Smoking Indicators!

[jackkelleher]

While driving recently, I discovered that when the indicator is switched on, something on the steering column under the Bakelite cover at the top smokes alarmingly (though only sometimes; often this does not happen). The Green and red wire has melted slightly where it is soldered to the switch, so I am guessing the fault is somewhere in this wire. What could it be?

[Rob_Jennings]

fault is more likely in the switch and is caused by poor contact. Most likely dirt and carbon deposits on the switch.

poor contact = higher resistance which will then heat up and this is transmitted back down the connector and melts the wire.

would require a new switch or the old one dismantled and clean throughly

[jackkelleher]

All right, thanks. I'll do that. Is it better to put a new one in or clean the old one? I have a pair of spare ones that I acquired by luck a while ago...

[jackkelleher]

Well, I cleaned it out, and discovered that the little brass/copper/whatever band that maintains contact with the centre while touching either the left or right contact depending on, of course, direction of pull (god it's hard to describe parts for which you don't know the name) was unseated from its little plastic holder on one side. I've replaced that back in its place; only the test of a drive on saturday will tell whether the problem is rectified...
I didn't bother to replace the unit, since both spares have damaged warning light holders (as does the one currently fitted, but it at least has enough thread left to hold a lens), and one of them is completely damaged, and needs a few parts putting back that have disappeared over time before I can restore it to running condition!

[moggyminor16]

i had this and found out that i had to replace the flasher unit (7 pounds) and replace a cable in teh loom from the stolk to the bullet conector

[jackkelleher]

Really? That doesn't bode well. I suppose £7 is a small price to pay for a roadworthy car...