Hazard Lights

[Guest docter fox]

Hi, taking the car in for its MOT this week and found yesterday I have a problem with lights :angry:

 

both indicators work fine seperately but when i put the hazard lights on, only the right side flashes why?

[Longboarder]

Hazards and indicators or closely linked on the left column switch. Putting on the hazards, switches a constant supply to the 49 contact on the relay instead of the ignition live supply and links both L and R indicator circuits within the hazard switch. The fact that R only flashes with hazards and both indicator circuits work, proving the wires suggest the switch is failing to link the L circuit.

So faulty column switch. Operate it 20 times. May just start again. Otherwise change the switch.

(I think )

 

Nigel

[Guest chris brown]

Do as Nigel says the problem with our cars is that the hazard switch being on top of the column every time we are out in the rain or the car is standing and it rains water gets down to the contacts a squirt with WD40 may improve things but not too much as it is not the best stuff to put on contacts (RS do some proper contact cleaner) but I know on mine it doesn’t latch in properly if it has not been used for several months and does as you discribe.

[Guest docter fox]

so wheres the best place to get a new switch? asap ford? or scrap yard? (have to find out how your meant to get it off too )

 

can you just use any old switch for the hazard for the MOT (ie toggle switch) or does it have to be anything in particular?

[Guest TerryBarry]

If your car uses the Ford switch gear then the hazard switch is built into the left hand column switch assembly - that is the indicator / headlight dip & flash switch.

Remove the cowl and there should be two screws holding the assembly onto the column.

Scrappy might be best - I imagine it will cost a good bit from Uncle Henry

Ebay might be worth a look

[Guest TerryBarry]

Assembly looks like this

[Guest docter fox]

I don't have a cowl so it was quite easy (keep saying I'll get round to making one)

 

I've got a different red button but everything else looks the same, might see if I can take it apart any further or shove as many chemicals as possible in anything thatn resembles a gap

 

If not I'll be going to the scrap yard tomorrow

 

Thanks people

[Longboarder]

Thats an escort column switch, Terry. Pic below is of a pre 87 sierra switch which is free if you want it Doc. (I think it works) Need to pm me an address.

The wiring of a hazard switch is not simple. Think you would need a two or three pole switch to graft into the loom. Haven't put much thought into it for a while. Stick with the column switch if I were you.

 

Nigel

[Longboarder]

Tother side.

[Guest TerryBarry]

Thats an escort column switch, Terry

 

I'm sure it isn't - Part Code Starts 87BG.............

 

It's actually off an '88 Sierra Sapphire and has matching lighting / wiper switch without rear wash/wipe

[Guest docter fox]

Thats the one I have

 

(just writing you a pm longboarder)

[Guest chris brown]

I'm sure it isn't - Part Code Starts 87BG

So am I Terry as mine is the same

[Longboarder]

OK, I'm wrong. Just that it looks identical to the escort one supplied with my kit all those years ago. Nice to know the later sierra column switch looks different to the early one as the wiring is slightly different too. (Got to salvage something here )

 

Nigel

[Guest Battery Bill]

James

I don't have a cowl so it was quite easy  (keep saying I'll get round to making one)

 

No wonder the water has got in then

 

Oh by the way our stalks are nothing like the others

[Guest chris brown]

Well they wouldn’t be.