irrational indicators.. now slow indicators

[james.ed]

hi all,

can anyone help me get my indicator flashing timing back to normal. when i got my moggy the indicators flashed on and off with a nice 'normal car' rhythm. a few months ago they decided to flash slight more erratically. they'd be fine, then they'd refuse to flash remaining just on, then they'd be back flashing. then the left hand indicator started flashing alittle faster than it should and so on..

all the bulbs are working so i guessed a broken flasher unit. new one installed and i now have a flashing lights. my only issue is the timing is so slow. i flick the lever and the green light stays on for about three secs before a very quick flash off followed by two seconds followed by a very quick flash off.. and so on. so its fixed but its not the dream indicator i had hoped for.. and suggestions. perhaps its the freezing cold day we've had stopping the relay working properly? the replacement relay is a lucas type with the screw fittings supplied (but removed as i have a 1000). I was told these type are more reliable than the troublesome 'just spade' relays available out there.

any help would be great.. although its not urgent as i have got my moggy through its first MOT today pass for another year

[mogbob]

James

"Flashing too slow " could be...wrong wattage bulbs,very bad contacts at bulbs, old and worn wiring with too much resisitance or faulty wiring, a faulty flasher unit.

In your shoes, I'd check the contacts at the bulb holders first and then work through the wiring system.Remove bulbs ( same wattage each side ? ) and connectors and clean with emery paper/ wire wool ( whatever you have to hand ) .Replace and make sure your the connenction feels firm, gently squeezing if loose.
Fingers crossed it's easily traced.Go for the rusty corner first.Good luck.
Bob

[mike.perry]

There is a difference in the flash rate between flashers. My system uses a flasher unit for each side and one side flashes faster than the other. The legal range is from 60 to 120 flashes per minute.

[beero]

I would check the earthing points first and also all the bullet connectors. You can clean the bullets but the sleeves rust and it is best to replace them.

[james.ed]

thanks for the advice.. i'll check it out as soon as i get a spare five mins. its not affecting my driving as both lights still flash.. just alittle slower than i'd expect. i'll let you know what the problem when i find out!

[bmcecosse]

It shouldn't have passed the MOT with that flash rate! Try another flasher unit.........

[james.ed]

thought i'd give you an update.. the problems almost fixed! I removed the right front indicator and found the inside of the light covered in gunk and rust, and some very rust screws. cleaned it up and sorted the rust, got the screws sanded as best i could, and problem seems to be fixed (almost). think i'll need some new screws to get a firm earth through the bodywork.

thanks for the help