Trailer/towing - audible indicator 'noise has gone..

[Fiona]

Any of the recent cars I have towed with (VW or Skoda) have had a loud extra clicking noise when using the indicators while towing, and I'm sure my new Scout did too when I first towed with it.

However last time I towed, the noise was absent.

I was worried and checked all the lights in case the trailer socket wasn't plugged in correctly, but it was, and all the trailer lights were working correctly.

Does that mean there is something wrong either with car or trailer?

Fiona

 

[HappyHollyDays]

Mine sometimes goes off if the connection is a bit loose. I just go round the back and push the connector on harder and it comes back.

 

[FfionWinnie]

You haven’t changed your lights for LEDs on the trailer have you? They don’t send a strong enough something or other (technical term) back for it to make it register. I rather like the peace myself.

 

[Fiona]

Mine sometimes goes off if the connection is a bit loose. I just go round the back and push the connector on harder and it comes back.

It's happened twice now so I don't think so but will give it extra shove next time...

Fiona

 

[Fiona]

You haven’t changed your lights for LEDs on the trailer have you? They don’t send a strong enough something or other (technical term) back for it to make it register. I rather like the peace myself.

Some are LED but have been since we bought it 18 months ago...

Fiona

 

[Batgirl]

It's a legal requirement to have an audible indicator when towing.
I would suggest a loose connection if the indicators are actually working.

 

[Annagain]

Try giving everything a good squirt of WD40. It cures many ills, especially where electrical connections are concerned. The other possibility is the fuse for the audible warning has blown, check your vehicle manual for a fuse plan, identify the right one and check it.

 

[Alibear]

It's new to me that it was a legal requirement, so doing some digging so far it looks like as long as you can either, see the indicators from your drivers seat or have some sort of visual or audible warning, then you are fine.


The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 said
11. Tell-tale-

(a) One or more indicators on each side of a vehicle to which indicators are fitted shall be so designed and fitted that the driver when in his seat can readily be aware when it is in operation; or

(b ) The vehicle shall be equipped with an operational tell-tale for front and rear indicators (including any rear indicator on the rearmost of any trailers drawn by the vehicle).

 

[Midwychequestrain]

It's a legal requirement to have an audible indicator when towing.
I would suggest a loose connection if the indicators are actually working.

It's doesn't have to be an audible warning. My discovery has a flashing trailer symbol on the dash when the indicators are working but my L200 does a 'fast flash' but only if the indicators aren't working

 

[Batgirl]

Apologies, you are correct!

However in this case it would seem that there is no other indicator that the lights may or may not be working so it still needs fixing.

 

[Fiona]

Try giving everything a good squirt of WD40. It cures many ills, especially where electrical connections are concerned. The other possibility is the fuse for the audible warning has blown, check your vehicle manual for a fuse plan, identify the right one and check it.

Good plan... I'm about to go and hitch on now so I'll do that. Also need to check it on hubby car so I know for sure is it the car or the trailer...

Fiona