S2 indicator bulb replacement

[Gad-Westy]

I understand that S2 indicators housings normally do a disappearing act long before their bulb needs replacing, but not only has my bulb gone pop, but my indicator housing refuses to budge. I've tried the screwdriver through the hole above the driving light trick but cannot detect a clip up there. It all seems soft and I'm starting to wonder if my indicator housing has been siliconed in place!

So, I presume I get to the rear of the indicator via the wheel arch?

[DWDarkWheels]

I've not had the indicator problem but having stripped the front of my S2 last winter, yes, I'd suggest removing the wheel and the arch liner and reaching in. The bulb holder should twist out of the light as per usual.

[Gad-Westy]

DWDarkWheels said:

I've not had the indicator problem but having stripped the front of my S2 last winter, yes, I'd suggest removing the wheel and the arch liner and reaching in. The bulb holder should twist out of the light as per usual.

Cheers. On the nearside, the radiator hose makes this job possible. I can touch then bulb holder but cannot get any purchase at all on it.

Reluctantly, I've decided I'm going to take the clam off. Sounds extreme but I was intending to do so anyway in the next few weeks and this has just brought that forward. I wanted to do the tow post and driving light brackets etc and I'll see what the radiator looks like while I'm in there and it gives me an opportunity to properly see what's going on the with indicator holder as I'm very reluctant to use more force than I already have.

[lj04]

You could have a quick check that no one has used cable ties to fix the indicator to the driving light bracket. Used to be common when the catch broke.

[Gad-Westy]

lj04 said:

You could have a quick check that no one has used cable ties to fix the indicator to the driving light bracket. Used to be common when the catch broke.

Yeah, I'd read about that but no sign of anything that I can see. I think there is still a clip there as well as silkaflex or similar.

[Fonzey]

If it's not been silicone'd in you should be able to gently prise out the rubber edging trim from the outside, that normally allows enough wiggle room to operate the clip from above.

Removing the clam might be difficult, as removing the indicator is something you need to do for that anyway (or at least, disconnecting the wiring) so if you can do that... then your problem is already solved!

[Gad-Westy]

Got it out in the end. Massive amount of hard setting epoxy on it. What a mess! Have also found that the positive cable is soldered directly to the bulb!

[Fonzey]

Bodge Alert!

Assuming under all that gunk is a broken clip, which is very normal. Cut the lot off and replace with:

https://www.eliseparts.com/shop/miscellaneous/used...

[Gad-Westy]

Fonzey said:

Bodge Alert!

Assuming under all that gunk is a broken clip, which is very normal. Cut the lot off and replace with:

https://www.eliseparts.com/shop/miscellaneous/used...

Indeed! Considering sorting the other side while I'm on for future proofing!

I spotted those clips after I'd ordered some 3D printed variants that a selocer designed. Committed now but they sound like they work well, if a little more expensive than the P-clip solution.

Looks like I can make up a new bulb housing and OE style connector with ebay parts.

Any I had to order some more plastic screw/plug things for the wheel arch liners.

Been a bit of an ordeal all in all for a bulb replacement but at least the clam can stay on the car for now!

[Gad-Westy]

Indcator bulb holder is proving to be a bit of a pain. They're listed on ebay here:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Front-Indicator-Bulb-Ho...

But out of stock. There are similar looking ones on ebay but they don't seem to have the correct bayonet. I believe it was also fitted to early Freelander's and Rover 75's/ZT's but non listed for those either.

Lotus don't list it as a separate part, it comes with the indicator assembly. Elise shop and Elise parts don't list them either.

I've asked Junks on Seloc and I'll email the ebay'er above about re-stocking but at present, nothing. What a pain!

[BertBert]

I love finding a good bodge. Well, more to the point fixing one!

[Gad-Westy]

BertBert said:

I love finding a good bodge. Well, more to the point fixing one!

The epoxy thing was maybe not to be unexpected though I think most would use silicone or tigerseal or something. The problem with the epoxy seemed to be that it had cured under the lip of the clam which meant it had to be broken off to get it out. Which took a lot of faith!

The soldering of a cable driectly to the indicator bulb.... well I've not seen that before! Seems a little short term. Will be good to get everything back to a servicable state/

[Fonzey]

Let's not kid ourselves, it was probably all done under warranty at Lotus

[Gad-Westy]

Fonzey said:

Let's not kid ourselves, it was probably all done under warranty at Lotus

LOL. So true

[chrisr111r]

Gad-Westy said:

Indcator bulb holder is proving to be a bit of a pain. They're listed on ebay here:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Front-Indicator-Bulb-Ho...

Aboe link seems to be broken, but this seems to be the same part so gonna take a risk for £7
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/393671377372?fits=Model...

[Gad-Westy]

chrisr111r said:

Gad-Westy said:

Indcator bulb holder is proving to be a bit of a pain. They're listed on ebay here:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Front-Indicator-Bulb-Ho...

Aboe link seems to be broken, but this seems to be the same part so gonna take a risk for £7
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/393671377372?fits=Model...

Not sure I'm afraid. I ended up buying a used one. But the one on your link certainly looks familiar.

[chrisr111r]

Well eta thursday so i'll update if they fit or not