10 replies to this topic

[CG1098]

I'm currently having some interesting problems with my wiring, there seems to be an intermittent issue with the lighting. Every so often all the lights and horn stop working, then sometimes they do work. Nothing changes between them working and not, seems totally random. I'm not really clued up when it comes to wiring so I'm not sure where to even start with this... I'm hoping to MOT it pretty soon so I really need to get it where it works all the time, last thing I need is to turn up only for the horn and lights to decide they want some time off. Thanks :)

[phillrulz]

I'm currently having some interesting problems with my wiring, there seems to be an intermittent issue with the lighting. Every so often all the lights and horn stop working, then sometimes they do work. Nothing changes between them working and not, seems totally random. I'm not really clued up when it comes to wiring so I'm not sure where to even start with this... I'm hoping to MOT it pretty soon so I really need to get it where it works all the time, last thing I need is to turn up only for the horn and lights to decide they want some time off. Thanks :)

 

 

Year of mini so we can check wireing diagrams? - Most likey loose fuse or spade terminal. 

 

 

on a 4 fuse engine bay fusebox, top fuse does things lights, second fuse will have headlight flash and horn could be a supply issue

Edited by phillrulz, 10 April 2018 - 08:14 PM.

[Carlos W]

What age is your car?

[Cooperman]

A digital multi-meter is your friend in all cases of electrical malfunction.

[mikal]

Sounds like poor fuse to fuse holder contact. If so the fuse will be hot to touch.

[Carlos W]

Sounds like poor fuse to fuse holder contact. If so the fuse will be hot to touch.

Headlights arent fused.

My thought was stalks

[phillrulz]

 

Sounds like poor fuse to fuse holder contact. If so the fuse will be hot to touch.

Headlights arent fused.

My thought was stalks

 

Well bugger me, they arent, thats weird. Also a fire hazard. Could get FULL battery current through the bulb wiring. Hmm dont like that at all. Foglight is fused, but dipped and main beam arenot. Also the only common wiring with horn and lights will be the live side of the second fuse or before that the feed from starter solenoid to fuseboard. 

 

Edit: Side lights are fused, main / dipped are not. 

Edited by phillrulz, 11 April 2018 - 04:38 PM.

[Carlos W]

Sounds like poor fuse to fuse holder contact. If so the fuse will be hot to touch.

Headlights arent fused.
My thought was stalks

Well bugger me, they arent, thats weird. Also a fire hazard. Could get FULL battery current through the bulb wireing. Hmm dont like that at all. Foglight is fused, but dipped and main beam arenot. Also the only common wiring with horn and lights will be the live side of the second fuse or before that the feed from starter solenoid to fuseboard.

If they were fused it would create another single failure point, fuse blows and you're plunged into darkness.

The lighting system is very poor and there are very good aftermarket kits to improve it. Wired by Wilson do an excellent one.

[phillrulz]

 

 

 

Sounds like poor fuse to fuse holder contact. If so the fuse will be hot to touch.

Headlights arent fused.
My thought was stalks

Well bugger me, they arent, thats weird. Also a fire hazard. Could get FULL battery current through the bulb wireing. Hmm dont like that at all. Foglight is fused, but dipped and main beam arenot. Also the only common wiring with horn and lights will be the live side of the second fuse or before that the feed from starter solenoid to fuseboard.

If they were fused it would create another single failure point, fuse blows and you're plunged into darkness.

The lighting system is very poor and there are very good aftermarket kits to improve it. Wired by Wilson do an excellent one.

 

 

but 200A through 1/1.5mm^2 makes a very good heating element very fast usually ending with molten copper spraying everywhere. 

[CG1098]

Thanks for your replies, it's a 1980 Clubman (probs should have said that in the first place). Everything worked fine when it was garaged, but after sitting for a number of years something has obviously gone wrong. Maybe something could have corroded or oxidised? Not sure where I'd start looking for this though...

[gazza82]

Lots of bullet connectors which corrode