8 replies to this topic

[Richard e]

I have a 1985 city. I am always leaving the indicators on because the self cancelling only happens when the steering wheel goes through quite a turn. Having the centre speedo does not help as the little green light is so small and of course you can't hear it blinking over the background noise. Having the indicators flashing when I am not intending to turn is an accident waiting to happen: but I think it is a design fault. Is there something I can fit / do that would make the self cancelling more sensitive?

[GraemeC]

Its not a design fault as that's not how it should work - the cancel mechanism operates in about 1/4 of a turn either way. 

It sounds like either something is broken or hasn't been put back together properly.

 

I would start by removing the steering wheel and checking the cancelling pin/lug is in tact.  Then manually turn the cancelling collar on the column through 180 degrees, see if that then work just by putting an indicator on and turning the collar by hand.

[richmondclassicsnorthwales]

Fit a buzzer,  cheap enough from most DIY electrical hobby shops

 

One line to earth, one to a positive feed giving the impulse for the flash

Edited by richmondclassicsnorthwales, 16 July 2021 - 06:50 PM.

[smurfomatic]

Fit a buzzer,  cheap enough from most DIY electrical hobby shops

 

One line to earth, one to a positive feed giving the impulse for the flash

 

Or replace the indicator relay with one which has a buzzer built in

[growlerbearnz]

The indicators should cancel after 1/4 turn, as mentioned above.

If yours cancel after 3/4 of a turn, then your steering column is probably installed 180 degrees out. (At least, that's the problem on a mk1/2, the little nub on the column that moves the lever should aim at the lever when driving straight ahead. The actual mechanics of it might be different on a mk5, but the cause is likely the same). 

[Richard e]

Thanks for the replies. It is on a 3/4 turn cancel. But we have had the car from new and it has always been like that - and the column has not been out - could it have been fitted wrong at factory? The reason I am trying to fix it is that my wife has started to drive the car and rightly has told me to sort it out!

[Ethel]

Does it have an aftermarket steering wheel?

 

Your car will probably have this stalk. There should be a lug on the back of the wheel that locates in a slot in the  plastic collar that the steering column pokes through - it could be whatever is doing the job of the lug is too slack a fit. Either way, if you access that collar you can discover how far it turns before it cancels.

[sonscar]

On mine the plastic collar became very stiff and the lug on the wheel jumped out of its slot and kind of dragged it round causing unpredictable self cancelling.Steve..

[Richard e]

Sorted. The plastic collar was in the wrong position. Yes it is that indicator stalk and still on original steering wheel. Thanks for advice.