12 replies to this topic

[OlivierW2]

Hello,

 

I want to replace the indicators bulbs with LEDs, but I also need to change the flasher relay to correct the blink delay.

 

I have a '99 Rover Mini MPI with a wooden dashboard.

 

I have removed the 3 bolts of the dashboard, the heat events, the radio and its cage, the 3 screws of the steering cowl and I still can't access the flasher.

 

First problem: even if I have removed the screws of the steering cowl, I still can't remove it. I have found this thread, but it looks difficult to not damage the clips. And I am not sure it's the sterring cowl which prevent me to remove the dashboard.

 

I have tried to access the flasher though the radio hole: I can barely touch it, but how can I remove it? Does something lock it in place? Maybe I should just apply some more force? (but I have removed a relay in the bonnet, just to feel how it should be and I didn't need to force very much)

 

I have aslo found this thread, explaining it can be accessed from the driver footwell. My problem: my car is LHD, I haven't found a way to access the flasher this way: the steering column block the access.

 

In short: how can I replace the flasher relay? Is there an easy trick ?

 

Best Regards,

Olivier

[Tornado99]

Unsure how it is mounted on the later mini, my '88 had it just flopping loose to the left of my LHD steering coloumn. I could easily reach it from below without removing any covers or dash. My car does not have the panels over the lower dash bar openings, just wide open under there.

Usually relays are secure with a rubber sleeve or plastic clip affixed to an edge of metal frame or sometimes there is a moulded tang on the relay plastic housing which is bolted through to a surface. Many modern cars have a relay base secured to a surface and the relay just pushes into the base, like what I think you have in the engine bay relays. If you can reach your relay, see if there is a base its plugged into and try just pulling it away.

The new LED friendly relay usually has three prongs, your original likely has two. Third prong is just for ground and needs to be connected. You may not be able to use original base plate if for two prong or third opening not grounded. You can either make up some short jumpers from base to relay or find a two prong type electronic flasher unit (harder to find but do exist...I found one on Amazon).

Also if this proves too difficult, you can get some resistors to put in line to your flasher lamps, this allows your original relay to work normally.

Edited by Tornado99, 23 August 2021 - 05:01 PM.

[OlivierW2]

Thanks for your help @Tornado99

 

The original flasher on the MPI is this one: http://www.minispare...ic/GFU2208.aspx and I have finally successfully removed by applying more force with a screwdriver under it. I didn't even hear any weird breaking noise! :-D

So, as you can see, it is a 3 prongs one. Unfortunately, the new one I got have its positive and negative reversed compared to the Lucas one :-/ I'll see what I can do with it, or like you say, maybe add resistors.

Edited by OlivierW2, 23 August 2021 - 05:10 PM.

[Tornado99]

I'd try testing new relay to see if it operates fine with polarity reversed. Some will be fine as they just have a coil that energies with current running through either direction.

[OlivierW2]

Unfortunately, it is a flasher with adjustable speed, so it has a bit of electronic in it. The ads of this flasher claims it has: "short circuit automatic protection, overload automatic protection, reverse connection automatic protection".

 

Well, I found out the model I have is "CF13 JL-02" and the correct one for the Mini should be "CF14 JL-02". I have just ordered the new one, and I'll report back in a few days/weeks. It may be useful for others members as well

Attached Files

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[OlivierW2]

Hello,

 

While waiting for the new flasher, I need to put back the original one. So, I still need to find a way to remove the dashboard or access the flasher holder to insert it back on…

Even if I don't have huge arms, I can't do everything just through the radio hole  The relay was hard to remove, it's also hard to put it back.

 

I still can't see what prevent me from removing the dashboard, and it doesn't look like it is the steering cowl 

 

Best Regards,

Olivier

[brivinci]

Have you actually located the original flasher? Easiest way is to turn the car on and have the flashers on...then just follow the clicking sound. On my 94, RHD SPi, the flasher unit is "mounted" to a metal tag from the metal that makes up the lower dash shelf. I just slips onto this vertical tab and is in line with my right knee. Mid way between the dash rail and the bulkhead, sitting closer to the right wheel well.

[OlivierW2]

@brivinci: yes, thanks    At first it took me some time to locate the original flasher, but then I found it, around where you said: behind the dashboard. Mine is on the left, as it is a LHD car. I first discovered it by looking through the ashtray hole with a flash light, since I had removed the ashtray a few months ago. There are others "relay" (I guess) near it, but this one was easy to spot, it's a Lucas DCR8626.

 

Well, finally I have successfully removed the dashboard, well, not fully, but enough to reinstall the flasher 

What prevented it to move, was the two bolt at the bottom whick kept falling back into their holes. Someone helped me to lift both at the same time.

 

I can't wait to receive the new adjustable flasher and have fun again with the dashboard… 

[OlivierW2]

Hello,

 

So, I received the new flasher "CF14 JL-02" and just installed it: I can confirm it's the correct one for the Mini, works well with LED indicators on the front and rear. I haven't changed the side indicators, yet.

 

Olivier

Attached Files

•  IMG_20210923_091605.jpg   25.24K   1 downloads

[Tornado99]

A non LED flasher will continue to work fine if there is just one incandescent bulb in the circuit. So your side lamps may be allowing sufficient current draw to let the flash rate be normal. Need to remove those two to test the flasher or replace with LEDs and then determine if flasher is fine. I suspect your will be OK as it is not the standard simple non-electronic type that relies on a strip of metal heating up, bending until contact is opened, cooling until contact closes again, heating up, bending ...

[OlivierW2]

Before starting this thread I had tested by just replacing the rear bulbs with LEDs: hazard warning light was working normally. But when using the indicators individually (left or right), it was blinking way too fast.

So, now all is well with the electronic flasher

 

If I haven't replaced the side indicators yet, it's because I haven't managed to remove them :-/ The manual from Rover say to push the light unit firmly to the right but not sure how much force I should really apply… I need to remove the front wheels in the next few days, so I'll check from the other side.

Maybe I can change the bulb from the other side without detaching the lens from the body?

[sonscar]

Yes you can,twist and pull it out.Steve..

[OlivierW2]

Thanks @sonscar!

So, it was much easier with the wheels off and now I understand how it's attached to the body. I am glad I had bought new side indicators lens in a previous order: because the plastic latch of the lens was brittle and broke in my hand.

 

Well, now everything is sorted and I have LEDs in place of all indicators bulbs