Blinker Gremlin?

[Philippe db]

Hi Guys,

I was wondering if any of you ever experienced the following?

When using my blinkers I see the blinker light on the dashboard blinks ones or twice, then noting. The blinkers themselfs all seem to work perfectly.

Any thoughts on what could be causing this?

Many thanks in advance.

KR
Philippe

 

[Keshav]

A very common problem caused by the aging relay (located next to the hood opener/ fuse box)
Use the search function, been discussed with some solutions too.
A very good repair guidance by Gerhard Reiser from the German Forum.
http://www.e9-forum.de/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=25976&p=28702&hilit=Blinker+Relais+Reparatur#p28702

 

[adawil2002]

Dirty points in the relay most likely, can convert to a solid state relay. As Keshav wrote Search is your friend for specific details.

 

[Keshav]

The ‘repair’ it self is actually quite simple..... a small tweak/ bend is all it takes but yes, more modern options are available.
As the write up says, it can be hooked back up without the cover to see if the adjustment was done right.

 

[Philippe db]

Thanks guys.

Found the culprit in the car but no old threads.

Difficulty with a search function is that you have to know the correct search words. Aging/blinker and relay don't do it.

I don't suppose these old relais are still available somewhere.

 

[Keshav]

Why not try to fix yours?
I believe @Stevehose has the right answer to a modern alternative.

https://e9coupe.com/forum/threads/turn-signal-and-hazard-clicking-way-too-fast.12371/#post-81218

Scroll down to @teahead answer

 

[Philippe db]

Ok pulled it out and got it open.

Not exactly a match to the one you posted.

Only thing that moves are two contact points on a copper plate right in the middle. Bend it a little, put it back in the car and now nothing works anymore.

 

[Philippe db]

Hi Guys,

With zero technical knowledge this always is a bit difficult. Are that grounding connections on the back of the housing?

Since I put the relay back in without the housing it probably wasn't grounded and therefore didn't work.

Just saw this sitting on one of the grounding points?

If I put the relay back in it's case does it matter how I slide it in?

 

[Keshav]

Ok pulled it out and got it open.

Not exactly a match to the one you posted.

Only thing that moves are two contact points on a copper plate right in the middle. Bend it a little, put it back in the car and now nothing works anymore.

As the discription says, don’t put back the cover, hook it up to see whether the hammer is actually hitting the contact when the blinker is activated, it might still be too far away for the spool to do its job.
The covers hook is no ground so it needs no cover to operate properly

 

[Philippe db]

Hi Keshav,

As I wrote, noting works anymore when I just plug it in again. Only one very faint click when I activate the blinker.

 

[Philippe db]

Ok guys, just had a look where the one click I hear is coming from.

What I see is that the contact closes when I activate the blinker but it remains in closed position without the blinkers working.

 

[Belgiumbarry]

Philippe, you can change that to a simpel switch and blink manual .



























April 1

 

[sfdon]

https://www.bmw2002faq.com/articles.../retrofitting-an-electronic-flasher-relay-r56

8 bucks

 

[jmackro]

Electronic is the way to go. You can try resuscitating an old blinker relay by sanding the points or bending the spring, but from my experience they won't continue working for long.

 

[Philippe db]

Thanks guy.

With a little help from Keshav I have a functional original on the way and will keep you posted.

 

[JFENG]

The main advantage of a solid state low current relay is it is highly tolerant of less than optimal electrical system condition. It will work even if your bulb sockets are slightly corroded or if connectors are dirty etc.