Indicator problems

[bizylizzie]

Hi folks

On a 1996 Escort Masquerade - which is a fancy name for the old Orion - I lost all my lights just before christmas, and the garage said it was the stick thingy on the steering wheel - they replaced it and everything worked fine.

BUT for a couple of weeks now when I indicate instead of the steady rythm of the usual click click click it now goes fast like double speed. I have checked all the indi lights are working and they are, no bulb failures, and the wierd thing is it NEVER happens when I am stationary so I can get out and look at them, only happens when I am driving along and turning.

Can someone tell me please does this sound bad, will it last out another 6-8 weeks till its service and MOT time or have they put the new light stick in wrongly ?

thanks in advance

 

[david and julie]

As one of the lights got water inside shorting out the bulb?

 

[glocko]

Tell tale sign when indicator bulb has blown is fast clicking (IIRC just on the side of the blown bulb). The fact that it only happens when moving could be that the bulb is loose rather than blown, so when you are moving the bulb works loose breaking the contact.
Try taking all bulbs out and putting them back in (including side flashers if you have them) or you could find a good mate willing to sit on your bonnet as you are doing 40 while he jiggles the bulb!!!

 

[bizylizzie]

I have trouble getting anyone to sit inside the car with me at 40mph let alone on the bonnet !!!

Thanks for the replies everyone - it makes me feel better that it could just be a loose bulb or a bit of water damage - those car washes have a lot to answer for !! I'll have a go at checking them out asap.

 

[mildmanneredjanitor]

and the garage said it was the stick thingy on the steering wheel

The handbag holder???

(indicator stalk)


If the garage replaced it... take it back???

 

[bizylizzie]

Yeah I know I should but the thing is everything is working - just the sound is at double speed. BUT, I took the advice on here and checked out the bulbs in the back and made sure they were in securely and I think ( fingers crossed ) it seems to have done the trick - well put it this way it only went fast speed once so I'll have another proper go tomorrow and see if it fixes it permenantly.

Thanks again everyone

 

[pipme]

and the garage said it was the stick thingy on the steering wheel

The handbag holder???

Nah, they don't fit a manual choke control north of Taunton these days.

P

 

[securespark]

Oooh Arrr, lover!

 

[bizylizzie]

Just an update so the people who posted a reply know I have not ignored their advice - I checked out the bulbs at the rear of the car and the fast indicator noise does not happen so often now, and only then on a left indicator signal. It has to go in for a service/mot soon so will tell the garage then. hopefully it will be something simple.
Thanks again guys n gals.

 

[bizylizzie]

I have just discovered that the indicators only go wierd when I am applying the brake .......the rest of the time they are perfect.
Anyway she goes in to the garage on tuesday so hopefully it'll be a dodgy wire.

 

[pipme]

Ah, thats alright then ... don't use the brakes !!
In for the MOT ? They probably will not try the indicators with the brakes on !
P

 

[breezer]

if its the brakes, take the brake/ tail lamps out (both of them) and swop them over,(thats left with the right) be carefull how you put them back.

 

[david and julie]

Earthing fault.

Clean the bulbs and holders on brake and flasher, and also any earth wires which are screwed to the back of the light unit.

Could also be broken inside the light.

 

[bizylizzie]

OK thanks guys will try your tips . Fingers crossed!!

 

[breezer]

reason i mentioned swapping lamps from left to right is brake / tail lights will (if forced) fit in wrong way round causing all sorts of problems