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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - indicator panel light staying on

Hi
Went to start sprite today and noticed the indicator panel light is coming on when the ignition is turned on and staying on.

The indicators work as normal but the panel light stays on all the time any ideas ?
Thanks
Andy
Andy Chaffey

possibly an earth leak? or live short?

what model? and year? is your Sprite and are your indicators as factory fit?

if you only have one indicator panel light then I'd guess it's an early model but making assumptions leads to mistakes
Nigel Atkins

On the Mk1 system it looks as though the power is "on" the flasher unit as soon as the ignition is on. I therefore suspect that either you have the power connected to the wrong terminal on the flasher unit, or the internal switch inside the flasher has welded closed. Most likely is a knackered flasher unit. Easy enough to test on its own.

I only have the Haynes manual but it suggests power goes on "B" and the indicator is connected to "p".

If that doesn't solve it, it becomes a meticulous check of the wiring although it looks pretty basic on the Mk1
G Williams (Graeme)

if your indicator flasher unit is similar to the later ones -

if you need a new flasher unit I'd suggest a NOS or s/h or modern electronic replacement rather than buying new as I've had trouble with new replacements in the past

I prefer the modern replacement or relay type as the rate of flashing doesn't drop at tickover

I could have made a better job of the earth lead screw protection but it was an after thought and I can't be bothered to alter now

Nigel Atkins

Hiya,

Almost deffo a dud flasher unit. Pull off the wire from the P terminal and see if the light goes out.


If it stays on, it's a wiring problem.


If you go for a modern replacement, as has been said you'll have to fit an earth to the 31 terminal, green wire to pin 49, green/brown to term 49a. I always use a 4 pin flasher unit as fitted to Renault 5's, the extra pin works the warning lamp, usually labelled C.

Nigels' pic is fine for the later 2-pin square flashers, as it looks like a 3 pin unit, on the later cars seperate left and right flasher warning lamps are installed. You need the extra pin to work the warning lamp on the single warning lamp models if you don't want any rewiring.


It can be done by rewiring the single warning lamp across the l and r flasher circuit, but it's more involved.


Hope this helps.

Regards Steve,


SR Smith 1

Thanks all

Steve - spot on , dud flasher changed it today and sorted , very frustrating as last one only on there 10 months and car never out of garage as waiting paint ! Its the sebring you worked on for me in maidstone.

Used indicators 20 times max .... have bought a new one to check but now looking for nos one

Thanks
Andy
Andy Chaffey

Andy,
as I put before -
>>if you need a new flasher unit I'd suggest a NOS or s/h or modern electronic replacement rather than buying new as I've had trouble with new replacements in the past<<

you can get the three pin electronic versions
Nigel Atkins

Nigel,

yeah got that !!

Hence my search for an nos one after your advice (dont want modern as want to look right )

Thanks, appreciated , just bought cheap one to check it was that but will replace asap

cheers
Andy
Andy Chaffey

sorry I didn't know and can't help as I've only got a two-pin tucked away somewhere
Nigel Atkins

Hi Andy,


Didn't realise it was that car lol



Glad you got it all sorted, guess it's on the road now?


Regards Steve.
SR Smith 1

This thread was discussed between 13/03/2013 and 20/03/2013

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