right indicator short.

[Don 130]

I've got a dead short when I activate the right indicator. I've fitted a new indicator/dip/ horn and also a new flasher relay. I've checked all the light fittings and also the hazard switch continuity against a function diagram. All good. The hazards work fine, but only the trailer dashlight lights up when the hazards are on. I haven't used the hazards enough in the past to know if only the trailer dashlight usually lights up or if the normal indicator one lights as well. At the moment the indicator dashlight does not light with the hazards on. Has any one had a similar experience and can lead me to where the offending short may be? I've also pulled the instument panel off and looked inside for chaffed wires, as well as the entry and exit points of the loom as it goes through the chassis. Ideas gratefully taken on board. Thanks.
Don.

[130man]

Hi Nod130, my TD5 130 lights up the dash indicator lights when the hazards are flashing.Good luck.I am chasing an intermittent short in the RHS parking lights/dash lights at the moment. No luck so far.Cheers 130man.

[Davo]

My apologies for not having the actual answer, but I do know for a fact that the earthing on these cars is a recurring problem. It's the first thing to check when something either doesn't work properly or starts doing strange things, and it's even worth running some extra earth leads from whatever area - like a light, for instance - if you're not sure it's earthing properly.

[Don 130]

In checking that the indicator dashlight wasn't blown, I've noticed that the trailer dashlight is very bright when it's going. This makes me wonder if the problem lies with a trailer plug. I've go two, an old round 6 pin and a new flat 7. I've pulled these out and disconnected the right indicator wire, but the short persists.
I'm also thinking about Davo's suggestion of a bad earth, but wonder if and how that would show up as a short. My electrical skills may be running out of steam.
Ideas anyone?
Don.

[Don 130]

turned out to be a corroded indicator fitting in the bullbar. (I got the auto leccy in to check). As the original ARB lamps are no longer available I'm replacing both with 'LED Technology' 135AM lamps. I'll see about a photo when up and running .

http://www.ledautolamps.com/

Don.

[justinc]

Was going to say, the first thing we check on Defenders are trailer plugs and then lamp wiring, even when a bar isn't fitted the wires rub all sorts of places inside the front guards...

JC

[Don 130]

Thanks JC, I checked in all the likely spots, but it wasn't till I took out the bulbs, then one by one tried them back in. I could see the lamp had corrosion in it, but as it had a plastic body, I didn't suspect it would short. the bulb test proved me wrong.
Don