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MG TD TF 1500 - TD turn signal problem

My turn signals were working fine but the flasher warning bulb in the turn signal switch was missing. I decided to install the missing bulb recommended by Moss (171-000). I also found the bulb ground wire was not connected so I ran it to ground (Control Box terminal E). Each time I tried the signal operation, the warning bulb flashed 3 or 4 times then stopped. Took the car for a ride and the same thing happened several times. Now it stopped working altogether.
Any ideas before I try replacing things?
Mike
TD15250
Mike I

LEDs installed?

I replaced the flasher can with another one and have no more troubles .



M Grogan

I do not have LED's. As I understand it, it requires converting to negative grounding. Is there a certain capacity required (EL13 20a)for the flasher in any case and does the Moss replacement meet it?
Thanks, Mike
Mike I

When flashing had stopped - had all the turnsignals been on or off?

Did you remove the bulb for testing the remaining system as it was before? What was the result?


N.B.

In the meantime led bulbs (e.g.for the tail lamps) are available for positive ground.
W_Mueller

You may also convert to full inserts for the tail lights/turn signals which are available in either negative OR positive ground. No conversion necessary.
http://www.brittrix.com
Lew Palmer

Thanks for educating me about LED's. Does the lower current draw affect the signal relay function and require a new type? I know they're much brighter and I may go that way soon.
In the meantime, after the warning lamp flashed initially 4 or 5 times and stopped (happened several times), I don't don't know if the turn signals stopped also, I was busy driving and didn't take note. However as of now, here's the status.
1. I removed the warning bulb from the switch and there is no flash as there was before I installed it. I also checked
continuity and the bulb is good.
2. The turn signal lamps do not light when I turn the switch left or right, with or without the ignition switch on.
3. The side lamps front and rear do light when the headlights are turned on. So I know the bulbs are working.
4. I did not remove the switch ground wire which I connected to the control box ground terminal E.
I wonder whether I overloaded the flasher or the relay somehow.
Thanks,
Mike
Mike I

The fact that the side lights work does not necessarily mean the turn signal bulbs are OK. There are two filaments in most such bulbs, one for the tail/side lamps and one for the brake/turn lights. If the turn signals work for 5 or so flashes and then stop, it may be the turn signal relay. It may need cleaning of the points. If they no longer work at all, it could be one or more bulbs are burned out (one of the two filaments) or the flasher has gone out. A bum flasher can also be the culprit.

In answer to your question on whether you need to change flashers in going to LEDs, it depends. As long as you still have incandescent bulbs in the front marker lights, probably you don't need to change flashers. If you have LEDs all around, almost certainly you either need to change to a fully electronic flasher (in the square can, not round), or place load resistors across the turn signal portion of the LED turn signal circuit.

If you are interested in LED inserts (which are MUCH brighter than LED bulbs), see www.brittrix.com
Lew Palmer

I'd bought the positive ground LED-bulbs from Abingdon Spares. For me this bulbs are bright enough and not as strange as the Brittix solution because of the deeper red color.

See also

http://www2.mg-cars.org.uk/cgi-bin/or17?runprog=mgbbs&access=&mode=archiveth&subject=8&subjectar=8&thread=2017062516383515886

W_Mueller

Talk of LED's seems a distraction right now as you are troubleshooting a circuitry issue first, unless I am misreading this thread.
As I read your post, You have done two things to the circuit, installed a bulb and connected a wire. Perhaps it is coincidental to your turn signal issue, but regardless, I would start troubleshooting there. Since you attached a wire to the control box there is a potential your work in that area affected the control box ops. I would verify the ground wire hook up is correct for the circuit and then verify correct turn signal control box operation. Those things are touchy little mechanisms..bordering on evil...lol

I would also get the system operating correctly before introducing another variable to deal with by changing over to LED's.
Regards, Tom
tm peterson

Tom.....I don't intend to convert to LED right now. I do want to get my present system working again first. I guess I'll have to try replacing the flasher and cleaning the relay contacts. I don't believe the ground wire for the indicator bulb is a problem. According to the wiring diagram it should ground to the control box terminal E thru a common dash panel ground. Also, when the bulb is removed the ground wire is isolated. But I'll try removing it also. I'm open to any other suggestions by anyone.
Thanks,
Mike
Mike I

The lighter color of LEDs in photos are usually not the result of strange LEDs, but rather the brighter light from the LEDs overwhelming the camera.
Lew Palmer

Lew

may be - but I have seen similar LED on a TC and for me it was too strong with a tendency to white.
W_Mueller

You have to use LEDs of the correct colour. For example, a whie LED behind a red lens will tend to look white, you need a red LED behind a red lens, and an amber or yellow LED behind an amber lens.
Dave H
Dave Hill

This thread was discussed between 25/08/2017 and 28/08/2017

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