Dodgy indicator

[jo3]

We have a 7 year old Avondale which we haven't had serviced this year, and the drivers side indicator is only working intermittantly. All the other lights work fine.
I think that the problem may be with the connection between the van and car, as the problem does not even occur for the whole journey.
Does anyone think that changing the black plug is a possible/likely solution and is it easy to change?

jo

 

[DomDom]

It could be the 12N plug or equally it could be the socket on the car. Before diving in it would be a good idea to remove the bulb and check it isn't corroded. Cleaning up contacts will probably solve the issue from what you describe. If you do end up changing the 12N plug it's not a huge job.
Good luck
Dom.

 

[Dustydog]

Hi Jo
Thoroughly clean the 12n plug and socket, the black ones . I use some fine wet & dry paper followed by a good blast of electrical contact spray.
Then with a small blade screwww driver very gently open each of the male brass pins to increase grip.
If that doesn't work then strip down the light fitting at the rear of the caravan and give that a good clean ensuring all connections are tight. Also as a precaution change the bulb.
If that doesn't work trace the main cable back from the 12n plug underneath the caravan. Somewhere you may find a terminal block which may have become corroded.
i assume all the cars connections are good? Trace those cables back and a penny to a pound I bet you'll find a load of those horrible blue scotch connectors. These cause no end of intermittant problems. Best to do away with them and solder the joints or use small screw connector blocks if there is room

 

[ProfJohnL]

Intermittent problems are often the most troublesome to pin down, but with caravan electrics its usually just corrosion, which is not too difficult to sort out. Its unlikely you will need to replace the plug or socket, but they will benefit from fome carefull maintenance as Dusty has described.

The other points to look out for are wire connections to the light clusters. Where a wire is connected and held with a screw just a tweek will help to break down any corrosion, and a light squirt of contact cleaner or WD40 will help to prevent the corrosion from reforming. If teh connections are spades, then (with the caravan disconnected from the car) pul each spade off, a light squirt of contact cleaner or wd40 and then remaking the connection.
The other possibility with an intermitten light problem can be the bulb its self. the filament may have broken, and is just touching. Vibration and movement can cause disconnection. Obvoiusly teh solution to a broken filament is a new bulb.