Miata Mailing List: January 1997, Message #211
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   From: (none)

Subject: Re: Indicator Gone Mad

   Date: (none)



"Rob Benzie", On Jan 3,  9:56am, writes:

> Subject: Indicator Gone Mad

> My left-turn indicator - you know the damn thing that clicks when you're

> turning - has gone a bit haywire and is flicking faster that the right-hand

> one (which is working fine).

> What gives?



Based on what I know (OK, no snide remarks), the turn signals are

controlled by a bi-metal flasher.  Current is sent through the

bi-metal, which in turns heats up.  The metals on the strip are

of a different coefficient of expansion, so the strip bends,

breaking the circuit for the lights.  Then the bi-metal cools,

and bends and completes the circuit again, and turns the lights

back on, and so on.  (Or at least that's how SOME flashers work.

I can't say for sure that's what's in our Miatas.)



When a flasher cycles too fast, it usually is an indication of

the bi-metal getting hot too quickly.  This can mean a short of

some kind or unusually high resistance somewhere in the circuit.



I'd check all the connections on the side that is having a problem,

as well as ensuring that the bulbs' contact points are clean and

corrosion-free.



Doug     1 3 5     Information Systems    INTERnet dquara@encore.com

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