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MG TD TF 1500 - Troubleshooting TF turn signals, brake light

What is the best way to determine if the turn signal relay is bad or if there is something wrong with the wiring harness, or turn signal switch. I bought the switch new but the relay is original. Also, the brake light relay at the rear of the master cylinder has is not new. I converted to silicone brake fluid and have heard that it is hard on these relays.
Mike Moryl

Mike,
Checking the switch should be very easy. Any even cheap volt ohm meter should have a setting for continunity (Beep) with the switch disconected you should have an open circut between center post and either L or R side post...move the lever you should hear the beep untill switch "times out" repeat for the other post. If that is working move next to the incomming signal to the flasher unit (set to dc voltage now) if you see voltage comming "in" but not out you have a bad flasher. Hope you have the wirring diagram! if not contact me direct if you need some more help!
David
David Sheward

Mike - Do the turn signals work? If it is just the brake lights that are not working, the most common culprit is the brake light switch. David Sheward has already told you how to troubleshoot the switch. If it turns out to be bad, I would suggest that you add a relay in the brake light circuit to protect the switch. The replacement switches that are available today are so whimpy that they will quit in just a few weeks unless they are protected by a relay. If you need a diagram for wiring a relay into the brake light circuit, let me know and I will send you one. Good luck - Dave
David DuBois

Did anyone ever solve the problem with the turn signal indicator light? When I hooked up my new turn signal relay everything worked by the indicator, which stays on when the system is idle and flashes the reverse of the turn signals. When we discussed this several months ago, there were others who had the same experience.

Andy Moyce
52 TD
Andy Moyce

First thing to do is check that your battery is at least 12 volts. My 53 has turn signals that won't work if the red charge light is on. Once it goes out, at about 2000 RPM, every thing works fine. Hope this helps. Tom
Tom

Hi Mike,

Original DB10 Relays for the turn signal are long in the tooth these days, if yours has "died" a UK company SVC in Stafford are producing a solid state electronic look-a-like version. (They have a web site)

I recently purchased one and it is identical to the original at first glance, I replaced the new cover with the original Lucas cover from the old relay and now it looks a perfect match, and of course it works.

Hope that you continue to go in the right direction with your MG

Russell Dade
Russell Dade

Russel - Do you have the URL for SVC's web site? Dave
David DuBois

David, I suspect SVC of tafford is at

http://www.s-v-c.co.uk/

-Paul
Paul Hinchcliffe

This thread was discussed between 22/07/2002 and 16/08/2002

MG TD TF 1500 index

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