Technical Electrics!

[wonkeywoody]

(Sorry if this is in the wrong thread)

The relay box under my steering wheel 'ticks' away all on its own! (this is a replacement, the last one did the same)
After any electrical use, indicators, brake lights etc it continues an extra tick or two (or few, depending on its mood!).
Occasionally the warning lamp indicator on the dash tells me either my boot is not shut or my brake lights are not working (They are! even when it says not!)
HELP!

If this is an 'earth' prob -please be good enought to tell me where to look - I'm a dab hand with a chainsaw but not cars!!!

Thanks

 

[T14086]

helps if you tell us what car you have!!!

(& yes wrong section)

 

[wonkeywoody]

oooops where should it have been put?
Its a Fiat Tipo TDSX M reg.
Thanks

 

[Luke M]

oooops where should it have been put?
Its a Fiat Tipo TDSX M reg.
Thanks

tipo section would be best! a mod will probably move the thread for you.

 

[Trancendental]

When my box used to do this it was because it was filled with water.

Maybe you have condensation. You will probably have to check the electrical resistance at the wipers as they may be overloading the fuse.

 

[wonkeywoody]

...err, ok, how? (you guessed - not mech minded, sorry!)
Actually, it behaved itself the other day and then when driving today it had a real tick tick spasm!
Sat and tried different combinations of elec use but couldnt pinpoint anything. It always gives a tick after something has been used tho' ????????????????????

 

[Trancendental]

If it is happening at Random I would presume a faulty electrical something.

The fuse box has a singular earth strap located on it somewhere.

If it is happening in all weather conditions then I would suspect the mechanism for the wipers or the relay for the wipers.

If only when wet or after rain then I would inspect possible leakages.

You would have to know what voltage the wipers are meant to be at before checking.

You'll need a Voltmeter and a Tipo electrical guide of some sort (I do not have one and I don't know what it is meant to be but proabably between 3 and 12 volts) Disconnect the wipers and stick the voltmeter on the exposed cables. Don't blow yourself up.

 

[ronxray]

I have the same issue, it doesn't seem to have a negative effect on anything.

I find it is tied to the left hand stalk that controls the lights. I find if I move the stalk slightly the clicking relay stops.

 

[tipomike]

re the rear lights/boot problem I would check the loom to the rear hatch - The wires often snag in the rubber protector between the hatch and the body - top left corner when you open the boot.

 

[SteveNZ]

Been here a few times. Chech for a bad earth. check for any voltage on the chassis. My indicatir flasher use to do it.