Intermittent fault with Indicators!

[Crafty1980]

Hi there, I've got a problem with my indicators. When I go to indicate generally they only ever flash once then stop. Sometimes it doesn't indicate at all and sometimes they almost works perfectly. It sounds as though the relay switch (or whatever it's called) might be either broken or just has a lose connection. Can someone tell me where it is and how to access it? I can hear it clicking (when it does work) behind the dashboard somewhere! I'm wondering if it's anything like my old golf and it's just an item that plugs into a sort of fuse board?! Or is it a major job for a garage? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

Funny thins is, the lights work fine if I turn on the hazards. Does that use a different relay to the left/right relay?

I's an A6 Avant btw '02 plate...

[mike_true80]

This is just a guess but sometimes the relay is actually a part of the hazard light switch itself (it is on my Golf) - have a go at pulling that out if you can.

Or post in the VAG-COM section and see if someone in your area would be able to do a scan for faults - that should narrow down your seach at least.

[TDiAvant]

Change the Harard light switch and all should be well.

[Edd_W]

Almost certainly the combined flasher/hazard unit. It is a common fault.

You will find articles on how to remove it here - www.audiworld.com - use a search in the A6 forum.

[srrc]

Curious. I have exactly the same problem with my A6 Allroad.
It's booked in at the main stealer on monday for it's 80k service, inc cambelt change (gulp), so they are going to check it at the same time.
I'll report back.

[Ady_E]

Hi all

I have attached a piccy from ETKA7 of the Hazard Warning Light Switch. It does contain the relay that causes the Hazard Lights and Indicators to flash.

I too am currently experiencing intermittent problems with Indicators. My indicators come on but don't flash. I'm blaming a sticky relay cos when I thump the dash hard it works again!

To think I actually get paid an extortionate amount of money for providing quality technical fault diagnosis and repair such as this! lol

Joking aside, I'll have a look at the relay and see if a repair can be made or whether it's just easier to replace. Will get back to you.

Regards

[Ady_E]

Hi all

Me again! I've removed the assembly from the dash. Simply pull off the facia then lever the switch unit out using a screwdriver. Go in from the top. Pull unit out and unplug harness.

For an A6 C5 the part number is 4B0 941 509 D.

Inside the unit (see attached pics) there are two relays the larger one controls the lights in the 'Hazard Warning' mode whilst the smaller one is used when switching the indicators left or right. This is the reason why Hazard Warning Lights still work when indicators do not.

It's this smaller relay, a Omron G8N-1, that is sticking and causing the Indicators not to flash. If you're feeling brave or you know someone who can solder/desolder double sided though board components, the relay can be changed at a fraction of the cost of replacing the whole assembly. (better for the environment too!)

RS used to stock this relay for around £5 but it is now obsolete. They have an 'alternative' but it is different and would therefore not fit in the circuit board. Maplin was a waste of time too. I have contacted Omson themselves asking where these relays can be bought but I'm not expecting a reply.

I'll keep at it and post any developments on obtaining the relays. After all £5 is better than what Audi would charge for a new switch unit! I hate to think how much that would be!

[Paul]

Definitely Hazzard light switch as mentioned. Its common across the range.

Mine (8L S3) started playing up with erratic blinks and generally loosing its rythem.

Switch was circa £25-35 quid irrc, and was a revised part no, so may have been improved to solve the problem.

[srrc]

My A6 had the same problem, £20 hazard switch fixed it.

[audidub]

Does anyone know if the G8N-1S would do? it is still available. It is listed as a "low voltage" version but has appx the same characteristics apart from coil resistance of 180 Ohm against 225 Ohm and a pull voltage of 6.5V as against 7.2V.

An alternative looks like the CIT A16.
ref Electronic Components: PCB Overview
and www.citswitch.com/Relay%20Cross%20Reference.pdf

Cheers,
Michael.