36 replies to this topic

[yorkshirechris]

Christopher has already done this and it was the same; before the solenoid was reconditioned, but still.

I will have a play around with it tomorrow. The fusebox is sat here so I might as well fit that, it'll eliminate it from the problem if anything.

If I don't get it sorted and resist taking a flamethrower to it I will call on your expertise!!

[Shifty]

Ok then, if you've swapped the switched live for the permenant live then do it the other way, ie wire the yellow and red to the switched live.

The other thing to check is how hot the head unit is getting, if its getting warm them it may switch itself off, usually overheating is down to a bad earth.

Perhaps try doubling up on the earths,?

Remember to only do one thing at a time!!!

If all else fails I'll pack my flamethrower!!!

[yorkshirechris]

I've doubled the solenoid earth to make sure it doesn't come loose again...

I did one thing at a time last week, and the final thing I did before reconditioning the solenoid was to run a brand new earth to the HU - I did this by using the lead from a meter with a croc clip on the end and I attached it to the handbrake nut which is a pretty damn good earth if you ask me!

I was pretty sure it was the solenoid because after re-conditioning it and re-fitting it, it worked fine for a few days, had a reet race drive around and had the stereo on quite loud to test it properly. All was well until today. Solenoid hasn't come loose either.

I'm thinking more and more the fusebox might be grotty in the back which could be causing a bad connection to the iggy live? So like I say I'll take that out tomorrow and replace it.

It doesn't make for relaxing driving I tell thee.

You pack the flamethrower and I'll pack the marshmallows, everyone wins!

[Shifty]

I mean doubling up the stereo earth!!

The other thing is it was a Halford monkey who tested the unit, it may still be at fault.

[yorkshirechris]

I mean doubling up the stereo earth!!

The other thing is it was a Halford monkey who tested the unit, it may still be at fault.

What's the point though, I've already run a brand new earth to a different part of the body which I've tested to be spot on, and the problem was still occuring.

True, but to be fair he did seem to know quite a lot about Mini's and said when he was testing he it had it on the test bed for 2-3 hours and was shaking it about etc and there wasn't a problem.

[Shifty]

Doesn't matter, if its a high power head unit they can be a bit funny, if its getting a bit warm, double up the earths

Trust your Uncle Shifty on this one.

[Shifty]

My other thought is that they may have tested it overnight, but that doesn't simulate driving conditions, in a car(and especially a mini) the bumping up and down could be dislodging a dry joint/loose componant that won't show up under static test.

[yorkshirechris]

They definately didn't test it overnight, it was 2-3 hours during the day. Apparently it's going to rain tomorrow so I doubt I'll get round to the fusebox.

See you Sunday anyway!

[Shifty]

I'll bring my electrical kit!!

See you Sunday!!

[yorkshirechris]

Right then.

Changed my fusebox today, the back of the other one was in a bit of an appauling condition (those who are lucky enough to see me tomorrow will be able to see ).

Still resetting itself.

Doubled up the earth, took a new 35amp earth to the passenger seat bracket mount.

Seemed ok when I took him for a spin.

Took him out tonight and the stereo is STILL resetting itself intermittently.

So just to round-up the things done so far are:
Fusebox replaced
New constant live from solenoid
New iggy live from fusebox
Solenoid re-conditioned, re-mounted & double earthed
Stereo double earthed to two seperate good earth points

Any more ideas?

[il-barba]

a little bit far fetched, but can you check with a multimeter the voltage output by the alternator? i am thinking that at times you may not be having enough charge to work the HU. or maybe try switching it on on a low volume

[yorkshirechris]

a little bit far fetched, but can you check with a multimeter the voltage output by the alternator? i am thinking that at times you may not be having enough charge to work the HU. or maybe try switching it on on a low volume

The volume makes no difference to the problem, I've tried having it on a low volume and it's the same.

How would I check the voltage output by the alternator? Which colour wire is it? I have a multimeter so that isn't a problem, or my mate Shifty Seamus ( ) can help me with it tomorrow if we know which wire to look out for.

Cheers

[il-barba]

you can put the multimeter on Voltage, then put one lead (red) on the positive battery terminal, and the other on the negative battery terminal. with the engine off you should have about 12 volts, and with the engine running the voltage should increase to about 13.

but if this thing does not happen with the engine off, then my theory is probably wrong

[lorry]

have you tried it with the speaker half of the iso connector disconnected?

[yorkshirechris]

Ahh yeah I've already done that before, sorry. It rises to about 13v usually when the engine is revved to above 1500.

I will go out now and verify this and get back to you.

I haven't disconnected the speakers, no. Would that make a difference? They're definately wired to the correct polarity and they're soldered on the speaker tags, I wrote everything down to make sure I didn't get them mixed up.

Edited by yorkshirechris, 25 April 2009 - 06:07 PM.