RX450h 2010 model, Flasher unit location

[D_P]

Can somebody please tell me where the flasher relay is located for the 2009 RX450h 3.5l model? I have trawled the internet but couldn't find anything for my model. I had a look under the steering column where other models seems to have a relay, but couldn't see anything that looked like the flasher unit.

My car had an intermittent fault with the right rear signal light, it didn't turn on and the flash rate would increase. Now the rear right signal light never turns on, and the front and mirror lights work, but with a high flashing rate. I have checked and changed the bulb, and had it checked out at the Dealers but they couldn't locate the issue, say there is likely a problem with the loom, and need to invest up to two days to strip out the whole interior and troubleshoot the loom, and potentially replace it. I am not convinced it is anything to do with the loom and this might cost half the value of the car.

I have stripped out the boot trim and there is a connector that runs from the main loom that runs down the left hand side, to the light assembly on the right hand side. I took this out and located the pins that feed the signal light and tried connecting a bulb directly, but it doesn't work. So the problem seems to be upstream of that, and I wonder if it's anything to do with the flasher unit. Can somebody please tell me where the flasher relay is located? I have trawled the internet but couldn't find anything for my model.

[Herbie]

Silly question, I know, but are you absolutely certain that the bulb is alright? Just because it's new doesn't mean that it can't be faulty.

The flasher unit is a bimetallic strip that is designed to work with a certain current flow and the faster flash rate is an indication that a bulb is out or some other problem exists, nine times out of ten which will be with the bulb itself or the socket it plugs into.

Do you have a multimeter so that you can check for voltage and continuity? If not, you need one - you can't do electrical fault-finding without one. You can buy a basic one for under a tenner and go up from there, so they're not expensive and once you have one it can come in handy for lots of things in the future.

The following diagrams are for a LHD vehicle so you have to imagine the location on a RHD car.

[D_P]

Thanks very much Herbie for your reply, really appreciate it. I do have a multimeter and my specialism is electronics. The bulb (old fashioned filament bulb) is fine, in fact I have three good ones, all have the expected resistance and light up when connected across 12 V.

I checked everything I could at the bulb end and in the boot. I even stripped all of the trim to access the loom that runs down the left hand side (which was a rank nightmare). There is low voltage, under 1 volt, at the connector off the main loom and the only thing else I can check without access to a workshop and working outside in the rain is the flasher unit end. I'm not convinced its the flasher unit as the front right lights (head lamp assembly and mirror) work, though at the fast rate, and also there are no fault codes, but I thought it worth a look. 

After I posted the original question I got myself a 2 day subscription to Toyota TIS and found all the documentation, but still trying to locate the Unit as the space under the steering column is extremely tight. It has the part number 90980-10799 and code F44 and I couldn't find it anywhere on the net. 

If its not the flasher unit, it must be something wrong in the loom somewhere for that specific wire, as everything else works perfectly. Any further thoughts most appreciated and welcome, I'm in a pickle here. Do you know an independent garage who might be able to trace the fault? 

[Herbie]

55 minutes ago, D_P said:

Do you know an independent garage who might be able to trace the fault?

Given that I live up in Lancashire, I'm afraid I don't. However, I firmly believe in using the 'right' trade, so rather than a general garage/mechanic I'd be looking for an auto-electrician to do the job.

The "under 1 volt" would suggest to me a bad and/or corroded connector somewhere. You need to look at the wiring diagrams to see where the connectors are and the route of the loom. I'd also persevere with trying to find the flasher unit because it's in there somewhere. You need to lie on your back and get your head right under the dash then point the torch upwards and you'll see it there

[D_P]

I checked the documentation, unfortunately the flasher unit can only be accessed by removing the "INSTRUMENT PANEL SAFETY PAD ASSEMBLY" which is the entire dashboard! I don't think I want to even attempt it, its a 57 step procedure and looks to be quite messy. I'm sure I will end up breaking something or messing with the airbags or something that will make things worse. I suspect these are  

I'm not sure of the exact voltage as I have a digital meter, and I'm not sure what the lag is on my meter. The reading with the high frequency of oscillation is tens of mV. Troubleshooting the loom upstream of the boot means removing most of the interior, which I sadly cannot tackle. 

Good suggestion about the auto electrician, I will have a hunt.