Dot dot dash dash

I own a 1999V Peugeot 406 executive automatic; a car which is a delight to drive. Last Sunday, driving from London on the M4 back to Reading, the airbag dashboard light started to flash. On arrival at home, I locked up the car and then unlocked it (using the fob) and started the engine and the light stopped flashing. The following day, whenever I used the indicators, the right indicator lights would not cancel out. The stalk would return to the neutral position but the left indicators would continue flashing. Even when I turned the right indicators on, they would come on, and cancel after the turn but then again the left ones would come on. Again, just as mysteriously as they started, everything has gone back to normal again, with the indicators working perfectly. I got in touch with my local Peugeot garage and they said that it was probably the main switch that is housed inside the steering wheel that has become faulty and needs replacing. They think it will cost about £300 as the part alone is about £100 and labour and VAT will make up the rest. Apparently it’s a big job because they have to remove the steering wheel etc. However, I am now at a loss on what to do, because everything is working perfectly again, and if I do take my car in to the garage, I have no fault to show the experts. Have you got any idea why this sudden, albeit temporary problem arose, and also what in your opinion should I do?

Asked on 12 March 2010 by J.S., Reading

Answered by Honest John
Multiplex (can bus) wiring fault. Probably a dodgy earth on one of the indicators, most likely moisture in the repeaters in the front wings. Can bus electrics use the same power supply for many different components, then allocate it electronically. An earthing fault on any one of them can cause a problem like this.
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