Inditcator relay/activation

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rix313
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Post Mon Apr 20, 2020 7:28 pm

I'm looking to re-wire my E30 race car. Although this means largely starting from scratch using aftermarket parts, I am keen to make use of having a chassis loom stretched out on the floor to understand a bit more about how the standard electronics work. Can anyone tell me where the indicator relay is or how the indicators are otherwise turned 'on' and 'off'?
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Brianmoooore
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Post Mon Apr 20, 2020 8:51 pm

On the standard car, the indicator/hazard light relay is directly beneath the steering wheel boss.
Indicator 'relay' is activated by the indicator or hazard switch connecting it to earth via the lamps, so drawing a current through it. The 'flash' speed is dependant on the magnitude of this current reaching a specified minimum, by law, to act as a lamp failure indication.

Main body loom of an E30 runs right down the LH sill from the duct from the bottom of the fusebox, with a branch across the car behind the dash, one across the rear seats and one across the rear of the car. This is supplemented by several sub looms which plug to it.
rix313
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Posts: 4967
Joined: Fri Oct 31, 2008 11:00 pm
Location: Silverstone

Post Tue Apr 21, 2020 8:34 am

Thanks Brian. I have the loom laid out on my trailer but admit I hadn't removed the column loom which is why I must not have located this relay yet.