21 replies to this topic

[Saoirse]

Model:Rover
Year:1991
Description of problem:
Several problems at the moment. Firstly and most importantly, my windscreen wipers have failed. They stuck ion the upright position and won't work or move! (rather annoying) What could be the problem and how easily is it fixed?

Also my rev counter has stopped working (random?!) Whats this and how is it fixed?

By the way, at current I have very little knowledge of mini's but I would like to work it up!

Thanks!

[taffy1967]

Have you checked the relevant fuse in the main fusebox?: -

You can find a complete owner's manual (mine) here: -

http://www.theminifo...showtopic=96690

This is the relevant bits: -





So it's the 3rd fuse down which is a 25amp fuse. Check to see if it's blown, or if there's a bad connection due to corrosion of the fusebox terminals.

If you find a replacement 25amp fuse constantly blowing when you switch on the ignition, then consider changing the wiper motor park-switch (fitted to the rear of the wiper motor unit).

Or at least consider changing it if your wipers no longer park by themselves as that park-switch can and does cause a short circuit which can cause the main fuse to keep blowing, or gauges to misread and even a fire in extreme circumstances.

Mini Spares also supply a new wiper motor multi-plug and wiring loom section if required too.

[Saoirse]

Thanks for the reply. How can I tell if it is blown? I had a look when it first happened and didn't think there was anything wrong, so is there any obvious signs for a blown fuse?

Thank you

Edited by Saoirse, 26 April 2009 - 01:07 PM.

[taffy1967]

Thanks for the reply. How can I tell if it is blown? I had a look when it first happened and didn't think there was anything wrong, so is there any obvious signs for a blown fuse?

Thank you

The fuse should be of the glass variety and if the thin fuse wire has broken or burnt out, then the fuse will need replacing. Try replacing it anyway and/or rotating it in the fusebox as an old fusebox can cause connection problems.

So you may need a new fusebox too. It's always a good idea to coat the rear contacts with Vaseline to stop them rusting out again anytime soon.

[Saoirse]

Thanks for the reply. How can I tell if it is blown? I had a look when it first happened and didn't think there was anything wrong, so is there any obvious signs for a blown fuse?

Thank you

The fuse should be of the glass variety and if the thin fuse wire has broken or burnt out, then the fuse will need replacing. Try replacing it anyway and/or rotating it in the fusebox as an old fusebox can cause connection problems.

So you may need a new fusebox too. It's always a good idea to coat the rear contacts with Vaseline to stop them rusting out again anytime soon.

Ok, so got a new wiper stalk in and got new fuses. I put the 25amp fuse in, turn on the battery, put the wipers on - they're working - and then it starts smoking from inside the steering wheel's shaft cover. So I quickly went S*** and turned it off, took the 25 out put in a 15 - wipers working and again starts smoking. Stick a 10 in to see what happens (and obvisouly) because its oinly a 10 nothing happens.

What do i do next?!

[Retro_10s]

You have a short somewhere causing the smoke etc - check there are no loose wires hanging about and touching any part of the steering coloumn etc - check all the connections are firmly in place and that the insulation around the connections is in good nick.

[Saoirse]

You have a short somewhere causing the smoke etc - check there are no loose wires hanging about and touching any part of the steering coloumn etc - check all the connections are firmly in place and that the insulation around the connections is in good nick.

I just had a look in the back of my mini and the wire going to the battery and then dissappearing under the car has burnt through the rubber around it, therefore when i start the car, i suspect it may be short circuiting there. Will put some electrical tape on it before i drive it later, may this be something to do with it?

Thanks

[Retro_10s]

This will definately not be helping things, the wire you describe is the main live feed off the battery - Insulation tape is often just not sticky enoug - so i would recommend (after disconnecting the battery!) that you wrap tape around the bare wire core and then get some small cable ties to hold the tape there for sure.

also - are there any visible reason for the wire to have got snagged? sharp edges?.. too close to the exhaust?

[Saoirse]

yes there are some rough, sharp edges around where this wire goes down. How do I disconnect the battery?

[Ouster]

Undo the clamps on it.

A short-circuiting battery is not pleasant, and can cause the earth straps in the boot and under the engine to catch on fire.

[Saoirse]

Undo the clamps on it.

A short-circuiting battery is not pleasant, and can cause the earth straps in the boot and under the engine to catch on fire.

Wow, now I am very worried!

[taffy1967]

Was the new column stalk brand new? If not then that could be causing the problem too?

To tell you the truth I recently fitted a second hand set to my Mini and one of my stalks (the indicator and light flasher one) had smoke coming from it when I first connected it up.

So I just cleaned all the contacts and it's been fine since. Touch wood.

[Saoirse]

Was the new column stalk brand new? If not then that could be causing the problem too?

To tell you the truth I recently fitted a second hand set to my Mini and one of my stalks (the indicator and light flasher one) had smoke coming from it when I first connected it up.

So I just cleaned all the contacts and it's been fine since. Touch wood.

Yup brand new :S

[taffy1967]

Oh well it's not them that's at fault then.

[Saoirse]

so ive taken two of the nuts out so i can see the mechanism of the stalk, put the fuse in and turned them on, and i could see as i moved there wasa spark between the metal bits!