Indicators keep blowing the fuse

[biper]

Having purchased a nice one owner X type three weeks ago. The car itself is really good and very economical average of 48/50mpg. However I have a problem, the indicator fuse keeps blowing, I have changed it four times now and I believe my mechanic has changed the relay yesterday and they packed up again this morning on the way to work. It happens when indicating left or right.
Can anyone point me in the right direction (no pun intended) as to what to look at next or what it could be.
Many thanks for any advice
Barrie

[Nick1point9]

Blowing a fuse means excessive current for what the circuit is designed to take - this doesn't necessarily refer to the wiring, but to the component on the end of it.

A short circuit or wiring fault is the most likely candidate, but if the wrong wattage bulb has been fitted this could also be the cause.

Does the fuse blow everytime you try the indicators, or only sometimes? Have you managed to make it happen when using the hazards, not the indicators?

The thing I would however check first is that the correct rating of fuse is being used!

[biper]

[quote=Nick1point9]Blowing a fuse means excessive current for what the circuit is designed to take - this doesn't necessarily refer to the wiring, but to the component on the end of it.

A short circuit or wiring fault is the most likely candidate, but if the wrong wattage bulb has been fitted this could also be the cause.

Does the fuse blow everytime you try the indicators, or only sometimes? Have you managed to make it happen when using the hazards, not the indicators?

The thing I would however check first is that the correct rating of fuse is being used!
[/quote

The fuse blows only sometimes, for example I drove maybe 40 miles today and used the indicators maybe a dozen times before it blew. The last time it blew was after maybe four days. I have not tried the hazzards. The manual says to use a 15 amp so that is what I have ben putting in.
I have to say that this is a real PITA as have become a victim of road rage on a couple of occasions as people do not understand hand signals.

[maniac0796]

Check for water in the lenses. It can slosh around and short out the circuit.

[powerstroke]

Dodgey tow bar wiring??? if no towbar fitted wire trapped or damaged from a accident or incorectly fitted trim panel....wiring on steering collum dammaged, faulty switch or lamp unit..... wiring to hazards somet cars its near radio and gets trapped when the radio has been removed refitted..

Edited by powerstroke on Saturday 24th March 10:42

[biper]

Thanks for all the replies. It doesn't happen on the hazzard switch, put another fuse in today. So it would suggest that it is the indicator switch. I will get another on Monday and try it out. I hope it is the answer.
Again thanks for your help I will report back on the results.
Barrie

[Mave]

biper said:

Thanks for all the replies. It doesn't happen on the hazzard switch, put another fuse in today. So it would suggest that it is the indicator switch. I will get another on Monday and try it out. I hope it is the answer.
Again thanks for your help I will report back on the results.
Barrie

I#d check the wiring diagram (and the switch itself!) before spending money on a new switch. The hazard lights and the regular indicators are probably on different bits of wiring loom. Pull the indicator switch out, and do a continuity check on it without your indicator bulbs fitted, make sure you haven't got a short somewhere.