Analyzing Problem of Flasher Unit [warning lamp does not work]

[BN6_2197]

Gents,

I am facing a problem with the warning lamp of the flasher. When activating the flasher, the warning lamp works only now and then, mostly two or three times directly after activation of the flasher. The flasher lamps in the front and in the back of the car work reliable. I noticed that the flasher unit make hearable "clack clack" when the warning lamp is working while the "clack clack" is still there but hardly hearable when the warning lamp does not work. I have the impression that the input current of the flasher unit at input B is a little lower (about 10 Volt) when the lamp is not working.

Any idea how to analyze the problem before buying a new flasher unit? I assume that there might be a problem in the electric circuit rahter than in the unit.

Volker

 

[NutmegCT]

Volker - if the turn signals are working properly, and only the warning lamp isn't, then I'd say the warning lamp socket needs some cleaning. Actually, most likely *all* the lamp sockets need some cleaning.

I'd use fine sandpaper or steel wool inside the sockets. Also, clean the small bottom tip of each bulb. Turn signals operate due to "load" on the flasher, so if load is reduced due to corrosion, the signals, including the warning light, will be "ungeschickt".

Hope this helps.
Tom M.

 

[RAC68]

Hi All,

Sorry but what are you referring to as Flashers? Initially I thought you were referring to your turn signals but that was dismissed with Toms question separating turn signals from the flasher. Is it a separate unit you installed?

Ray(64BJ8P1)

 

[NutmegCT]

Ray - I think he means the panel indicator light.

 

[steveg]

Volker,
I had this problem on my BN6 and, after replacing a couple of the flasher units, it was evident the problem was in the flasher relay itself. Finally gave out after 60 years.

I rebuilt it using modern relays per Jean Caron's method and as inspired by Ray (Rac68). Foam holds relays tight inside cover.

Also suggest use of rivet nuts for upper two screws for future ease of removal without removing fresh air duct.

This thread is comprehensive:
http://www.britishcarforum.com/bcf/showthread.php?113467-Lost-8-terminal-Flasher-Relay-Plan

 

[blueskies]

It could just be a faulty flasher unit. You might want to try replacing that first.

 

[RAC68]

Thanks Tom, that makes sense. I was a little confused as adding emergency flasher circuity could be a vehicle registration requirement in other countries.

I agree with your suggestion and would only extend it with a suggestion to also check the lamp's ground. As I remember the directional indicator ground is connected to the tachometer ground.

All the best,
Ray(64BJ8P1)

 

[steveg]

Thanks Tom, that makes sense. I was a little confused as adding emergency flasher circuity could be a vehicle registration requirement in other countries.

I agree with your suggestion and would only extend it with a suggestion to also check the lamp's ground. As I remember the directional indicator ground is connected to the tachometer ground.

All the best,
Ray(64BJ8P1)

FWIW - Volker has a BN6, so some of the BJ8-related electronics aren't appropriate, i.e. electronic tach. :fat:

 

[John Turney]

I was having a similar problem last week after I installed LEDs in my brake/turn signal/taillight lamps (Thanks Ray). The fronts are still halogen bulbs. The turn signals would work fine on the outside, but the dash lamp would only flash once or twice at most.

When I changed flashers to one for LEDs, I took the case off the old one. The contact for the dash lamp (warning lamp) is just copper to copper, whereas the main contact is a bit more robust.



As an aside, using the flasher made for LEDs, the dash lamp would continue to flas for a while after the turn signals were cancelled.

 

[BN6_2197]

Thank you for all the replies. I will start with cleaning the contacts this week and let you know if it solves my problem.

Volker

 

[NutmegCT]

Thank you for all the replies. I will start with cleaning the contacts this week and let you know if it solves my problem.

Volker