Binkers are dead.

[flamebero]

My blibkers are dead, the whole circuit, fronts are out and the hazard button doesn't do anything. I checked the fusebox, there was one dead fuse, either three or four, witch I replaced with no luck. Any pointer would be hugely apreciated!

[Ricklandia]

Same issue here. '90 Spider, no turn signals or flashers.

Q: if the intermittant relay goes bad, will it kill power to the entire circuit?

[Tifosi]

It's unusual for the blinker relay to go entirely bad, but not impossible. (generally it'll make one side not work, or come on and stick w/no flash. Fast flashing on one side with normal flashing on the other is usually a blown bulb on one side)

The turn signals and 4-way/hazard lights all feed through the same flasher relay, so yes, a failure there can cause everything to mess up.

First and formost though: check the bulbs, check the grounds at the light housings.

You can chase that flasher all day and it won't do a bit of good if there''s a broken wire or blown bulbs.

On the 78, it won't hurt a bit to remove and clean all the terminals and fuses (or ideally replace them regardless of whether they look intact or not) as intermittant contact is a comon thing as are fuses that seem intact but are as dead as Aunt Ginny's cat.

[GTVnut]

I had the same problem.
Step 1. Cleaned and ground all contatcts
Step 2. Replace all bulbs as insurance
Step 3. Clean all fuse contacts and replace fuses
Step 4. Replace the flasher unit with an aftermarket electronic version
Step 5. Relax and have a beer, problem fixed and no hassles for over 2 years now

[flamebero]

I haven't been able to work on the car for a while due to a knee injury, but I should be though with it soon. Were is the flasher located?

[GTVnut]

usually up under the dash near the steering wheel. It should be a round silver cylinder with 2 or 3 spade connectors coming out of it.................

[flamebero]

I see it. Is there a way to test it with a multimeter? Are there any consequences to using actual contact cleaner (Highly flamable) on the car? Thanks.

[GTVnut]

I'm not sure about testing, my rule is; " When in doubt, throw it out" An electronic one shouldnt be more than $5 - $10 bucks in the States?

[flamebero]

I've given bot the rear lights a light cleaning. It didn't seem to clean much off, I just used Isopropyl Alcohol to try and clean up the contacts. What would be the best method to clean and ground my blinkers? While testing I also noticed that it never clicks and the indicator light doesn't come on, I'm not sure what this could mean, I didn't have a wiring diagram, anybody know were I could get one online?

[GTVnut]

Replace the flasher unit

[Peter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTVnut Replace the flasher unit

[flamebero]

Forgot to mention that I already had. I replaced it with a unit that was already opened in the store, it was probably a returned item. I'm pretty confident it works. Any way to test it?

[dpoole]

Also, I always use dielectic grease on all wire, plug, relay, bulb, etc. connections. It keeps out moisture and dirt; and it helps prevent bulbs from sticking in the socket.

D. Poole
'82 Spider
Chapel Hill, NC

[Peter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by flamebero I've given bot the rear lights a light cleaning. It didn't seem to clean much off, I just used Isopropyl Alcohol to try and clean up the contacts. What would be the best method to clean and ground my blinkers? While testing I also noticed that it never clicks and the indicator light doesn't come on, I'm not sure what this could mean, I didn't have a wiring diagram, anybody know were I could get one online?