Indicator lights not flashing internally

[Sunny7]

I have an Auris MMT 2007...had various problems with it over the 13 years I've owned it. One that is a recurring pain in the backside is the indicators.. during the cold wetter months October to March my indicators only intermittently flash internally. They nothing work and the blink is audible. Sometimes it's the right,  then another day the left, sometimes both are affected..lasting anywhere between 2 minutes to 2 hours. Unfortunately for me, my MOT is in November, so it is usually the case that this problem will occur. In all previous MOT'S it's never been mentioned, but my 2023 inspection flagged it as an advisory. I queried why and was told that they'd tightened up on things like that. I was advised they could fix it for approx £250, the dashboard panel has to be removed and sent off and my car would be out of action for about 10 days. I've seen a few old posts on this and read that as long as the blink is audible, it will pass. Atm it's working OK as it's been dry and mild. But come my MOT it could start up again. Does anyone please know the DVLA rules on this? I'm hoping to escape more costs as this car has basically been a money pit! 

[solero]

So are you saying that externally, the indicators work fine (front, rear and wing mirrors), but internally, they do not always flash on the dash?

I am assuming the clicking sound of the indicators is normal and regular. Eg clicks at a normal regular rate, and not irregular or faster than normal?

From the wiring schematics, it appears that the flasher relay is an integral part of the dash panel, for tft and non-tft dash panels. Which is yours?

So ots likely a fault inside the dash panel. Could be something as simple as a dry solder joint repair. rather than a complete dash panel swap out.

Also check the 10 amp fuse is seated securely and making good contact without any oxidation

Not sure what the mot regulations say on the matter. Im sure somebody else will update us on this.

[yossarian247]

According to the current MOT tester's manual:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mot-inspection-manual-for-private-passenger-and-light-commercial-vehicles/4-lamps-reflectors-and-electrical-equipment#section-4-9-1

 

Quote

A direction indicator ‘tell-tale’ can be audible or visual.

A hazard warning ‘tell-tale’ must be a flashing light.

So as long as the indicator audible click still works, and the flashing light on the hazard warning button still works you'll be fine. They may note it as an Advisory however.

[Sunny7]

Ah thank you so much, that's what I thought also. Maybe I'll take it to a different garage this time. The last one seemed hell bent in me having the dash panel taken out and sent off for repair. 

[Sunny7]

10 hours ago, solero said:

So are you saying that externally, the indicators work fine (front, rear and wing mirrors), but internally, they do not always flash on the dash?

I am assuming the clicking sound of the indicators is normal and regular. Eg clicks at a normal regular rate, and not irregular or faster than normal?

From the wiring schematics, it appears that the flasher relay is an integral part of the dash panel, for tft and non-tft dash panels. Which is yours?

So ots likely a fault inside the dash panel. Could be something as simple as a dry solder joint repair. rather than a complete dash panel swap out.

Also check the 10 amp fuse is seated securely and making good contact without any oxidation

Not sure what the mot regulations say on the matter. Im sure somebody else will update us on this.

Thank you for your reply. Yes the indicators work perfectly well externally...just do not light up inside...but it's intermittent. I'll get my son to check those things you've mentioned and see if it can be fixed. Toyota said they'd tried several years ago but that it wasn't the fuse but then it didn't do it for about 2 years and then started up again...it's really odd. It's fine all during the summer. Crazy car! 

[solero]

31 minutes ago, Sunny7 said:

Thank you for your reply. Yes the indicators work perfectly well externally...just do not light up inside...but it's intermittent. I'll get my son to check those things you've mentioned and see if it can be fixed. Toyota said they'd tried several years ago but that it wasn't the fuse but then it didn't do it for about 2 years and then started up again...it's really odd. It's fine all during the summer. Crazy car! 

If your sons handy with a soldering iron and multimeter, it should be an easy fix. Just need to trace the tracks back from the leds if both leds are failing intermittently, then its likely a common ground connection fault.

Alternatively, remove dash and give it a local electronic repair shop to fix.

Good luck.

[yossarian247]

43 minutes ago, Sunny7 said:

Ah thank you so much, that's what I thought also. Maybe I'll take it to a different garage this time. The last one seemed hell bent in me having the dash panel taken out and sent off for repair. 

I've known garages mention something as advisory in an MOT one year, then I've taken the car back to the same garage for MOTs in subsequent years with the same 'fault' and it's never mentioned again! Some MOT testers just seem to get a bee in their bonnet about a particular minor issue for whatever reason.

[Sunny7]

Yes that's true... When I queried this with the guy he said well the government have tightened their belts on this subject now...and yet I checked and couldn't find anything to support that statement. I'll book it in to a place I used for a new tyre recently and perhaps mention it in advance? Thanks again for reassurance. 

[Sunny7]

49 minutes ago, solero said:

If your sons handy with a soldering iron and multimeter, it should be an easy fix. Just need to trace the tracks back from the leds if both leds are failing intermittently, then its likely a common ground connection fault.

Alternatively, remove dash and give it a local electronic repair shop to fix.

Good luck.

Thank you, yes he is handy with electronics and soldering so hopefully easy to do. 🤞

[Wooster]

On 11/3/2024 at 10:09 PM, Sunny7 said:

Unfortunately for me, my MOT is in November...

It won't help you this November, but next Summer you could get a fresh MoT and never have the anxiety of a November MoT/ indicator issues again!

[yossarian247]

1 hour ago, Wooster said:

It won't help you this November, but next Summer you could get a fresh MoT and never have the anxiety of a November MoT/ indicator issues again!

When I buy a 'new' car now I first MOT it when it's convenient for me, usually late spring or summer, even if it's not due yet. I can't stand faffing about MOTing cars in the middle of winter and as I keep my cars for years it's worth setting the MOT anniversary date at a convenient time of year for me. For several years I owned a car that was due for MOT around Christmas time and it was a PITA getting it done every year!