10 replies to this topic

[bluemini1979]

Hi i've got my MOT in a weeks time but my hazards have decided to stop working. What's happening is when I turn them on only the left side comes on but they do not flash. I'm going to mini spares at the weekend so can get any bits then but need to know some of the probable causes to know what i'm getting. Thanks

[olds_kool_lews]

Try replacing the switch as 1st port of call, 9 out of 10 hazard problems are from a dodgey switch!

[silve1999]

im not an expert but this kind of behaviour sounds like a dodgy earth.....

[bluemini1979]

right ok thanks. could it be then a wire off the back of the switch as the car has a custom loom and a non standard switch that uses small spade connectors on the back. would this be where you look first?

[bluemini1979]

Forgot to say the indicators work fine and he cars a 1979 so has a flasher relay and a separate hazard one

[tommy13]

Usually when only half the hazards work the problem lies with the switch, the contacts tarnish with lack of use. Just switching them on and off repeatedly sometimes cleans the contacts enough to get them working again. If you have some contact cleaner this too is helpful.

As above, hazards are only required on vehicles first used after 01 April 1986 ( For MOT ) but if fitted to an earlier vehicle they must work. Therefore you would have to remove all evidence that your vehicle is fitted with hazards.

[bluemini1979]

So if I removed the switch and put a blank on off switch in labelled as something that's not tested and removed the hazard relay and hid the wiring out of sight it would be ok?

[The Principal]

the indicators are wired through the hazard switch so if your thinking down that route you will need to bypass the wiring for the indicators

[minimad10]

may be the hazard flasher as one our minis had this problem we changed the flasher and it was working 

[L400RAS]

the indicators are wired through the hazard switch so if your thinking down that route you will need to bypass the wiring for the indicators

 

Indeed - the switch will have to stay plugged in for the indicators to work, but i have two solutions for a quick pass:

 

1: Remove switch, and then reconnect it under the dash out of sight - then leave the hole in the dash.  Tester then cannot test the switch

2. Cover switch temporarily with gaffer tape.  No switch to see / press - hazzards cannot be tested.

 

R

[tiger99]

It is best to fix it properly, although not urgent, as the hazards are useful. As the indicators work, we can completely rule out wiring to the lights and their earths (sigh of relief...), and the indicator switch and flasher (which have nothing to do with the hazards anyway).  As only one side tries to flash when the hazard switch is operated, it is absolutely certain that the switch or its immediate connections are the problem. Are the wires on the correct terminals? The hazard flasher "may" be faulty, but most likely it is just not seeing enough electrical load, half the lamps, to be able to flash.

 

The hazard switch has unique internal connections and needs to be replaced by the correct part.

 

As suggested, disable it for the MOT, and fix it at your leisure.