Indicators

[rreems]

Hi I'm a new member and restoring 1968 4 door minor just one problem with my indicators.
They all work until I turn the main headlights on, the left hand indicator will work but not the right one! The indicator bilb front and back are on all the time, If I keep the headlights on and put the main beam on the right one will work! Can someone help please?
Thanks
Richard

[amgrave]

Sounds like an earth problem to me. Sounds weird I know but the lights share the earth so when the headlights are turned on they are pinching most of the earth available. Find the earth points for the lights and give them a good clean up, hopefully I am right and doing that will solve the problem.

[bmcecosse]

As above - it is an earth problem - the headlights are 'finding earth' back through the indicators.

[rreems]

Hi guys
Thanks for the advice, I'll let you know how it goes!
Richard

[mike.perry]

The headlights and indicator/sidelight units have separate earth cables. Check the bullet connectors where the earth cables join.
Is the wiring original ?

[rreems]

Hi I really appreciate your expertise, electrics isn't one of my strong points!
the wiring looks pretty original with old style cloth type outer cable. It looks like the r/h headlight is a sealed beam unit and the left hand has a bulb! I can only see one earth wire that goes straight to one pin of the sealed beam
Unit and secured next to the radiator cowl which I've buffed up and cleaned! If the indicators have Their own earth do you know where it's located? Is it one of the 2 wires that goes to the indicator?
Thanks Richard

[ManyMinors]

I don't know why you've been informed that the indicators have a separate earth cable. They do not. For an earth the side/flasher lamp simply relies on being screwed to the bodywork and this is perhaps where your problem lies. I agree that your troubles DO sound like an earth fault and you need to check/clean up all the earth points so remove the securing screws from the front lights and clean the mountings up. You could also try running an earth wire from the light base to earth somewhere on the car and see if this cures your problem?

[rreems]

Hi Many thanks for the advice, I'll check all the earthing points as suggested and take it from there

Thanks

Richard

[bmcecosse]

Does the problem only arise when the headlights are on - but not when only the side lights are on?

[rreems]

Hi all the indicators work it's only when I put the headlights on dipped beam that the R/H side indicator stays on permanently and won't flash, but if I put on main beam it works! very odd!
would value your advice

[rreems]

They work with the sidelights on but not dipped beam!

[bmcecosse]

And are both headlamps equally bright in both dip and main position? Could be the wires are wrongly connected on the back of the sealed beam headlamp.

[rreems]

The reflector on the left with the bulb in is poorcondition and wants replacing! I found 4 earth connections one in the boot, 1 for each headlamp and one connected under the flasher unit. I cleaned them all up but that hasn't solved the problem! I found a displaced wire on the r/h indicator which I've stripped and replaced, still hasn't solved the problem! Not sure what to do next!

[ManyMinors]

Have you done what I suggested in my earlier post? To check that the side/flasher lamps themselves are actually earthing? Removing and cleaning up the mounting screws? trying an additional earth wire to them?

[bmcecosse]

Have you corrected the wiring on the back of the sealed beam headlight ? Pretty sure that's where the problem lies.

[rreems]

Hi Many Minors--Yes I did what you suggested took the indicator off found one wire a bit frazzled so replaced this wire (Green in colour) cleaned up the indicator and tried a separate earth wire, but still no Joy! baffled!

Hi bmcocesse The indicators will all work with the sidelights on, when I put the headlights on Dipped beam the r/h won't work, but will work when I put the Main beam on! You also mentioned correcting the wiring on the back of the sealed beam unit, not sure how to tell it's incorrect, any advice? Thanks for your help guys really appreciate it

[SteveClem]

Decent local auto electricians aren't usually too expensive.

[bmcecosse]

Just move the wires around - limited choice - but earth is NOT the centre terminal of the trio, as many assume.

[rreems]

Hi will give it a go thanks, the earth is on the outside right terminal as you stand in front of the car

[bmcecosse]

Hmm -well that may be right (!)enough - no harm trying it on the left.