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MG MGA - Blinker Troubleshooting

I have installed a brand new wiring harness and every component seems to work fine except for the blinkers. During the harness installation I wired a new flasher unit, the signal relay unit that came with the car, and the signal switch that came with the car. Each component was tested with an ohm meter and seemed to pass (though I am not an electrical expert). When I engaged the signal switch I heard the relay click but the signal lights did not blink.

What should I do to identify my problem?
gerard hutchinson

Because you mention the signal relay I assume your car is a 1500.
Have you checked your connections against Barney's wiring diagram (much easier to follow than the Workshop Manual).

http://www.mgaguru.com/mgtech/electric/circ_f2.htm


Mick
M F Anderson

Don't assume that the new flasher unit is OK just because it is new - there are many repro "Lucas" units out there - and dropping it in transit could affect its working - I had to replace a relatively new one recently - luck - Cam
Cam Cunningham

Are the brake lights working? If they are, it proves the wiring to the rear of the car and many of the connections through the relay box (terminal 5, 3 and 7). Operate the indicator switch (with ignition on of course) and one of the brake lights should go out as a relay operates - it is now expecting its current supply to come from the flasher unit.

Is the flasher unit "ticking"? As Cam points out they are known to fail and don't like being dropped. With the indicator switch operated, either short together B and L on the flasher unit or put 12 volts onto terminal 1 of the relay box. This should make the appropriate front and rear light illuminate - they won't flash. If this works it looks like a faulty flasher unit.

Malcolm
Malcolm Asquith

Yes, the break lights do work but I have never checked to see if a light goes out when the indicator switch is turned on.
gerard hutchinson

To test the flasher unit, see here:
http://www.mgaguru.com/mgtech/electric/et104.htm
Barney Gaylord

This thread was discussed on 04/01/2009

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