4 replies to this topic

[GoonerMini]

I have installed in my 2002 Seven a cigarette lighter wired up to the useless brake fluid switch as has my firend in her 1999 Sport. My cigarteet lighter works fine, not that I need that, but as soon as the TOMTOM is plugged in the fuse blows. This also happens to my friends car with my TT but not with her own. My TT also works fine in my MAZDA and in my sons Escort. Any ideas?

[WiredbyWilson]

to be honest sounds like the Tom Tom is drawing too much power - does it have a fuse in the charger connection ?

On an aside im not sure itis a great idea to wire the cigar lighter into the brake switch - prob best to take a live direct from the fuse box and in-line fuse it.

[Jammy]

I was thinking about the same with the brake switch. The brake test switch is incredibly useful. How else would you know of a brake leak? If the circuit is properly maintained then it could be a lifesaver. Also, if an MOT tester is familiar with Minis then I believe it could well be a failure point if it doesn't work.

On top of that, I'm pretty sure the wiring used for the brake fluid level test circuit will not have been designed to carry the current needed for a cigarette lighter or a TomTom. To me it seems very risky, and has potential to cause an electrical fire.

[GoonerMini]

Thanks I will change the power source. I only did it this way as my friend has no problems with hers.

[GoonerMini]

One more question, what value fuse should I use?