Intermittent indicator bulb "failure"

[tim091]

Getting the fast ticking indicator and message saying "F R indicator failure, using substitute" from time to time. Sure enough when it is displayed it is using the foglamp as a substitute. But this is intermittent, and even when it is doing it if I lock or unlock the car the indicator bulb lights.

So I am thinking perhaps a relay problem? Anyone know which one and where it is? Or any other thoughts on the problem?

 

[television]

This one is not easy, I think it is all front SAM controlled, again it could be the lighting module. It may help with a STAR read out to see if anything is pin pointed.

 

[mattuk]

Check that indicator. If is on wire, the wire might be broken,damp etc, if u have non wire check bulb holder connections, undo holder and check, if this is ok then probably relay problem

 

[Alex Crow]

You could try changing the bulb or bulb holder, but I suspect this is similar to the faults with w203 indicators.

I suggest you check the contacts on the bulb holder for signs or arcing and heat damage.

 

[tim091]

Thanks folks. I didn't think it likely to be bulb/socket/wiring as it works fine when locking/unlocking even when it is not working when indicating. Seems more like a module/data error to me.

But I will of course be checking the basic electrical stuff this weekend!

 

[television]

The problem is that there is no programming for the SAM and the indicators, it is just there, or should be. there are no relays for this, as I said earlier a possible light control box fault, by all means clean up the holder as Alex says and do try another bulb, it could well solve it as bulbs do go out of spec, and the locking and flashing has no self check

 

[tim091]

To follow up: I pulled the indicator bulb and all connections were pretty much like new. I gave them all a clean with contact cleaner and a bit of wet and dry paper anyway.

So far the issue has not returned, so maybe the control module is overly sensitive to resistance changes and the tiny bit of cleaning I did sorted it.