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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Indicators?

Yes I know the archive's full of this, but just completing the handbrake adjustment which turned into a complete re-shell.
When indicating, the front sidelights flash, cannot fathom out why, earths good (separate wires as glassfibre wings). All other lights and electrics seem fine.

Any ideas?
Paul (MkI

Is it just the sidelights that flash, or do the indicators flash too?
Dave O'Neill 2

Just the side lights, whether I wire them into the side light or indicator feed, or connect or disconnect the earth, very odd, must be earth related but how & why?

They don't flash if I remove the not flashing indicator bulb though, electricity really puzzles me!
Paul (MkI

It does sound very much like the indicator bulb is earthing through the side light bulb.

Where is the earth connected to?
Dave O'Neill 2

I connected an earth lead to the housing for the light unit (MkIV type not the Frog), that is the screw that goes through the wing, from there to the shell itself, I thought that was foolproof, am I wrong?

I see your point, earthing through the sidelight would explain it
Paul (MkI

If you have a voltmeter, try removing the sidelight bulb and measuring the voltage between the lamp body and the battery earth terminal with the indicator switched on. It would be helpful to remove the rear indicator bulb or disconnect the rear light unit so that you get a constant voltage rather than flashing.
You should see 0v as near as damn it. If you get a high voltage reading, you don't have a good earth.

I would suggest connecting the earth wire into the bullet connector for the headlamp earth (black wire). You will probably need to swap the connector for a double one.
Dave O'Neill 2

Thanks Dave I'm off out to try that although the Spanish red I've consumed may now impair my judgement.
Paul (MkI

Yep, it's the earth, obviously even more fussy than I realised, if earthed via the spring clips that holds the amber glass cover on all is fine. The earth wasn't good!

Now that's sorted I don't suppose anyone knows where I put the tax disc?
Paul (MkI

This thread was discussed on 09/11/2010

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.