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MG MGF Technical - failed indicator

Hi all,

Apologies in advance for what could be a pretty basic problem.

My off-side front indicator appears to have stopped working intermittently. When it's not working then the indicator light on the dash flashes twice as quick as normal - I guess this is to tell me that somethings amiss.

Seeing as it's an intermittent fault it can't just be the bulb that's gone so I wondered if it were more likely to be a loose connection or the relay. I wasn't sure though if it were the relay gone wouldn't I expect all the indicators to fail?

Apologies again for the 'dumb git' nature of the question!!

regards
Steve

Steve,
It could be a loose bulb or a loose wire anywhere in the circuit out to that bulb. Check the bulb first as that's the easiest. The flasher on the dash goes quickly to tell you that there is a bulb (or connection) not working. The indicator is removed by very carefully prising the tab on the side of the lens to one side (use a flat bladed screwdriver). The whole unit should then pull out and you will be able to get at the bulb. Check the plug and socket on the back of the unit for corrosion. Sometimes water gets in and causes a build up of verdigris (green) because of the electrolytic action. If it has then clean it up and put a little vaseline around the connections before replacing them. Don't use silicone grease.
Do not over do the prising or you may break the tab! Hope this helps
Bruce Caldwell

PS I thought all indicators are supposed to be intermittent! ;-) Just joking!
Bruce Caldwell

hehe!

very funny Bruce - guess I asked for that one really didn't I...!

Will check the bulb and connectors tonight though -ta for the advice.

regards
steve

Cheers
Bruce Caldwell

Bulbs can break the filament and then vibration remakes contact and the heat melts the two ends together. This is a weak bond and vibration will break that seal sooner rather than later. This is very common, especially with headlamp bulbs, (not working - tap the headlamp and it works, have we all been there at one time?) The cost of indicator buls is such that I would replace it as there is something like a 90% chance that this is the problem.

Rog
Roger Parker

Steve,

I'm curious on how you get on cause a german chap just reported the same failure at his 98 made MGF.

Did you check also wether it's intermittent faulty if the hazard switch is on ? (all four indicators at once)
At the above mentioned they work then.
Dieter Koennecke

Dieter,

Haven't had time to check it yet (been a bit busy) but will try to over the weekend. Part of the reason I've not been too rushed is it seems to be working OK at the moment....I appreciate Roger's comments though and will change the bulb anyway.

will let you know if I find anything strange

regards
steve

Dieter,

With the hazard circuit you will see bulb failures have no effect on the flash rate of the system.

Rog
Roger Parker

This thread was discussed between 26/06/2001 and 30/06/2001

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