Indicators

[les]

Oh dear, Indicator stalk lifted to operate n/s indicators, one flash of the green bulb then nothing. Checked voltage in front and rear bulb holders and get 12 volts when the indicator switch calls for it but 12 volts constant rather than pulsing, rear bulb glows all the time and just gets brighter then dimmer rather than flashing. Swapped a spare flasher unit which made no difference, although I suppose it could be a dodgy spare. Any other possibilities offered please. The o/s works perfectly.

[aupickup]

try another can if you have one

[bmcecosse]

As you have shown - it's NOT the flasher - it is a wiring/earth/wrong wattage bulb problem.... Take the wires off the flasher and join them together just to prove to yourself the problem exists without the flasher! Further proof is if It works ok on the o/s - I assume it does? PS - It's NEVER the flasher.....

[POMMReg]

Are the idercators still working?

[bmcecosse]

[bmcecosse]

You don't tell us what the front bulb is doing - when the rear is glowing steadily and getting brighter...

[les]

Yes idercaters looking good. Indicators not so, o/s as it should be. Front n/s showing no to little voltage now and therefore no light. This problem occurred just as I was going for the Mot, so I was looking for the problem in a hurry. I dismantled the switch but that seemed ok, then I tried another bulb in the rear-----and everything worked! Went for the Mot and on the way back the n/s packed up again, this time the new bulb trick didn't work. I'm about to go through the wiring diagram now and start from scratch but ideas still welcome!

[POMMReg]

Sounds like the switch itself, does it work when extra pressure
applied? They DO wear.

Glad about the idercaters, don't think they're available from Minor
parts suppliers!

[les]

No, but I'm starting to think the same. I'll go through the circuit first. Although there is a connection through the switch which suggests it's ok.

[bmcecosse]

It's NOT the switch! Something wrong in the rear light - changing the bulb just temporarily made the connection - or 'unmade' the possible short circuit to the lighting circuit....... It may be trying to flash all the sidelights at the same time...... Look inside the rear light for the problem....

[les]

I joined all the flasher unit wires and all bulbs came on, even the green one on the stalk end. ( it didn't in normal mode prior to this test, when in n/s operating position) front n/s did not, though maybe contact problem there. Looking like the unit, to me. I took the rear lamp holder out, both wires look ok and not shorting or corroded, as new holder a month ago.

[bmcecosse]

Ok - so the problem is in that front n/s -is it the combined side/ind type? If so - does the sidelight work? Joining up the wires eliminates any worries about flasher - and switch........

[les]

Separate side light, with indicator lamp above. I've checked all the front wires, perhaps I'll give the base plate a really good clean. Thanks for help. It seems such a simple issue but I'm baffled!

[mike.perry]

The indicator warning light will only flash if the front and rear indicators are operating correctly as it requires a load of 2x21w to operate the flasher. You have a poor earth connection and the circuit is trying to find another earth.
Have you got fibreglass wings? Have you got a good black earth wire? Is the light unit rusty? Is the bulb fitted correctly? Have you checked the bulb with a test lead on the battery?

[les]

Steel wings, checked black wires, will be rechecking tomorrow. Light unit surface rust, next job to clean. Bulbs ok and fitted correctly. Does suggest a bad connection. Thanks for reply.

[les]

Latest news, fitted new flasher unit---situation now, switch down o/s front and rear, perfect. switch up n/s rear flashes at normal rate, maybe slightly brighter, front n/s nothing and no green switch light. Test meter between centre contact in front bulb holder and good earth, slight voltage only. Earth problem?

[POMMReg]

Have you tried unplugging the idercaters?

[les]

I was going to try that but couldn't find the instructions, you can't just unplug them sort of things.

[POMMReg]

Fitted to Maudsley Meritor's.

Haynes ISBN 25498766

[bmcecosse]

Can't be an earth problem - if you connect your meter to a good earth! There is obviously a wiring fault - probably a bad connection- in the cable running to that front sidelight!