First problem

[FrankM83]

Today while driving I noticed the indicators were not working! went home and since I suspected it was from the flasher unit I replaced the flasher unit with another flasher unit I had in the garage, this was different from the one fitted on the van, but the indicators worked although very fast and the bulb on the switch was not working. Why is this?

[PSL184]

If the connection back to the switch ("P" I think) is different, the stalk won't flash. Also the unit could be designed for 6 flashers rather than 4 which would make it flash quicker on the Minor.....

[mike.perry]

Are you sure that all your indicators are still working? A rapid flashing and no warning light is usually a sign of a bulb not working , co-incidence and all that.

[FrankM83]

HI got a spare flasher which I had running around and replaced it instead of the one which made the indicators flash faster, this worked for a while and stopped again, noticed the fuse was blown so I replaced the fuse and it blew again! replaced the flasher with another new one and had the same problem it blew the fuse, so I am stuck with the flasher unit which makes the indicators flash fast! what's wrong please? the flasher I have are V12 42W

basically the problem I have now is that when I put the igntion on the flasher starts ticking a lot and the fuse blows! :S

[PSL184]

Check your wiring and make sure you don't have any shorts to earth - Does it blow the fuse when flashing either side or just 1 side ?

[FrankM83]

just when the ignition is turned on! even with the indicators off!

[PSL184]

Hmmmm. Disconnect the live feed to the can. If this stops the fuse blowing the can must be shorting to earth....

[FrankM83]

Ok going now! I'm presumin the live feed is the + (sorry im stupid when it comes to electrics)

[FrankM83]

just as you said! I remove the + wire from the flasher and nothign happened as soon as I connected it again the flasher started ticking! and blew the fuse!

[FrankM83]

sorry again what does shorting to earth means?

[bmcecosse]

Something seriously wrong with that flasher can - get another! The 'earth' of your vehicle is the body/chassis - it acts as the return path to the battery for all electric circuits on the Minor.

[PSL184]

Shorts to earth means that the positive power connection is not isolated from the earth (body) of the vehicle. It means the flasher can you have is faulty. It may be as simple as isolating the body of the can from the vehicle - ie rubber mounts or using a cable tie to attach it to something plastic (washer bottle etc), or you may have to take the can apart to isolate the circuit board from the body of the can with insulation tape. If you can get hold of an original flasher can then I am sure you wil not have any problems...

[FrankM83]

Thanks, well though that sort of helps it's still complicated as I replaced the can and still did it with another can while holding the replacment can in my hand! so that must have isolated the can from the car. Could it be switched over wires? as I already replaced 3 cans and all are doing the same, so I'm sort of excluding the cans.

and how do I recognise an original can? Thnks

[FrankM83]

OK so this morning managed to get a Lucas flasher unit, everything worked fine with it except when I switch the indicator there's noise "zzzkkkk" and the bulb on the steering column doesn't work. This is becoming more complicated than a modern's car ECU!

[FrankM83]

so indicators are working with the Lucas flasher unit, the only remaining problem is the bulb on the switch isn't! I'm stil suspecting it's coming from the flasher unit as it has something broken inside as when I shake it I here something rattling inside the unit, I am I right to assume this?

[PSL184]

Is the bulb working in the stalk? The can will come apart if you open the crimped bit up at the end to find out what is loose inside.....

[MarkyB]

Start by checking the wire from the flasher unit to the stalk bulb.
My bet is that the insulation has worn through somewhere and is touching the body (earth) somewhere.
Try running another wire to replace it and see what happens then.

[FrankM83]

Hi. no the bulb is not working just oreder 2 spare flashers from ESM by Lucas as I don't want to take the on I have apart and end up with nothing!


The indicator switch is new so I hope there isn't any wear, tested with the voltmeter there is no current coming to the bulb holder :S

[MarkyB]

Is there voltage on the spade that connects to the stalk light?
If there's none at the beginning there wont be any at the end.
Check for continuity between that wire and the body work.

[FrankM83]

Will check that many thanks