E89 offside rear indicator suddenly intermittent not working

TONYMOR · Post by **TONYMOR** » Wed Aug 24, 2022 7:34 pm

My offside rear indicator suddenly developed an intermittent problem. One minute I’m indicating normally then suddenly it goes double speed and then corrects itself??
Any ideas?

enuff_zed · Post by **enuff_zed** » Wed Aug 24, 2022 7:38 pm

Well usually an indicator flashes double speed if the bulb at the other end of the car is not working.
Have you checked connections for the front and side bulbs?

Zforbes · Post by **Zforbes** » Wed Aug 24, 2022 7:40 pm

TONYMOR wrote: ↑Wed Aug 24, 2022 7:34 pm My offside rear indicator suddenly developed an intermittent problem. One minute I’m indicating normally then suddenly it goes double speed and then corrects itself??
Any ideas?

Check for water in the unit, very common problem, best fixed with new unit or both as can be visually different due to fading.

B21 · Post by **B21** » Wed Aug 24, 2022 8:53 pm

Zforbes wrote: ↑Wed Aug 24, 2022 7:40 pm
TONYMOR wrote: ↑Wed Aug 24, 2022 7:34 pm My offside rear indicator suddenly developed an intermittent problem. One minute I’m indicating normally then suddenly it goes double speed and then corrects itself??
Any ideas?
Check for water in the unit, very common problem, best fixed with new unit or both as can be visually different due to fading.

If it’s an E89 most likely, especially earlier cars with first generations of the tail lights…

Stash36 · Post by **Stash36** » Wed Sep 07, 2022 1:57 pm

I've got a 2009 offside rear light if you need one, only replaced as it didn't match my new nearside lens due to fading as mentioned. 125 delivered.

wanatkinson · Post by **wanatkinson** » Fri Sep 23, 2022 12:07 pm

Another thing to perhaps look out for - One of my indicators went intermittently a couple of years ago. Then over winter it disappeared. Then when summer came round and I used the roof for the first time it came back. It still isn't fixed as it only happens rarely and I imagine it could be a pain to fix. Definitely happens when I use the roof then seems to settle down...

DevonPaul · Post by **DevonPaul** » Fri Sep 23, 2022 12:37 pm

As said, double speed usually indicates (sorry) a failed bulb.

If it is coming and going it could be a bulb that is failing, or a direty connection.

Put the indicators on then wobble/tap them to see which one stops flashing, my money is on the repeater on the side, either that or the one that's hardest to get to

flybobbie · Post by **flybobbie** » Fri Sep 23, 2022 7:20 pm

Loads of electronics at bottom of indicator. Once significant moisture gets in it fails.

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CFSD · Post by **CFSD** » Tue Sep 27, 2022 8:54 am

I've had the same issue on my rear left.
The seals leak and condensation/water will collect on the LED board. eventually it fails.
The board itself isn't a replaceable part, it's a whole new rear cluster to fix I'm afraid.
That said, the replacement itself is dead easy, if you've got a trim tool for the plastic plugs.

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