Renault 4 Indicators not working

[jcarruthers2]

Hi

I'm trying to help somebody out with a problem with the indicators on an R4gtl. They are not working, front and rear. The hazard function is also not working. You can hear the flasher unit operating when you operate the indicators but no flashing lights. Fuse is ok, there power at the light units, good earth. The indicator warning light on the dash stays on with the ignition on. The indicator warning light remains dimly lit even with the indicators switched off which it should not do.

Any pearls of wisdom as to what the cause might be would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Andy McGhee]

I remember reading about someone with a similar problem - it turned out to be a faulty hazard lights switch.

 

[malcolm]

Normally dirty contacts inside the hazard switch. Switch will come apart for cleaning with care - there is a spring inside that might try to fly out and it's good to note where it goes before it does.

Though I can't remember the wiring so it could be worth some testing with a voltmeter first.

 

[benchseat]

No experience with my R4s but I had a similar problem on my Peugeot 106 and the culprit was a defective hazard switch, as Andy McGhee says.

 

[André4Renaults]

As above, the hazard switch seems to be the fault. The hazards switch has two functions; in the "off" position it permits the indicator switch to pass current to either the left or right hand side of the car when the ignition is on. When the hazard switch is "on" this switching is disabled and a separate power feed, permanently live, is sent to the flasher unit and the other side of the flasher unit is fed to all the indicators. This is why one often needs to fit a more powerful flasher unit, if the car's not originally fitted with a hazard switch. The spring and connections within the switch therefore need to be kept clean, and I suggest some aerosol electrical switch cleaner might do the trick.