Fast flashing indicator

[Arron1970]

So weird turn of events;

Driving last night - bulb problem light comes on.

Got out the car and it’s the drivers side, very thin light above the two main beams behind white Perspex that wasn’t working (I have replacement Sonar Angel eyes on (see pic) also see my other post on how the hell do I get the thing out!)

Anyway tonight the bulb warning goes off and the light works again. Nothing too odd there - maybe a dodgy bulb that’s in and out a bit before it fails fully.

The weird thing I’ve now noticed is my right turn indicators (same side as the above light) are flashing fast - no bulbs are not working, they’re just all flashing fast. Left turn is fine and weirdly whe. I put the hazard lights on all 4 indicators flash at normal pace so the problem is limited to right turn indicating

Any ideas?

 

[Scooba_Steve]

The OE headlamps have two front indicators, SONAR have a resistor to mimic the load. If your front and rear are working then one of the bulbs may be on the way out. Swapping sides will eliminate. Failing that then connection check and the resistor, though it might easier to read the code history as the bulb causing it should be stored. You could always disable checks one by one. The side repeaters are not usually monitored.

 

[Arron1970]

Cheers - the weird thing is that on hazard all 4 flash at the right pace?

 

[Scooba_Steve]

I think hazard just ignores any issues.

 

[Arron1970]

The bulb above the headlights is definitely dodgy as I’ve just noticed it’s flickering on and off - could that affect the indicators as well?

 

[Jembo]

I found, swapping/rotating all similar bulbs around, inc a few extra twists back & forth in their sockets plus some WD40 solved an intermittent bulb light in my first Z4, especially those in the boot, as you’re fighting the terminals corroding

 

[Arron1970]

Cheers I’ll give that a try

 

[Scooba_Steve]

Contact cleaner is better than WD40

 

[Scooba_Steve]

The bulb above the headlights is definitely dodgy as I’ve just noticed it’s flickering on and off - could that affect the indicators as well?

It shouldn't do.

 

[nick_l]

Ive had the exact same issue with the same headlights. The bulb you mention was out and I had a bulb light on my dash and the fast blinking indicator.

It turned out to be a dodgy/loose connector. I fixed it today by totally taking apart all the connectors re-crimping them all and then putting the plugs back together. A right faff.

Ive had nothing but problems with these headlights in the 1.5 years they have been fitted. Cheap connectors, poorly put together.

Try accessing the connector through the wheel well access panel and give the connectors a good wiggle.

 

[Arron1970]

Cheers Nick, ill give it a try

 

[Kelbro]

Hey, I’m actually experiencing the exact same issue. Did you find out what the problem turned out to be? Thanks

 

[Jembo]

Hey, I’m actually experiencing the exact same issue. Did you find out what the problem turned out to be? Thanks

What model of Z do you have?

1st gen E85 are notorious for rear corroded light fitting connectors

Swivel the bulbs a couple of times, add a little silicon spray & Bob’s your uncle fixed my olde E85

 

[Kelbro]

I have a e85 - you’re right, the backs are pretty bad. My problem at the moment is the front right indicator flashing fast, however flashes normal when hazards are on. I have the aftermarket headlights. To be honest the same side headlight does look a bit dim compared to the other side

 

[fedbeast]

My right fast flashing indicator was doing same thing, my brother worked on it and said it had a chewed up wiring problem, he went to bmw and bought the replacement wiring for it and it went away blinked normal