full beam keeps coming on

[johnfrater]

having problem with indicators,my full beam keeps coming on,think i need new idicator arm ,could i do this job myself,any help appreciated

[homer75]

You would probably need to replace the switch gear unit which surrounds the steering column. Expensive part. It normally splits in two and is simple enough to replace. You could try removing the unit from your car and maybe see if you can effect a repair, other than this the cheapest option wouldbe another unit from a breakers yard.

[johnfrater]

sounds a bit much for a layman like me,but thanks a lot for ur time an trouble

[furrycheeky]

I have just had to replace the indicator stalk on my 206 due to it indicating left on its own. It took me 10 minutes. Can't say all models are that easy but maybe a quick look in some owners club forums for your car might help.

[johnfrater]

thanks .this is vauxhall astra m reg

[Panic Button]

Don't think they are that expensive actually. I have one on order for my P reg Astra. Embarressing isn't it when your full beam keeps coming on?
Wouldn't recommend one from a breakers, as it seems to be a regular fault at that age.
I collect it tomorrow so I'll let you know cost and ease of fitting.

[johnfrater]

thanks panic,letme know how u get on

[johnfrater]

ps...where u order it from,all i get on the web is breakers yards,cheers

[Panic Button]

Job complete. Took about 15 minutes. A bit fiddly, but you should be able to work it out. It is a sealed unit, so no repair is possible.

Part number 9181010LSC

Item cost �17.35 from my tame back street supplier. It will probably be a bit more from a franchised Vauxhall dealer, say �20. If you can get one from a breakers for �5 it might be worth the risk, but you may have to do it again soon after.

5 screws to remove. 3 are deeply recessed in the shroud beneath and behind the wheel. Cross head screwdriver. If it won't undo you are scraping plastic beside the screw even though it feels like it has engaged.
Once they are all out turn wheel 90 degrees to reveal a black plastic screw cover facing you. Prise off the cover and remove the screw. Turn wheel 180 degrees to reveal the other one and remove.

Pull off both top and bottom shroud, trying to remember which way you pulled them out. The fiddliest bit is putting these two back!

Slide out the switch assembly. I think there may have been a catch to release it or I may have prised it out with a screwdriver. Pull off the electrical connector. This time there was some sort of plastic catch to lift, holding it in position.

Fit new one and put it all together again.

I think I struggled to get the bottom shroud back in as I tried to put the furthest part into the hole in the dashboard first. It went in by offering the edge to the steering wheel first. Top bit went in dashboard side first.

You have to fiddle to get flexible trim around the igntion lock and both stalks in, but it will all go.

Good luck. You,ll be pleased with yourself afterwards. (Apologies to any qualified vehicle technicians, you are probably laughing your socks off at this).

[johnfrater]

thanks panic,bet it took longer to write this thanthe job ha ha,cheers mate ,have a nice xmas,ill let u know how i get on