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MG TD TF 1500 - TF Signal Failure

I searched the archive but couldn't locate an answer to my question so I'm asking for input. My '54 TF has a new harness and everything is working except the directional indicators. (signals)
The parking lights, headlights, license plate, gauges, map and brake lights all work as they should. But not the signals. I checked the switch and that is working. With the ignition on I pressed one of the contacts on the coils in the directional indicator relay and the appropriate front and rear light comes on but doesn't flash.
So, why is the switch not sending current to the relay to cause it to move? And why are the lights not flashing even when I press the contact which causes the lights to illuminate? The flasher is a new one from Moss. Could it be faulty? Help!
L Staller

Had the same problem when I was finishing my TF which included a new wiring harness. Tried several flashers from old ones in my spares box to new ones from NAPA. Thought what can I lose and ordered one from AS and that one worked. No guarantee this will work for you but I would suspect the flasher.
Robert Brown

LS, I also have a 54 TF with all new wiring. I started off with a new flasher unit from Moss (Dec 2012) and it failed after two months. After troubleshooting, I concluded that the flasher was not working. I replaced with another Moss unit (which was slightly different in appearance from the first) and it has worked for the past two years. Flasher units may now be as reliable as condensers.

Gary
G B McGovern

I did our 54 TF 3-4 yrs ago, all new wiring harness. Used a plain flasher from CarQuest, works fine. I'd suspect/distrust Moss's flashers.
Al
A W Parker

I'm off to the auto parts store tomorrow morning and hope a new/different flasher will fix the problem. I spoke to 2 different MG Club members tonight and they both said it's most probably the flasher as all you guys do. I'll let you know how I do with the new flasher. Thanks for your input! Lou
L Staller

So, I bought a generic flasher at my local parts store earlier today and the lights are now flashing, but only if I push on the contact on the relay with my finger. So do I have the switch wired incorrectly? I wired it like the factory diagram indicates, sort of. The diagram doesn't indicate which terminals the 3 wires attach to, except it looks like the green wire would go to F and the green/blue and green/yellow go to either the L or R terminal. I tried reversing the L and R wires but still no success. I bi-passed the switch and touched the green wire to the green/blue still no flash. I tried it again with the green/yellow... nothing.
I do have the switch dangling from it's wires not attached to the dash. Does it need to be grounded?

I just went back into the garage and put a line tester on the terminals on the back of the switch with the ignition on and it looks like there isn't any juice at the switch. Ugh! I must have checked the wiring at the flasher and relay box a million times and it matches the diagram perfectly. What the heck is going on? Any suggestions as to what I should check? HELP!
Lou
L Staller

Hold the press! I have the signals working with the switch and all is good, except the directional indicator warning light isn't flashing. I changed the bulb and it's still not working. But when I put a line tester on the contact the tester flashes. I'm thinking the light socket isn't grounded as the test light was. I looked at the wiring diagram and it indicates the light should be grounded, but how? I also see that the other 2 warning lights are isolated from ground with a fiber washer, as they are, but the signal warning light is direct into the aluminum socket which is screwed onto the dash panel.
I'm going to change the socket but if that doesn't work how do I ground the socket?
Thanks, Lou
L Staller

This thread was discussed between 02/06/2015 and 04/06/2015

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG TD TF 1500 BBS is active now.