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First problem

Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 7:13 pm
by 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?

Re: First problem

Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 7:34 pm
by 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.....

Re: First problem

Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 9:38 pm
by 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.

Re: First problem

Posted: Thu May 13, 2010 7:01 pm
by 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

Re: First problem

Posted: Thu May 13, 2010 7:39 pm
by 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 ?

Re: First problem

Posted: Thu May 13, 2010 7:41 pm
by FrankM83
just when the ignition is turned on! even with the indicators off!

Re: First problem

Posted: Thu May 13, 2010 7:43 pm
by PSL184
Hmmmm. Disconnect the live feed to the can. If this stops the fuse blowing the can must be shorting to earth....

Re: First problem

Posted: Thu May 13, 2010 7:45 pm
by FrankM83
Ok going now! I'm presumin the live feed is the + (sorry im stupid when it comes to electrics)

Re: First problem

Posted: Thu May 13, 2010 7:49 pm
by 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!

Re: First problem

Posted: Thu May 13, 2010 8:04 pm
by FrankM83
sorry again what does shorting to earth means?

Re: First problem

Posted: Thu May 13, 2010 10:04 pm
by 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.

Re: First problem

Posted: Thu May 13, 2010 10:38 pm
by 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...

Re: First problem

Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 4:08 am
by 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

Re: First problem

Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 10:47 am
by 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!

Re: First problem

Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 5:59 pm
by 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?

Re: First problem

Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 7:10 pm
by 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.....

Re: First problem

Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 7:16 pm
by 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.

Re: First problem

Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 7:22 pm
by 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

Re: First problem

Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 7:30 pm
by 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.

Re: First problem

Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 7:31 pm
by FrankM83
Will check that many thanks