Help - Indicators have packed up.

[Kensai]

On my way home tonight my indicators started playing up. They started off by only working intermitently but by the time I got home they had given up the ghost altogether. Oh and the hazzards don't work either.

Right the first symptom was the indicators flashing somewhat randomly and macking a strained clicking noise. Then they would only work once the wheel was turned past a certain angle. Then they stopped altogether.

Now I'm thinking one of two things. It's not the bulbs as it effects both sides equally, so is it the fuse? Are the hazzards on the same circuit?

The other thing might be the auto switch off unit thingy (sorry to get all technical on you) shorting. Can anyone point me in the right direction to check this unit out.

Oh, it's an S1 by the way, 96/97 vintage - the poor old girl. I've already had a poke around elise-faqs but no joy.

Thanks in advance...

[fergusd]

Looking at the schematics, the one common thing that effects both the hazards and the indicators is the flasher relay itself.

Two fuses you need to check first, number 6 and 9, I'd presume these are both ok but you need to verify this.

I suspect, however, the flasher relay itself has failed or it's earth has failed.

The relay itself is under the dashboard, not in the relay box.

If the relay is ok then it's possible you have an earth problem, which unless you are familiar with vehicle electrical systems and have the tools is not something you are going to verify yourself.

I would check the earth because I can, if I couldn't I'd take a chance and change the relay.

Again looking at the schematics I suspect your steering wheel angle thing may be a red herring. The hazard switch overrides the indicator swith electrically, so if the hazards don't work, it's got nothing to do with the indicator switch.

All a bit of guesswork, but that's the best you'll get

Fd

[Kensai]

Thanks for the info, I'll go an have a poke under the dash in a minute. Fingers crossed for a loose wire.

[stoker]

I had different indicator problems on the way home from work today...

At 70mph my driver side indicator decided to release itself from captivity, and whilst still attached to the electric cable, scratched my bonnet to f**k in the few moments it took me to slow down...

The lotus garage near me just said "Oh yes - We've had a few of them"... The are replacing the indicator under warranty, but have to have the scratches examined by "a man from lotus" in order to determine that it wasn't me on the war path with a screwdriver or something...

Hope you have more joy with yours!

[Kensai]

Success - I had a poke around under the dash, pushed the wires towards whatever they were attached to and bob's your mothers brother. I can only assume one of my clumsy passengers kicked one loose while struggling out of the car. Thanks fergusd for telling me where to look.

P.S. Good luck stoker, hope it all get's sorted painlessly.