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Post by jayjay on Aug 17, 2009 20:28:47 GMT
I thought it might be the bulb but I took the one that was working from the other side and put that in and that's not working either! My son says it might be the celluniod (sp?)  I've looked at (LOL) the wiring but I can't see anything wrong there. Traced it thru inside locker under the sink and nothing seems to be wrong there either. I'm sure I had this prob at the first meet at Wolverley and Martin fixed it with a pair of pliers I think? Can anyone give me a clue where to start? (or shall I just drive to somewhere and call the AA???  ) |
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paul
50+ posts.... 3 wheels on my wagon!
Posts: 54
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Post by paul on Aug 17, 2009 23:24:23 GMT
My son says it might be the celluniod (sp?) It's solenoid, but he probably means the flasher unit. If all of the other indicators are working then the flasher unit itself should be working OK, but I'd look first at the connections on it. If it was fixed before with a pair of pliers then it could well be a loose spade connector. Things such as flasher units have small blades sticking out and the corresponding wire has a spade connector on the end which is a sliding fit over the blade. Sometimes corrosion build up to spoil the connection, or the spade connector is a loose fit, or the wire comes loose from the spade connector (it can seem to be connected but it is only the insulation, not the conductor). A quick squeeze with a pair of pliers can often fix both of the last two. To find the flasher unit, put your indicators on and listen for it clicking in time with them going on and off. The connectors will often have a plastic cover over them for protection. Also, always remove by sliding the cover up the wire, then pulling on the connector - never pull the wire. Problems often become apparent because someone has previously pulled the wire and spoilt the connection. You can get a cheap tool from any motor accessory shop which tests where the electricity is getting to. It looks like a screwdriver but with a pointy end. There's a light bulb in the handle and a wire attached with a crocodile clip on the end. You connect the croc clip to an earth (on the battery is best), then prod about with the pointy end. The bulb lights up wherever there is an electricity supply so you can easily find breaks in a wire, bad connections and similar. |
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Post by yamaha on Aug 18, 2009 0:05:34 GMT
The first place I would investigate would be in the light unit itself.
Have a small screwdriver, and scrape the contacts that power the bulb - when you're sure there is no corrosion there, stick some vaseline on them.
Next to check would be the earth connection - double check connectors, bolts, and even the bodywork where the lamp unit bolts to - double check by using a short length of wire to a known good earth - and put the other end on the backplate of the lamp unit.
Failing that - get someone with a multimeter to check it is receiving power - after trying a brand new bulb in it.
Mike
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Post by ant on Aug 18, 2009 8:33:02 GMT
All that mike has said is good advice, I would just try the hazzard lights with no ignition on, then with the ignition on. If the dead light works with the hazzards without the ignition on but not with it on then the fault is not at the light end and is more likely to be a feed problem.
Ant
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Post by peterholden on Aug 18, 2009 8:40:35 GMT
It is a common problem on a lot of cars, Citroen Saxos are prone to it. It is usually a corrosion problem somewhere in the light fitting, often difficult to see. Check the other lights in the cluster because car electrics often find another route to earth. That is why sometimes on older fords when you follow them and they break other lights go out, fade or flash. Can often be a bit of a pain to solve but the good news is that it should not be costly
Peter
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Post by jayjay on Aug 18, 2009 10:06:00 GMT
Hi guys, thanks to all of you for the help! I will print this out, take to van and try everything, after first going to store and buying the gizmos you suggest - new light bulb, screwdriver with pointy end and maybe some new spade connectors. Then I'll have another go and report back!
Thanks again! JayJay:)
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Post by jayjay on Aug 19, 2009 9:39:42 GMT
Well I've got the gizmo thingy (pointy screwdriver) and I'm all set to go and have a go. Not many places to earth the thing on a fibreglass shell! I was going to do this yesterday but I left the lights on all night the night before last, when I first noticed the indicator wasn't working  by mistake (the sun was full on them and I couldn't see they were on, that's my excuse!) so I spent yesterday charging the battery so it would start... That's a big lesson learned. I got it going again and must have gone out at least 3 times to check I hadn't left the lights on again!  So now I'm back to fixing the indicator. Will report back later.  Oh, and putting the side panel back on... Can't get to the van battery without taking it off. I surprised myself by actually remembering how to use the socket set to undo the bolts.  |
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Post by jayjay on Aug 19, 2009 14:09:11 GMT
Can't even get this circuit tester to light up on anything! Can't seem to find a good earth anywhere. Must be doing something wrong there. Have tried all other suggestions, it's not the solenoid, it's not the feed, have tried cleaning, rewired a bit.... still not working, so I've called a man to come out and have a look. He should be arriving soon. Got a headache and a bad back now....  |
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Post by jayjay on Aug 20, 2009 7:42:10 GMT
quickie message to say it's fixed temporarily (he ran a new wire from live to van light, bypassing the problem). I have to get it fixed properly when I get back, but it's ok for now. So off I go tomorrow to the festival! Must restring my guitar - had enough of wires, but the job needs doing!
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Post by peterholden on Aug 20, 2009 15:54:40 GMT
Jayjay. I have replied to your post on UKcampsite
Peter
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