Nearside indicator - double speed

[Chris Holliday]

Can anyone help with this problem that's just started on my 2003 996.2 Targa?
When I indicate left, the indicator warning light on the dash flashes double-quick. This only seems to happen when the headlights are on.
On the outside of the car, in the headlight unit - the sidelight bulb will glow and dim - opposite to the when the indicator flashes off / on.
I have installed both new bulbs (sidelight and indicator) but to no effect.
Any suggestions gratefully received.

 

[andywill]

Hi Chris
My first port of call would be to thoroughly check and clean the connections on both sides of the headlight connector blocks.
A poor earth can cause back feeds giving this type of symptom.
If that makes no difference what happens to the indicator light / sidelight If you remove the indicator bulb, or secondly with the headlight connector unplugged.
A through test with a good multi meter should hopefully find the issue.
The headlight switches can also play up, but I would not have thought it would give this issue but it’s possible. Switch cleaner can resolve it sometimes.
Good luck
Andy

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

A bad ground was my thought too. There is a ground point for the lights and front fans somewhere in the headlight mounting area with a bunch of brown wires connected to it. As well as the headlamp connector, check that too.

 

[Chris Holliday]

Thanks Andy & Richard, I'll work my way through your suggestions. Fingers crossed!

 

[Chris Holliday]

Hi Andy & Richard. As James May would say: "Good news!"
I've been through the first few suggestions including a second replacement indicator bulb, checked and cleaned the pins / socket and firmly re-fitted the light unit - and hey presto, the indicator's now working as it should.
Thanks very much for your help.