Blinkers don't work when its cold

[nhveedub]

Yay! My first post!

I just bought a 2000 Discovery and I have but one slight problem I'm hoping someone here can help me with: When its below freezing, my blinkers will not engage. After it's fully warmed up or if the outside temperature is above freezing, they work perfectly. If I'm sitting say at a light, I can wiggle the wheel back and forth while holding the blinker in the desired direction and eventually I can get it to click in and engage. However, that method would be dangerous while moving. Has anyone else encountered this and know the method of correction? Anyone else care to venture an educated guess?

Thanks a bunch!
-Aaron

 

[NHESS81]

It seems like you have two problems. #1 being a faulty ground perhaps on your blinkers--they could also be burning out if it takes a long time to turn on/you can turn them on by physically tapping them--I would go and buy new bulbs and try that, they are cheap and easy to replace, if that doesnt work, then start tearing into the wiring, but I would avoid that if possible. #2 your blinker/bright lights stalk might be going bad. This is the worst problem you have if it indeed is going bad, it is hard to find a replacement and install it.

Try the bulbs, see how it goes, then let us know if you have made any progress.

 

[joey]

I agree partly with NHESS81. It does sound like a possible ground or wiring issue. Wiring may not be fun.

Turn signal/Headlight stalk is easy to find and replace. I know http://www.discountbritishparts.com/ usually has them in stock and it only takes 10 minutes for a newbie to change.

I can change one in about 5 minutes if I am talking to someone while doing it.

 

[nhveedub]

Thanks to both of you! I'm more inclined to believe it's the stalk simply because I have the same response from both left and right directionals and only in cold weather. If it were a bulb, the same issue would have to present itself at the same time in both the left and right circuits. Also, when I do get the light to work in cold weather, I can feel a click in the stalk as the blinkers engage. Plus, both left and right blinkers work perfectly when the temperature is above freezing. I once had a fused bulb in my Jetta which did cause a similar symptom, but it didn't care what temp it was and it only occurred in the left blinker.

I have replaced an ignition switch before in my Jetta which required removal of the steering wheel. How involved is the replacement of a blinker/high beam stalk in my Disco? Where might I find general instructions?

Thanks

 

[joey]

check my post here http://www.landroverworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=1449&highlight=head+light+switch

 

[nhveedub]

Thanks Joey I emailed discountbritishparts.com for a quote on the part and they wanted more information. Could you kindly describe the faulty part in more detail? I don't suppose you'd have a part number? I had asked for a quote on a "Turn signal/Headlight stalk."

Thanks,
Aaron

 

[nhveedub]

BritishPacific.com has them:
Part #: stc4017
Product: SWITCH, HEADLAMPS/INDICATOR
Price: $140.00

 

[joey]

I would check http://www.discountbritishparts.com/

I got mine for $86 if I recall correctly

 

[jimzigg]

I have same issue

Please post or let me know resolutions and if its as easy as it sounds. Thanks.

 

[joey]

Sorry didn't notice you asked me what the part was...

I thought the part was STC1791.... but that could be retailer specific....

I did find it a Paddock spare for $94.00 http://www.paddockspares.com/sp/cat...ategory/Electrics/searchbox2/3)_Switches.html

Rovers North has it for :
ART # RNE760
SWITCH - INDICATOR/HEADLMP
DISCOVERY II & FREELANDER
$199.95

www.dap-inc has them for $210.00