Indicator problem

[Baggie406]

Hello everyone,

I've done a quick search but couldn't find anything similar... hope I'm not going over old ground here

My indicator stalk has started playing up a little. Left indicator is fine, headlights fine, main beams etc.. the only problem is when I indicate right.

If I press the stalk towards the instrument panel when I indicate right it works OK pretty much every time.

If I don't, I get one of 2 odd things - 1) I get a really fast clicking from the relay like the bulb has gone or 2) I get nothing at all with intermittent clicks every few seconds . In both occasions the indicator isn't lighting up and it's getting to the point now where it might be dangerous, as I'm manouvering without signalling!

Does anyone have any idea what this might be?

[mjb]

Hopefully you have a D8 or an early D9 without the COM2000. In this case your problem's probably the relay (which I believe also handles the flashing), or it could be the hazard light switch or the stalk itself. All of this is cheap and relatively easy to fix

If it's a COM2000 equipped car... Erk! But to be honest it doesn't sound like it is

[Baggie406]

I went to the trouble of asking what model my car was so I could include it in the question...then forgot to include it anyway. Total berk!

It is indeed a d8

would it be just a case of replacing the stalk with a scrapyard offering?

[teamster1975]

The stalk is a piece of cake to swap over on D8's/early D9's but from the sound of it I reckon the flasher unit is on its way out.
Actually having re-read your post you say it works most of the time when you push the stalk; that suggests a bad contact inside and if you're brave you can strip & clean it.

[Baggie406]

hi Teamster

I could attempt that, I'm no stranger to doing my own work...I had a Renault 5 GT Turbo for 5 years

I guess I'll have to get myself a haynes manual and track these components down. At least I know it's one of the simpler models and that I'm not looking at dealer only stuff !

thanks for the advice chaps.

[Doggy]

Actually having re-read your post you say it works most of the time when you push the stalk; that suggests a bad contact inside and if you're brave you can strip & clean it.

I took 1 of these apart
I put 0 of these back together
I believe it is the solemn duty of each 406 owner to prevent at least one of these going for landfill by 'rescuing' from your local scrappy

[teamster1975]

I took 1 of these apart
I put 0 of these back together

Apart from losing a spring when I cracked it open I did manage to strip & repair mine. Fiddly but if you enjoy tinkering then go for it!

[mjb]

The lighting stalk is nearly the same on any non-COM2000 car, although there are differences with regards to the foglights (which may not exist) and the horn (which doesn't live there on D9s)

If the relay does indeed control the flashing, I think (from memory) it's located below the right-hand heater vent so its clicking is audible. You MAY be lucky enough to find it by pulling the panel off the side of the dashboard (door open, can't miss it) otherwise it's 3 torx screws at the top of the plastic instrument cluster surround, followed by some nervous tugging as you try to pull it out without snapping a silly little bit of plastic on a vent

[Baggie406]

thanks for the info guys

need to find a decent scrappie..haven't used one in years. I will try and get the lot in one go, then change things until I get a result.

I have the MOT coming up in January so I need to get stuff like this sorted out.

[teamster1975]

They sell new ones at Euros for £43, ebay is always a good bet as well.