulb replacement. Thanks Frank

 

[Gremlin]

I had a similar problem on my left hand indicator. It turned out to be some one had sprayed all the connections with that silicon type water repellent stuff I had to cut at least 6 inches out of cable back from the bulb holder to solder a new piece of cable in because the silicon had tracked up the cable that far. I could not even solder it to bulb holder until I’d washed it off with brake cleaner. That stuff is a great insulater I found it by chance by checking for power at the plug in engine bay had power to that point but nothing at the bulb end.
It’s just a thought.

 

[Donkeyoaty]

Gremlin...that is interesting. About a year ago the front left hand indicator stopped working. I took it apart, cut back the earth and used silicone lubricant on the fixing screws and metal parts before re fixing. I think it was a bad earth and it has worked fine up until recently. Now its back to working alright again. Recently I opened up that indicator light, since that was the one that had given me trouble before, but could find nothing wrong with it. If it plays up again I will do what you did and keep away from the silicone around electrics ! Thanks

 

[Gremlin]

Gremlin...that is interesting. About a year ago the front left hand indicator stopped working. I took it apart, cut back the earth and used silicone lubricant on the fixing screws and metal parts before re fixing. I think it was a bad earth and it has worked fine up until recently. Now its back to working alright again. Recently I opened up that indicator light, since that was the one that had given me trouble before, but could find nothing wrong with it. If it plays up again I will do what you did and keep away from the silicone around electrics ! Thanks

Pleased to have been some help. As I said mine stopped working then worked then stopped all together so that’s when I really had to set on and trace the problem. You can tell if it is that by baring a bit of the cable back if it’s a black colour instead of bright copper in colour that’s probably what it is. And as I say you will need to keep cutting back until you find good copper wire or you can’t solder it and if you use a connector you still need good wire.
Good luck.
Roger
P.s mine was the earth the one that goes to the outside of bulb holder not the centre pin for bulb.