8 replies to this topic

[The panel beater]

Hi, I have been restoring a 1988 Mary Quant 998cc. On refitting the loom and connecting bits and bobs back up I am left with the following problems. The fuel gauge shows a full tank with only a gallon in it, there is no ignition or oil warning lights (I have checked the bulbs). Also there is no brake lights or reversing light. On trying to trace the wires out on a diagram it looks like some of these circuits are linked? Any ideas would be appreciated.

[Alex_B]

I seem to remember having issues with dash lights and rear lights together on the third fuse down, this was a couple of years back however so that may be wrong. I got fed up of odd intermittent faults based around the fuse box so bought a new one as mine was green. Had no issues since and never looked back. But continuity testing the circuits should show up any faults

[The panel beater]

I have fitted a new fuse box and checked and cleaned every lug and spade connection before the loom went back in the car. The vehicle was half stripped when I got it, hence these problems could have been there before. I'm not shy of the job but Being as its booked on the London to Brighton I have loads of other bits to finish. Any thoughts or ideas on any of my problems will help a bloke under stress.

[Alex_B]

Ahh damn, I think the only way to do it properly is go through with a haynes for the wiring diagram and work your way methodically through the loom continuity testing every connection thats suspect and working out where the breaks are. 

Over reading of the fuel gauge could be down to the voltage regulator, but by disconnecting the sender connection the gauge should drop to zero and earthing the connection should send the gauge to full. 

Oil pressure light should come on if you earth the sender connection but I doubt this will happen as it sounds like that circuit on the fusebox isnt getting a live. So checking haynes for which wires should be on the same fuse might indicate a power wire being absent. I would be checking for a lack of power connection before looking further into the loom personally. 

[The panel beater]

Thanks Alex, I am thinking along the same lines as in a wire or two are missing. To verify the no feed issue I have detected there is no feed on the brake light switch so it looks like I have to start testing again.

[Alex_B]

I can also take a picture of my fusebox and wiring into it if you would like, mine being an '84 998cc so should be identical if not very close. Will do that tomorrow morning for you if you want

[The panel beater]

Nice one Alex, it would be a great help.

[KernowCooper]

layout of the Colours on which fuse terminal is in the FAQs Electrical Section

[blackjack1986]

It might sound stupid but try putting the connections on the fuel tank the other way round- Years ago my fuel tank was reading full when it was completely empty because I had the connections the wrong way round