Sticky Indicator???

[miniblob]

Every now and again, not that often, when I unlock the car (with the remote - sigma alarm I think), the left indicator will come on and stay on - solid, not flashing!!!
I normally just lock/unlock the car again and we're all good.

This morning though, I unlocked it, locked it, a couple of times and even with the car locked, the left indicator remained solidly lit.
Had to drive like it this morning!!!
I can indicate right as normal, but the hazards result in both indicator being solidly lit, not flashing!!!

It's obviously had a jiggle around on the journey, 'cos it's fine again now, but what's causing this???

Any ideas???

Dodgy relay??? If so, where? Is the flasher unit in the fuse box???

[Brianmoooore]

Nothing to do with the BMW electrics! Turf out the aftermarket rubbish.

[miniblob]

Really???

I know you're the man with this stuff Brian, but I don't follow how the alarm could cause this???
It just prompts a flash when the car is locked/unlocked and is fine 99% of the time!!!
As far as I'm aware the alarm has been on the car from new - at least that was the impression the previous owner had!!!
Just checked the fob and it's a Meta Systems alarm!!! Were they ever dealer fit???

Surely it could just be a sticky relay, or flasher unit, or even a dodgy connection/earth/short somewhere???

[Brianmoooore]

It's a sticky (usually under specified) relay in the alarm unit that's causing the problem. The flash when you operate the alarm is generated by the alarm, not the cars indicator system
Switching the hazards on locks your left indicators to the right, so the right hand ones are solidly on as well.

[miniblob]

Ahhh ok - bugger!!
I assume that relay is gonna built into the alarm sounder or something and can't just be replaced?

If it starts sticking more often, I'll have to try and remove that system then!!!

Thanks again Brian!!!

[adam_2922]

I have had the problem on a different make before. Check the grounding points. Sometimes they gum up

[miniblob]

Will have a poke around when I get a chance!!!

Ta!!!

[Brianmoooore]

You can always just disconnect the wire from the alarm that goes to the LH indicator. It would normally connect to a blue/black wire at a plug near the accessories socket behind the glovebox, but the average non too bright alarm fitter might target the wire at the hazard switch.

[miniblob]

I'll see what I can find - cheers Brian!!!