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V8 Saloon - Disappearing indicator warning light(s)

Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2018 6:12 pm
by classiclife
Hello.

I've noted on my V8 AUTO, but yet to investigate, that when selecting either right or left indicator the directional warning arrows flash once or twice and then dim to nothing; gives the impression they have run out of electrical feed or some connection is not stable enough to provide a constant flashing on the indicator warning lights.

There are likely to be a number of reasons, but before I go searching through loads of electrical gremlins, has any other owner experienced this ??

I've nothing to indicate (excuse the pun) that this is solely an AUTO transmission issue and may well have been experienced by owners of manual transmission vehicles.

Indicators front and rear work fine, it is just the warning indicators.

Interested to hear any related experience or views.

Thank you in advance.

Regards.

Richard.

Re: V8 Saloon - Disappearing indicator warning light(s)

Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2018 7:12 pm
by John-B
There was a topic on the old forum about dashboard indicator problems. Sometimes both lights showed. The cause was assumed to be modern Chinese flasher units.

When my car was restored both lights showed dimly and I told the restorer to find an old unit, British made, and that cured the problem.
http://archive.dloc.co.uk/forum/topic.a ... asher,unit

Try to find a used one and you may find it cures the problem.

Either that or trace an earthing problem behind the dashboard.

I hope that helps.

Re: V8 Saloon - Disappearing indicator warning light(s)

Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2018 8:00 pm
by classiclife
Hello John,

Many thanks for the advice and the link.

The flasher unit is certainly on my list of suspects to check and assess.

As you mentioned on the old Forum, unlikely to be the wiring but a poor earth is always worth considering.

Will update the thread in due course with progress and hopefully a result !!

Best wishes and have a great Xmas.

Richard.

Re: V8 Saloon - Disappearing indicator warning light(s)

Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2018 8:26 pm
by KV8
I don't think its the flasher unit as external indicators work OK.

I had similar problem a few years ago where indicators worked OK but internal "arrows" on steering column worked intermittently. As I remember I dismantled the assembly and cleaned every contact,connector, bulb holder etc. with wire wool until gleaming. Problem cured. 12V will baulk at traversing a relatively clean contact if there is far better contact to earth.

HTH

H

PS to Admin/Mods - this is second time of posting in similar vein. First attempt disappeared after Submit ( not in Drafts)

Re: V8 Saloon - Disappearing indicator warning light(s)

Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2018 10:01 pm
by classiclife
Hello H,

Many thanks for the advice and very useful indeed; I will certainly look at that when checking the system.

Best wishes and have a good Christmas.

Richard.

Re: V8 Saloon - Disappearing indicator warning light(s)

Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2018 7:30 am
by John-B
It is strange that in most cases where a problem is reported with the internal warning lights the main external indicator lights work brightly and properly. Perhaps it has something to do with the different resistance of the bulbs.

In my case (a Dart) the wiring loom was new and only the new flasher unit was changed for an old one, so I doubt that it was an earthing problem with the warning lights, although that is an obvious thing to check.

Re: V8 Saloon - Disappearing indicator warning light(s)

Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2019 7:31 am
by Clive
Hi Richard,

The console warning lights are on a separate circuit from the exterior indicator lights. First they operate from a separate set of contacts inside the flasher unit - these may have got dirty. Secondly there is a separate set of contacts in the turn switch, connecting either the left or right warning light to earth.

I would first check the turn switch contacts - they are copper and can oxidise. Next check the earth connection to the switch contacts. Lastly, suspect the flasher unit contacts. A voltmeter should tell you if they are opening/closing.

Clive.

Re: V8 Saloon - Disappearing indicator warning light(s)

Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2019 9:36 am
by classiclife
Hello Clive,

Many thanks for your reply and very useful info.

With the facts I now have to hand I am confident that the situation can be rectified -it's a job I will be undertaking later this month and will report back accordingly.

Best wishes.

Richard.