Hazard Switch Failure

[Coupeboy]

The hazard switch on my S1 used to flash red in sympathy with being activated and the indicators flashing. All functions still work correctly apart from the switch unit no longer flashes (I think I damaged the bulb somehow when levering the switch out for another job). I wouldn't care except that a) it's an MoT requirement to have a visual flashing cue when the switch is activated and b) apparently there is no new switch available as it is obsolete. Interestingly, when I replaced the switch into the loom plug I managed to get the dashboard indicator light (green) to flash with the hazard switch being activated but only with the rhs indicator lights flashing. Pushing the switch firmly into the plug stopped this behaviour. So, my questions are: a) has anyone replaced the bulb inside the hazard switch
b) should it be the case that the main dash green indicator light should flash?
c) is it possible (obviously it is) to make the main green indicator light flash with a simple mod in lieu of fixing the switch bulb (assuming this is legal)?

[martin_bailey_1]

Hi Coupeboy,

One final thing to try (although you may well have done so already ?) .............
..... I had exactly the same situation, with the lights all flashing correctly, but the switch not illuminating.

When I removed the switch, polished all the contact spades, and re-seated it (whilst doing a 'contortionist act' and pushing on the connector from behind the dash) - - it started to work correctly, and has been fine ever since.

Oh.... and In answer to question 'b' ... the dash indicator shouldn't flash with the hazard lights.

Hope this helps ......good luck,

Martin.

[GeoffSmith]

a) No, but it is possible with a soldering iron - see the Wiki for details and GM part reference.
b) The dash light only comes on when operating as direction indicators.
c) No, not easily.

[Coupeboy]

Thanks Gents - I shall attempt a clean up of the contacts and reinsertion to the plug. If this doesn't work I fear my frustrated prodding of the switch may have done for the bulb. I will probably resort to finding a Carlton replacement first and then pulling the old switch apart to see what's what.

[lotusgirlmarie]

Interesting. The green dash indicator works with both the signals and with the hazard switch on the FED cars. Wonder why that is........

[Coupeboy]

Examined the problem again and sure enough connector was dislodged at the back of the dash and wasn't engaging fully with switch spades. Now back to full operation. In the process managed to get left or right indicators to flash, not all, with dashboard green telltale. It makes sense that this light is in the circuit but not sure why the UK hazard switch doesn't normally illuminate it.