Help - all indicator lights come on at once!

[robdavis75]

Hello,

can anyone help? When i turn my indicator switch on (both left and right), all four indicators come on at once. I have replaced the flasher unit and checked all the wiring going into the switch. I presume it is some sort of earthing fault but i don't know where to start. Has anyone got any ideas on what might be causing it? Thanks, Rob

[twincamman]

That definitely sounds like an earthing problem. Start by looking at the earth on the control box (regulator). IIRC, the indicators, wipers, fuel gauge and regulator box all earth through a common point.

[robdavis75]

Thanks for the advice. Is it possible to have an earth fault in the control box that only affects the indicators?

[bmcecosse]

NO! Can't see how 'earth' could do this. There must be a short between the left/right wires - probably at the indicator switch - which is where they are closest. Is your car standard - or has anyone fitted 'hazards' to it ??

[mike.perry]

It will not be the flasher unit since the flasher is before the indicator switch which then selects left or right. The fault is most likely a short in the indicator switch.
I hope that you have not thrown away a perfectly good flasher unit

[robdavis75]

Thanks very much - bmcecosse and mike.perry for your comments. The switch is non-standard and the hazards are not factory fitted - the car is a 1957 that came new with trafficators. I have looked to replace the switch but, as it's non-standard, i have not seen a similar type to replace it - sounds like i need to! I attach a picture of the rear of the switch. Do you know where i can get a similar one?

Rob[frame][/frame]

[mike.perry]

I would suggest that you get the correect indicator switch for the car and if you wish to have the trafficators working at the same time there is a wiring diagram on the Series MM website under Tech.Info. http://seriesmm.mmoc.org.uk

[bmcecosse]

We really can't see what's going on there - looks like two switches ? Unless you know how to trace/unravel that lot out - I too suggest you go for a standard set-up and rewire as necessary.

[beero]

Is it a switch and a warning light? Looks like the wiring has been extended and they have not used the standard colours. As has been said, go back to a standard setup.

[mike.perry]

1. Is the switch a two way with a centre off position?
2. I don't understand why there are two reds connected together
3. You could be getting feedback through the warning light. Disconnect it then try.
4. The warning light should be connected to the P terminal of the flasher unit

[robdavis75]

All, it's a two way switch with a centre off position. There's also a flashing warning light that flashes when the switch is switched left or right. The two red wires are from the front and rear left indicators. The two black wires (just visible) are from front and rear right. The browns run to the flasher unit. Don't know if that info helps with a diagnosis? Rob

[mike.perry]

Where is the warning light wired to?

[beero]

To prove that the switch is at fault you can remove the wires from the switch, join the brown and red and see if one side flashes then join the brown and black and see if the other side flashes.

[bmcecosse]

As above - either wires are touching or the switch is faulty.