Europa turn signal problem

[Mike Stobbe]

Is there anyone who can help me with a turn signal problem? My turn signals work, but so rapidly that it's better described as a "flicker". I've had all four lights out and apart, but the turn signal relay box is still original and undisturbed, so it's probably something that I've done at the four corners, and not the relay box. I've also heard that these relay boxes are NLS.

 

[equiprx]

Rapid flashing is probably a dead or dying flasher unit.
Usually some form of 'tin can' in the circuit.
Any replacement with similar amp rating and connections should do.

 

[DrEntropy]

Check and clean the ground wire connections, both at each of the light bezels and all the chassis points! If it's all four corners I'm betting there's a bad ground at the chassis.

 

[Mike Stobbe]

Thank you for your input. I think I've fixed the problem. I couldn't find fault with the grounds, and there was nothing to be done if the problem was within the flasher relay unit (except replacement), so I took a close look at the bulbs: common 1157 twin filiment bulbs of 32 watts for the turn signal. The service manual specifications call for 21 watts; not a common size but my auto parts store was able to special order them: #7528 bulbs. Changing all four bulbs slowed the flashing rate significantly. This makes sense: the 1157 bulbs were putting a bigger load on the resistance coil heating the bimetallic strip. This causes the bimetallic strip to heat up faster, opening the points faster, tripping the relay. The 7528 bulbs reduced this load, slowing down the cycle.

 

[DrEntropy]

I guess that's reasonable but I've not had the same issue with 1157 bulbs for decades. It sounds as if the flasher has gone limp. Which Europa? Renault or T/C? All the plastic cars I've owned or serviced have had a "standard" flasher relay, the three-prong can, grounded with the casing.

 

[Mike Stobbe]

This is a '73 TC car. The flasher relay unit is a black box, actually a steel rectangular box with 8 leads attached. I've been told they are NLS, but I haven't persued a replacement so I don't know if that's true or not. It includes both the turn signals as well as the hazard flashers. Took it on a tour today with the local British Car Club. All went well.

 

[Roger]

The relay unit box doesn't contain the flashers though. It controls the switching of the brake lights to indicators and back again.
There are 2 flashers, one for indicators and the other for hazards.

 

[Mike Stobbe]

I've just examined the wiring diagram, and you are correct, Roger. It all seems excessively complicated.