3 replies to this topic

[mattberry88]

Model: Mini 35
Year: 1994
Description of problem (please be as in depth as possible):

Hi,

I just realised I posted in general chat by mistake but its probably more suited here.

Anyway.

My fuel and temperature gauges are not working (needles stay at rest).

I have tried bridging the sender wires to no avail so I believe the problem lies with the gauge itself.

On a possibly related note, I have no oil/battery light when the ignition is switched on and I have developed a charging issue.
(Battery/alternator both a few months old, all earth starps checked and cleaned)

Is it possible that the voltage regulator is causing these problems and could the fix described in the following thread possilbly fix this. Im sure it could fix the problem with the gauges but im unsure whether this could affect the charging system. Ive ordered the chip anyway as its only 99p so its worth a go, just wondering if someone could shed some light on the chance of it helping the charging problem.


Any input would be much appreciated

Matt


Voltage Regulator Fix Thread








Any non-standard parts that might be involved with the problem?

Maplins voltage stabiliser chip

[dklawson]

The following is a minor point of semantics.
Even though the industry name for the solid-state part shown in the thread you linked to is called a "voltage regulator"... when you use the term "voltage regulator" in general automotive discussions... this refers to part of the alternator/charging circuit. The part used to maintain stable voltage for the gauges has traditionally been called a voltage stabilizer to distinguish it from being part of the charging system.

You have several problems with your car's wiring all at once. I am not familiar with your year car and its wiring schematic. However, I suggest you sit down with a photo-copy of your car's wiring diagram and highlighting/marking the sections that do not work.

You said the charging system has a problem and you have no oil or charge warning lights. The charge warning light is more than just an indicator, it is part of the circuit. If the bulb does not work, the alternator will not charge.

The power TO the charge warning light AND the power to the oil pressure warning light both come from a terminal on the ignition switch. Since both those are not working AND the gauges are not working, start with that wiring diagram and looking for where wires may be broken or knocked off their connectors. If you do not have a multimeter, this is a good excuse to buy one. The meter will be very helpful in locating "where" you are loosing voltage. I suspect once you find the problem preventing the oil/charge lights from working you may also find a voltage supply problem preventing the gauges from working.

[L400RAS]

Does the speedo illuminate when you put the (side)lights on? if not, you have complete electrical failure to the instrument cluster. I think this would either point to the multiplug becoming unseated from the connection on the rear, or the common earth point for the cluster being disconnected.

[mattberry88]

Hi,

L400RAS

Yes the cluster does illuminate when the lights are switched on so i know there is some power there (although as suggested by dklawson, there may still be a problem with the power from the ignition switch)


DKLawson

Thankyou for the advice, i will find the correct diagram in the haynes and do as you have suggested, from a visual point of view all the connections are clean and tight but i will get the multimeter out to check the wires themselves.

You say 'the battery light is more than just a light', this is really what i wanted confirming as i thought that this was the case and it goes someway to explaining charging problem.

Finally thankyou for enlightening me on the regulator/stabiliser confusion, i did wonder what the difference was, or if there was one at all.

Ill report back when i have had a chance to take a proper look.


cheers
matt