Technical Tipo Indicator Relay always clicking

[fanofdjavan]

Hi, I have a N reg Tipo 1.4ie which I have had for nearly 9 years. Every now and then the indicator relay starts clicking randomly. It does not affect the indicators themselves. When you operate them the relay clicks as it should. Just when it starts to drive you nuts the car stops doing it for 6 months. Anyway I have tried changing the relay and it didnt help.
I read here it might be the switch on the steering column but dont know how to get to it. Any advice on how to access the switch and then what to do to it?
Thanks

 

[svcglobal]

This is a well knowing issue. The fusebox got humidity. Internally there are four layers of flexible printed circuit that do short-circuit with water and doing such crazy things.
That water is coming from the lower angle of the windshield, probably the rubber is cracked.
It is more cheap to buy another one used at eBay but first fix the windshield.

 

[bluejohn125]

It is almost certainly the indicator stalk, there is an intermittent short circuit. I had this on my car, it is quite common.

There are 2 screws under the steering column cowling to remove the bottom half, then 2 more for the top half. You can remove the stalk assembly with a bit of pushing and pulling, and disconnect from the loom. Then replace it with another unit (or an autoelectrician may be able to service it for you).

Make sure the replacement unit is the same, they are different for airbag and non-airbag cars. Which is yours?

 

[fanofdjavan]

Thanks for both of your replies. The clicking has calmed down again now. My version has an airbag. When it starts again I will have another look.

 

[svcglobal]

Thanks for both of your replies. The clicking has calmed down again now. My version has an airbag. When it starts again I will have another look.

The humidity in the box must be gone, but check the lower side of the windshield just above the fusebox. With care and some silicone glue you can stop the water to go inside, if was the case.

 

[SteveNZ]

I had this problem. It was caused by a bad earth strap connection.

 

[bluejohn125]

Many Tipos are at an age where earthing problems can appear and cause a lot of funny electrical faults.

 

[united8v]

Agreed, it was only the other week when the dashboard on my tipo completely stopped working, all because of a bad earth connection.

The back light for the clock has also stopped working, although it did start working again down a road full of potholes, but has not stopped again.

 

[Peanut01]

I also had the clicking sound, and it drove me crazy. What have I done to stop the clicking..: I removed the indicator stalk ( as sugested above ) and then i opened it ( 4 screws, and be carefull not to loose any springs) and there i noticed a lot of dirt and dust on the electric circuitprint.. I cleaned it, and put it back together.. and until now.. no anoying clicking sounds! So you don’t always have to buy another one..

( Sorry if it isn’t correct English )