Indicator Nightmare

[davidy]

I have got intermittent indicators on my Audi, sometimes when the column stalk is activated, I get indicators, sometimes not, sometimes they start, stop then restart, can happen on either side, hazard lights work fine all the time, heres what I have done:-

1) Replaced Flasher Relay
2) Replaced Hzard Switch, since all indicator wiring goes through back of hazard switch
3) Checked all fusebox connections
4) Posted a message on Audiworld Forum

Now since it happens on both sides and can happen even if the car is stationary (no engine running, just ignition on), I don't think that it could be the column switch, but I could be wrong

Also since the hazard lights reliably work, I don't expect it to be any of the wiring to the actual lamp units.

The only clue I currently have is that from cold, they always work for a few times, but could pack up 5 miles later or 200 miles later. Something warming up??

Any ideas gratefully received

David

[CarZee]

Is it affects indicators but not hazards, the column switch (and associated loom) is definitely a suspect.. especially given the other stuff you've tried..

[davidy]

Thanks for the reply, I guess I'll have to get the column switch out and make sure that the connector block is firmly attached. I don't think that its a vibration issue as it will occur stationary with no engine running but just ignition on. Nothing on an A8 is easy and if it is the switch then I'll probably need a second mortgage to pay for it!!

Its also impossible to get much technical help on A8's as Audi UK will not sell me a workshop manual (CD), however I can by a US spec one direct from the US sold by Audi USA for US$99!!! So currently I do not have a wiring diagram so testing the switch may be time consuming once it is out

David

[JMGS4]

David, had this on an older A6 (audi 100), change the stalk (expensive).... problem solved.... John

[CarZee]

IIRC, if the Car has an airbag, you won't be able to remove the steering wheel yourself either..

Still, looking on the bright side, column stalks are the sort of thing you can happily buy from a breakers yard for pennies..

>> Edited by CarZee on Friday 26th April 11:24

[Nightmare]

as a quick aside,...friend had identical problem recently with her car.....bought a new flasher unit and it didnt solve it. Took car to garage..they changed unit themselves and it worked fine. Turned out that the one bought from Halfords was 'knacked' - worth just checking...maybe it was a 'one in a million' thing, but the symptoms were absolutely identical to the ones you're describing...and its a LOT cheaper than the column switch...

[davidy]

Thanks for all the help guys

I've tried 3 different flasher units, all have had the same effect.

Today I got a new symptom, wiggling violently the column stalk after they had stopped caused it to start working again, since then they have worked perfectly!!!

I visited my local Audi Garage at lunchtime, the stalk is either £60, £90 or £100 depending on exact variant and they will charge me an hour to fit it, so I've booked it in for a couple of weeks time. (If however it all works perfectly until then, I'll unbook it!)

I'll keep you updated if its anything other than the stalk

David