Practically Classics Forum

Hello All

I have a 1956 Renault Fregate that is a driving restoration
I am getting smoke and a strong acrid smell coming from the steering wheel boss
when i switch the indicator stalk on

could anybody help me please? is it a short? if so what do i do?

thanks

stephen ( total novice)

take the cowling off around the steering wheel/indicator if there is one. look for any signs of burning or chaffing. if its just a case of a worn cable or chaffed insulation, isolate it with some insulation tape or solder a new wire in.

Thank you kevin I will have a look during the week and let you know the outcome!

However, you might have a short circuit, which will require further investigation. Do the indicators work when you switch them on? If they work as they should, a short is less likely, but if they're not working then it might be more serious, and you will need to investigate further with the help of a multimeter.

Do you have a multimeter, and do you know how to use one?

Also - any chance of some pictures of the car? Sounds very interesting, and some pics of the steering column, cowling, etc. would also be useful in helping diagnose the problem.

Welcome to the forum!

Hello luxobarge

Yes my indicators still work ! so don't understand the smoke at the minute? i've yet to dismantle the steering wheel boss
but i hopefully will have time on saturday

Here's a few pics and i will upload more when i have taken off the steering wheel

That's a very rare car indeed, I can't remember when I last saw one, even at specialist French car events. If the indicators work, it's unlikely that you have a short, it sounds more as if something is getting very hot around the switch or the connections to it. I would look very carefully around the switch and clean all the connections. If you can't dismantle the switch, then give it a blast of contact cleaner. I am very well versed in French car electrical gremlins and they are nearly always due to poor quality switchgear and connectors, especially if the car hasn't been used for a while.

Hi suffolkpete

Thankfully the car is lovely and solid as it has spent it's life somewhere hot!

I've got a can of 'servisol super 10' switch cleaning lubricant, is that something i can use on it?

you may be able to help me, the wiper motor works very slowly as in hardly at all! how do i go about fixing it, servicing it?
fortunately i have a even rarer than the car workshop manual in English! so i can send you any diagrams that might help?

thanks

Servisol should be ok, I use WD40 on my Matra. Am I correct in thinking that it's 6 volt? If so it is of paramount importance at all connections and wiring are in good condition as the currents involved are much heavier. In the case of the wipers, slow wipers are often due to mechanical reasons rather than electrical, check that the linkage and the wheelboxes aren't seized. Other than that, it's just a question of stripping the motor down, checking that the brushes aren't worn down, lubricating the bearings and cleaning the commutator, including removing any debris from between the segments. Remember, though, that wipers on cars of that era are often a bit feeble by modern standards.