Indicators not flashing

bingbonglong · **November 17, 2014, 18:41:00**

Hi,

The indicators on my i30 Comfort 1.4 Petrol 2009 (Right hand drive) have stopped flashing. Occasionally I get one or two flashes but after that they are stuck on. The same applies to left, right and hazard warning lights (ie both at the same time).

I think I might need a new relay unit but I'm not sure. Can anyone confirm? And if so, where do I find the existing relay unit?

Many thanks in advance.

Shambles · **Reply #1: November 17, 2014, 19:01:40**

If I remember correctly, the hazard warning light relay is separate to the left/right indication system, and sits in the engine bay fuse compartment. The directional relay is somewhere under the dashboard.

So, again, if my memory serves me right the two systems aren't linked.

If the hazards are affected in the same way as the directionals, it could be a BCM issue.

bingbonglong · **Reply #2: November 17, 2014, 19:08:26**

Thank you. What is BCM?

Shambles · **Reply #3: November 17, 2014, 19:16:27**

BCM = Body Control Module. It's a small device to which a lot of the cars electrical systems are routed.

I'm fairly sure we've had a member report some success resetting his BCM by disconnecting the -ve battery lead for a while.

bingbonglong · **Reply #4: November 17, 2014, 19:21:28**

I'll certainly give that a try. If it doesn't do the job, is there anything I can do without incurring the expense of a garage trip? It's typical - the warranty only ran out in September!

bingbonglong · **Reply #5: November 17, 2014, 19:24:11**

In the meantime, the battery is disconnected!

Shambles · **Reply #6: November 17, 2014, 19:28:55**

Let's see what happens after half an hour of being disconnected

bingbonglong · **Reply #7: November 17, 2014, 19:32:51**

OK. I have to head out soon, so I'll leave it as long as possible then reconnect just before I go. I will update when I get back, either later on tonight or tomorrow....

Asterix · **Reply #8: November 17, 2014, 19:37:55**

As the cables are disconnected from the battery, then you should also let the + and - cables touch each other for a second or two, BUT of course without touching the battery at all.

That will erase any memory in the computers around the car...

bingbonglong · **Reply #9: November 17, 2014, 20:08:48**

Plain disconnect without touching two ends together didn't work :-(

eye30 · **Reply #10: November 17, 2014, 20:13:07**

Check bulbs......are seated correctly and also check connectors are not showing rust etc

bingbonglong · **Reply #11: November 17, 2014, 21:46:41**

1 hr disconnect has made no difference. Can't touch cables together - too short! Any other suggestions?? Thanks.

Dazzler · **Reply #12: November 17, 2014, 21:58:40**

Quote from: bingbonglong on November 17, 2014, 21:46:41

1 hr disconnect has made no difference. Can't touch cables together - too short! Any other suggestions?? Thanks.

Use a piece of scrap wire to connect them to each other...

Phil №❶ · **Reply #13: November 17, 2014, 22:11:04**

Or connect both the the metal car body at the same time.

Shambles · **Reply #14: November 17, 2014, 22:18:30**

We need to think of alternative options...

Dazzler · **Reply #15: November 17, 2014, 23:15:06**

Do what I'd probably do... Trade it in.

Doggie 1 · **Reply #16: November 17, 2014, 23:24:48**

My indicators have only ever worked intermittently.
They tend to flash on, off, on, off, etc.
I've never found out why.

Dazzler · **Reply #17: November 18, 2014, 02:30:39**

Quote from: Doggie 1 on November 17, 2014, 23:24:48

My indicators have only ever worked intermittently.
They tend to flash on, off, on, off, etc.
I've never found out why.

That definitely sounds like an indication that something is wrong..

Phil №❶ · **Reply #18: November 18, 2014, 08:17:49**

Quote from: Doggie 1 on November 17, 2014, 23:24:48

My indicators have only ever worked intermittently.
They tend to flash on, off, on, off, etc.
I've never found out why.

Which side, left or right

The Gonz · **Reply #19: November 18, 2014, 13:01:37**

Mine work intermittently as well, and sometimes not always, either.
It's totally random which side will or won't work - something to do mostly with which way I'm turning ... bloody black magic.

bingbonglong · **Reply #20: November 18, 2014, 14:00:45**

OK can anyone else suggest other things I might try before I take it to the dealer?
Thanks

The Gonz · **Reply #21: November 18, 2014, 18:36:25**

I'd go with Aleman's hints. It sounds like there isn't enough current flow to keep the relay 'alternating', pointing to bad connections.

bingbonglong · **Reply #22: November 18, 2014, 20:30:12**

I think I've sussed it. I've found a 5b005 relay cable-tied to a fat wire in the footwell above the pedals. I think it was put there when the tow bar was fitted (before I owned the car). If I slap it about a bit, it clicks and the indicators flash. So I think I need to replace that (removing it doesn't seem to be an option - the indicators don't come on at all when it's disconnected). Does anyone in the uk know where I can get one for less then the £40 I've seen quoted on line?

The Gonz · **Reply #23: November 19, 2014, 13:33:38**

That does seem to explain a lot. It looks as if someone boosted the switched current by replacing the standard relay with a (hopefully) higher rated device, and it seems to be an old electromechanical type, prone to that kind of failure.