2013 Sprinter N/S Passenger indicator flashing twice the speed

[bobjackson1988]

Hello folks!

I'm new to the forum and have been struggling with the above problem for a while now. Its now MOT time and I know it will fail.

When the engine is running the passenger side indicators are going at double speed, drivers side is fine and at normal speed.

I've replace the complete passenger rear light unit inc bulb holder and checked to make sure all other bulbs are working properly.

Here is one I'm trying to get my head around - When the engine is off but key in the ignition the indicators both left and right work perfectly as they should. Blummin baffled.

Can anyone help?

Cheers & Kind Regards!

Bob

 

[Altamar]

All I know for certain is double speed indicators are almost always a sign that one of the indicator bulbs has blown or is not earthing properly. Are you absolutely certain all three bulbs on the passenger side are operating?

 

[Flyinspanner]

Probably the main indicator bulb blown, and it’s using the secondary.

 

[EmilysDad]

I'd only suggest what you seem to have already ie all bulbs (assuming normal filament bulbs) are clean and making good contact ... maybe any connector is unplugged & re-plugged in a few times to clean contacts and spraying with switch cleaner

 

[mattkh]

Can you do one test for me please. Start the engine, turn the HAZARDS on, then go out and check if all four indicators (or six if you have one on the wing mirror) are working normally.

 

[bobjackson1988]

Can you do one test for me please. Start the engine, turn the HAZARDS on, then go out and check if all four indicators (or six if you have one on the wing mirror) are working normally.

Morning,
Just checked with engine running and all 6 indicators are working when hazards switched on and at normal indicator speed

 

[bobjackson1988]

Probably the main indicator bulb blown, and it’s using the secondary.

Main and secondary? I've checked this morning and with engine running all 6 indicators are working at correct speed when hazards are on?

 

[bobjackson1988]

All I know for certain is double speed indicators are almost always a sign that one of the indicator bulbs has blown or is not earthing properly. Are you absolutely certain all three bulbs on the passenger side are operating?

Sure are

 

[mattkh]

...... When the engine is off but key in the ignition the indicators both left and right work perfectly as they should. Bob

Thank you for doing the hazards test.
One more question. See your comment above. What position is the key in the ignition, 0 or 1 or 2.

 

[bobjackson1988]

Thank you for doing the hazards test.
One more question. See your comment above. What position is the key in the ignition, 0 or 1 or 2.

Position 2. I have just tried in position 0, 1 & 2. Same results. Even with the engine running the hazards on all 6 indicators flash at normal speed.

Hope this helps with a solution!

 

[mattkh]

I may be wrong, but I think it could be the indicator stalk.
I dont have a sprinter to check, but do you think you can remove only the shroud on the steering column to look inside. If you do, then please put up a picture of that area showing the wires going to the indicator stalk.

 

[mattkh]

Been doing research. Forget about taking the shroud off the column.
As long as all the orange bulbs light up, the van should pass the MOT. The speed of the flashing is not an MOT failure, because it is doing its job to warn the other road users that the driver is turning in that direction.

One other thing I would like to know. When the flashing is at the fast speed, does the little arrow on the dash also flash at the fast speed? And what about the tik-tok tik-tok alarm, does that also speed up.
Thanks very much.

 

[bobjackson1988]

Been doing research. Forget about taking the shroud off the column.
As long as all the orange bulbs light up, the van should pass the MOT. The speed of the flashing is not an MOT failure, because it is doing its job to warn the other road users that the driver is turning in that direction.

One other thing I would like to know. When the flashing is at the fast speed, does the little arrow on the dash also flash at the fast speed? And what about the tik-tok tik-tok alarm, does that also speed up.
Thanks very much.

Good afternoon.
The flashing arrow works at the same speed as the indicators and yes, tik tok noise also sounds at the same rate as the flash

 

[oigle]

Could one of the bulbs be an incorrect wattage? The indicator sender works on heat caused by current flow so if too high a current, it will turn off more quickly.
Ian.

 

[EmilysDad]

Could one of the bulbs be an incorrect wattage? The indicator sender works on heat caused by current flow so if too high a current, it will turn off more quickly.
Ian.

I'm pretty sure there's a load more electrickery used these days ... I noticed that on my R Class when an indicator failed, though the tell tale on the dash & the audible click were double speed, the actual indicators still working on that side, still flashed normal speed

 

[mattkh]

Could one of the bulbs be an incorrect wattage? The indicator sender works on heat caused by current flow so if too high a current, it will turn off more quickly.
Ian.

Thanks.
What is another name for the indicator sender ?
Is it the indicator flash relay?

 

[oigle]

Thanks.
What is another name for the indicator sender ?
Is it the indicator flash relay?

Yep. Couldn't remember the name. I'm talking old tech so could be different these days. Still worth a look at the bulbs.

 

[clarkmichigan55b]

I have just looked up the MOT testers manual on line with regards to the flashing times and is as follows.

4.4.4. Flashing frequency
Indicators must flash at between 60 and 120 times per minute. Semaphore type direction indicators do not need to flash.

Defect Category
(a) Rate of flashing not between 60 and 120 times per minute

Adrian.