5 replies to this topic

[studavis]

Model: Mayfair
Year: 84 B plate
Description of problem (please be as in depth as possible):

Hi folks, as you can probably tell from my early posts I'm just getting my head around my new mini - just need a bit of advice on my internal dash switches and a few things I've noticed... Apologies if this is all a bit basic to most! Here's a pic of my internal switches...



I'll break it down with my questions. First of all, left to right it goes: Choke, Brake lights test, rear windscreen demister, hazards, lights and heater temperature.

so....

Is it possible to lock the choke out? When I pull it out and twist to lock it it just bounces back flush - fine now when I only need it to start the car, but could be problematic in the winter!
Hazards don't work but this could be the switch or the relay? Interior light & indicators work so presume it's one of the two?
The lights are on a three stage switch - the middle stage doesn't seem to do anything - should it? Third stage puts all lights on as expected.
The heater temperature pull, presume that the further out you pull it the hotter it gets?

Additionally, I have these switches on the right had side of the dash:



The middle one is my fog light, but I have no idea what the one on the right does - it looks like an aftermarket switch - there's some wires that travel from it under the dash but then disappear - long shot I know, but any idea on what it might be??

[Boycie]

The choke cable should lock by twisting it to the right- but it's probably worn because people in the past have pushed it back in while it's still in the locked position! You can change the cable or do what people have done for 40+ years- use a clothes peg!!

Re. the headlight switch, the centre position should operate the sidelights and tail lights. The third position should keep everything on as in the centre position and also switch the headlamps themselves on.

The aftermarket switch next to the one for the heated rear screen could be literally for anything!!! Have you tried switching it and see what happens?!

Incidentally, the switch next to the choke cable is just there to check the function of the bulb in the switch!! The light should, in theory illuminate if the fluid level in the master cylinder drops. It has nothing to do with the brake lights

[studavis]

The choke cable should lock by twisting it to the right- but it's probably worn because people in the past have pushed it back in while it's still in the locked position! You can change the cable or do what people have done for 40+ years- use a clothes peg!!

Re. the headlight switch, the centre position should operate the sidelights and tail lights. The third position should keep everything on as in the centre position and also switch the headlamps themselves on.

The aftermarket switch next to the one for the heated rear screen could be literally for anything!!! Have you tried switching it and see what happens?!

Incidentally, the switch next to the choke cable is just there to check the function of the bulb in the switch!! The light should, in theory illuminate if the fluid level in the master cylinder drops. It has nothing to do with the brake lights

Great advice, thanks for the input.

Yes, I've tried everything I can think of with the aftermarket switch - unless it's affecting something outside of the car I can't see what it does!

How easy is it to change the choke cable?

[Boycie]

Look for evidence of removed spot lamps or a homemade immobiliser (coil cut-off normally).

The chock cable is simple to change apart from one aspect- and that is removing it from the switch panel/ removing the switch panel from the dash rail! It's not so much as difficult, just fiddly.. I hope you have pianist's fingers!!!!!

[Ethel]

Drop the heater for better access, it only involves removing a couple of screws under the dash rail (maybe slackening the nuts holding the back of the heater too).

[Biteable]

A new choke cable is less the a £10 and is simple to fit, it can be a bit fiddly. Don't let that put you off doing it yourself though

Edited by Biteable, 12 July 2011 - 09:50 AM.