22 replies to this topic

[JP Detailing]

So, my first problem as a Mini owner ........electrics

Heres my problems that happened whilst driving:

• No dash lights
• No rear lights (indicators and brakes work, just no main lights and plate lights)

Has a fuse gone? It has been wet this week. Also, The fuses are the two yellow boxes under the hood yes?


Electrics are not my thing so Im hoping this is a simple fix. I also noticed that my front lights are exceptionally dim :|


Any help would be fantastic. Thanks.

Jack

[Alex_B]

I had this and it was just a corroded fusebox, i think it was the second fuse down but i cant verify that as it was a while ago now, and depending on model the fusebox is usually the back box on the bulkhead infront of where driver sits but in the engine bay :)

[RawlinsGTR]

With all the problems you're having, its most definitely fuses 7 and 8 in the four-fuse fuseblock - the box on the bulkhead with the 8 plugs coming out of it; 4 out of either side.

These two fuses affect; left hand side and tail lights, instrument panel lights, headlight dim-dip relay.

So maybe that's why your headlights aren't coming on full beam which is why you think they're really dim. :)

So it's probably your fuse box.. clean up the connects and shizzle

Edited by Dog., 09 May 2012 - 08:18 PM.

[JP Detailing]

Yeah its two clicks....on the first click theres nothing...on the second I get light but its dim.

So, how many fuse boxes are in the engine bay that may cause this? Ill have to have a trip to MiniSpares during lunch tomorrow (lucky I work near it eh?).

[RawlinsGTR]

Just edited my post after having a think.. read it now :)

[matt615]

Yes that's definitely a fuse box issue. The connections get dirty and corroded over time, which means things stop working.

The best course of action is to remove the fuse box (making a note of where all the wires go first). Then clean up all the connections with some abrasive paper, or a wire brush on a dremel also works well. If the fuse box is in a really bad state, then jut buy a new fuse box instead. Then refit fuse box, and your problem will be solved.

Edited by matt615, 09 May 2012 - 08:14 PM.

[Frank the Tank]

Mine wasn't the fuse box but some of the wiring had been shorting out due to wear behind the air filter.

I did however as a matter of course clean up all the contacts and connectors on the fuse box.

[JP Detailing]

Right, before I read your post, I've had a fiddle and managed to get the sidelights working. The only thing that is now not working is the drivers side rear light (brakes work fine). However, this was after cleaning up the earth by the battery and fiddling with the fuses.

The sidelights did start working after a fiddle with both the earth and the box.

I'll give the fus box connectors a clean up and let you know how I get on. Thanks for the advice so far everyone.

[JP Detailing]

Wasnt quite the 10 min job I hoped. Got an early start tomorrow morning so I'm gonna have to leave it until tomorrow evening. At least my brake lights work atm!

Again thanks and Ill update you tomorrow

[AVV IT]

Depending upon the age of your car, one of the 15 amp in line fuses behind the carb/air filter should protect the right hand side /tail lights and the instrument pack illumination, so check this also.

If your issues are resolved by fiddling with the fuse box, then it is probably corroded and you should replace it with a new one anyway, otherwise it will just give you more problems down the line. Also if you have any of that foam/sponge soundproofing on the bulk head behind the fuse box, then remove it from around and above your new fuse box, as it soaks up damp and moisture and will just rot out your new replacement fuse box as well.

[Frank the Tank]

Depending upon the age of your car, one of the 15 amp in line fuses behind the carb/air filter should protect the right hand side /tail lights and the instrument pack illumination, so check this also.

Yup, I can confirm that is what happened to mine. It was intermittent so when I finally got into it the heat had worn the in-line fuse.

[JP Detailing]

Ok I will check this as well later. And yes it has that sound proofing stuff! Ill remove that too! Thanks guys, will report in later :)

[JP Detailing]

Ok update - Bought a new fuse box and fuses. Cleaned up the connectors and I'm still having a problem.

• Rear drivers side main light
• Dash lights

all dont work still


I also cleaned up the Earths in the boot and in the front. Is something short circuiting somewhere? I'm confused! help lol.

Its got to be fuses 7 and 8, although its only one tail light thats not working (brakes still work etc).

Thanks guys

Edited by JP Detailing, 11 May 2012 - 06:35 PM.

[Mrpeanut]

Had the same issues mate. Try the inline fuses by tge carb near the bulkhead. Mine weren't blown but corroded connections. If not are you sure the connections to the new box aren't dodgy inside?

[JP Detailing]

Had the same issues mate. Try the inline fuses by tge carb near the bulkhead. Mine weren't blown but corroded connections. If not are you sure the connections to the new box aren't dodgy inside?

I dont know what they look like? I looked around the carb, didnt see anything fuse like but the fuse box. Anyone got a picture of what Im trying to see?

Also, the connectors were a touch crusty, but cleaned them up and still nout.