Hi All,

I’ve been having problems with the rear drivers’ side indicator not working. At first I thought it was a burnt out bulb. I removed the two rear light clusters and swapped the suspect bulb with the working one from the passenger side and it still didn’t. Whilst testing/experimenting with swapping bulbs etc I was using the hazard warning button on the dash to get the indicators to flash. I then went to put everything back as it was originally but noticed the little metal contact arm in the rear passenger bulb connector had partly snapped as I tried to put the bulb back in. I used some pliers to bend what was left of the arm into shape so that it now makes good contact with the base of the bulb. I then put everything back together and I’ve since noticed that now none of the indicators work at all. I’m getting nothing from using the stalks or the hazard button.

I’ve done some research which points towards the relay and/or hazard switch, which is a right old pain because I’ll have t order these parts from Germany as my local dealer doesn’t stock them. Any other ideas I should look into whilst I’m waiting for the parts to arrive?

Incidentally, the car just came back from the shop where it has been living for the past 6 weeks whilst I’ve had some other work done which included removing the engine and speedo/instrument cluster from the dash.

Thanks in advance.

 

Have you checked with a test light to make sure your getting power at harness= could be a bad wire or socket.

 

Thanks but what do you mean by a test light? I've swapped bulbs with one that works from the other side of the car.


I've just been to check over the car. First I found that the hazard fuse had blown. I found a 7.5v fuse in there when the fuse diagram states it should have been a 15v fuse. I then checked the indicators again but still the rear drivers side does not work. I then looked at the relay. Although I didn't remove it I could hear it clicking and when I touched it you could feel it clicking. I also took out the hazard switch and cleaned it up but this hasn't made any difference either.

 

A test light is a tool with a light on end that will indicate whether or not 12v is present . Check where harnesses connects and at socket. You can get a test light at any parts store.

 

Thanks, I have a multimeter, so I'll check it later.

 

Yes that will do the trick I like the test light as its quick.

 

mat, theres a 30+ page on blinker failure issues and the fix is bending back the tabs and they also arc and get fused together. i tried to find it quickly was not able. if i were you id do a thorough search in here for the huge thread. it has solved many of "our" faulty blinker issues, incl mine. GL.. and search or google search and the thread might come up.

 

Thanks for that.

However, I had another look at it today with my multimeter. Didn't get anywhere but then started having a good look through the engine bay to see if I could spot anything. Noticed an odd smell and then noticed some rodent droppings. I then noticed that as you peer into the engine bay on the right hand side, over towards the wheel arch behind the passenger light cluster, there were some exposed wires. Looking more closely these look to have been nibbled at and chewed through by some sort of rodent.

The car was at my garage for several weeks getting some other work done before I noticed the issue so I think I've found the cause. Deep joy. Probably requires a new lighting harness or a repair of some sort.

Going back to the garage for a repair. I'll keep you posted!

 

Happy you found potential problem, after checking fuse the first thing I do with an electrical issue is check for power at furthest point and work my way back following wires/harness connections etc.

 

rodents eating thru wires are common enough and could well be the cause. good luck