4 replies to this topic

[Kombi]

1971

Austin Mini 1000 (Canadian Market)

 

I finally got my Mini running after ages in the garage. While some of the issues I need to work through aren't a surprise, I've come upon one I didn't expect with regards to the electrics. Specifically, when I move the lighting switch to the middle position or down position none of the marker lamps, taillights, or instrument lights turn on. I also can't turn on my auxiliary lights.

 

The headlights, brake lights, and turn indicators all work fine; as does the horn and dome light. So I've got to believe there's one thing causing the issue and it has to be somewhere central to power distribution, but I'm a bit challenged at sorting out where to start looking.

 

From what I can tell, my Mini has the two 35A fuse block and both fuses are good. I saw another two inline fuse holders near the firewall and those also seem to be okay (the fuses passed continuity test on the multi-meter). My headlamps and auxiliary lamps are all relayed and their inline fuses are good as well.

 

I did remove the rear side-marker lights (Canadian Mk3 feature), but those had a single wire connecting them to the wiring harness so I'm not sure that disconnecting those would have created the problem.

 

Anyway, I'm hoping someone can suggest some things to check as I would be grateful to have some direction.

Edited by Kombi, 17 June 2018 - 09:23 PM.

[cal844]

Change the headlight switch for a known good unit

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

The symptoms you describe do appear to point to the headlight switch.

 

Try testing the red/green wire on the back of the switch.  It should be live when the switch is in either of the on positions.  The brown wire on the switch should be permanently live and should be alright as you say the headlights are working.  You can also test at the inline fuse which has the red/green wires and they should also be live with the headlight switch on.

 

If it is the headlight switch it is possible to dismantle some of them to investigate further and to clean the contacts inside.

Edited by unburntfuelinthemorning, 18 June 2018 - 06:35 AM.

[Bat]

Hi,

Give the wires a good pull on the inline fuse as sometimes they just come off in your hand due to the copper corroding away inside the plastic sleeve.

Cheers 

[Kombi]

Change the headlight switch for a known good unit

The symptoms you describe do appear to point to the headlight switch.

 

Try testing the red/green wire on the back of the switch.  It should be live when the switch is in either of the on positions.  The brown wire on the switch should be permanently live and should be alright as you say the headlights are working.  You can also test at the inline fuse which has the red/green wires and they should also be live with the headlight switch on.

 

If it is the headlight switch it is possible to dismantle some of them to investigate further and to clean the contacts inside.

 

Great suggestions, thank you I'll go out and check that immediately.

 

Hi,

Give the wires a good pull on the inline fuse as sometimes they just come off in your hand due to the copper corroding away inside the plastic sleeve.

Cheers 

 

I did note one of the fuses (a vintage Lucas one) had some corrosion. I'll check that and the rest again. Thank you.