Indicator bulb problem

[chriff]

Newbie Bongo owner - and Fury member - here. Had what I thought was a blown nearside rear indicator bulb (the dashboard indicator was flashing rapidly when signalling left and, on inspection, the rear indicator was out). So I replaced the bulb - to no effect. The dash indicator still flashes rapidly and I have no functioning nearside rear indicator. The hazard light function seems to be OK (minus the failed rear indicator). Could this be a fuse problem? Not mechanically/technically minded but any guidance/thoughts for a quick solution much appreciated!

[Simon Jones]

Welcome to the forum . There's only one fuse to cover all indicators so that won't be the problem. Have you tested the old bulb to confirm it was duff, and it may also be worth checking the replacement too. If the fault stays with the location when there is a working bulb present, it could be a problem with the wiring or a dodgy earth. Do the brake lights and sidelights work ok? Is the front indicator ok and do you have side repeaters fitted? They're sometimes fitted on import and there could be a short somewhere.

[Bob]

Agree with Simon, check both bulbs then use a tester to see if there's power to the fitting, if yes then look at the earth.

And welcome to the Forum.

As ever, if you pop in a rough location someone local may have a look.

[chriff]

Thanks both for these prompt replies. I've tried two new replacement bulbs without success but don't possess a tester. On checking the side and brake lights as suggested - nearside rear side is fine but the brake light is out. So two out of three in this cluster aren't working. Front sides are OK; no side repeaters fitted. Based in Cirencester, Glos if anyone knows of a nearby expert - presumably an auto electrical specialist?

[Bob]

This is the kind of thing:


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/15089853 ... noapp=true

Can be had from any car shop and the likes of Asda or you can solder a couple of bits of wire onto a known good bulb.

Starting to sound like a poor earth connection so should be an easy fix.

[mikeonb4c]

Thanks both for these prompt replies. I've tried two new replacement bulbs without success but don't possess a tester. On checking the side and brake lights as suggested - nearside rear side is fine but the brake light is out. So two out of three in this cluster aren't working. Front sides are OK; no side repeaters fitted. Based in Cirencester, Glos if anyone knows of a nearby expert - presumably an auto electrical specialist?

I can't recommend highly enough getting a multimeter. Not expensive and an invaluable diagnostic tool I've found even though I am not an electrician.

Don't suppose you have a towbar and wiring fitted do you? I kept blowing o/s brake light filaments and it all stopped (and trailer wiring worked properly) when I remade the towbar wiring connections using soldered joints instead of the Scotchlocks that had been used by the installer when the towbar was fitted some years previously (even autoelectricians have been known to use these when time is money, as they are a quick way of breaking into existing wiring).

[chriff]

I do have a wired towbar as yet unused and will certainly investigate the multimeter/tester route going forward. But for now I think the problem is a case for an auto electrician. My limited (very!) expertise and knowhow calls for some specialist help. Thanks for all the input though.