5 replies to this topic

[adi.w]

Hi mini meddlers! I'm newly subscribed, but have used you're helpful threads for various issues and now have one to share. I have a 1978 mini clubman estate with a 1988 A plus mg metro engine. It has been off the rd for a year or so, I just got it moted. I've had the dash out and had to sort out hazards and indicators, which turned out to be the hazard switch playing up. Now my current issue is when the brake lights are activated, the electric cuts I.e stopped running and no power to ignition. It would then start after a minute or two, then same again when i braked. I disconnected the brake light switch and now it works ok. Obviously though, I'd quite like brake lights. Something earth related is my gut instinct but wondering if anyone has had a simular issue, or any suggestions where to start? Thanks! (p.s the gages read max , wondering if related, and has had a new coil)

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[lrostoke]

Check the connections on the solenoid are tight and clean, and like you say check the earth connections are tight and clean.

 

Could be the extra wattage the brakes draw is finding a weak connection and its losing all electrics.

[sprag]

It will be the ignition connector (2 white wires) on the left side your 4 fuse fuse box

There are 2 connections joined by a rivet on the back of the fuseboard which are probably breaking down under the brake light load-

One white wire comes in from the ignition switch and it's linked to the other white wire going to the coil (best to replace the fuseboard although first check its not just a dirty spade connector on the white wire. (Green on the other side of the fuse will go to your brake light switch.

[tiger99]

Most probably correct, but if not, check the ignition switch and it's terminals and brown feed from the starter solenoid.

[adi.w]

Nice one guys, if I didn't get home from Wrk at 9pm (started at 07:00!) I'd be out there now giving it a whirl. Let you know how I get on. Thanks again!

[adi.w]

I had a poke around,fuse box didn't visually appear to be too old\corroded, and couldn't get it to play up by moving etc. found both brake bulbs not wrking (started here as have had weird issues created from dodgy bulbs previously) At this point realised the indicators weren't working too. Swapped the seamingly fine top fuse (not metered it yet) now everything working ok. Unsure if playing around with the fuse box assisted in getting it going, highlighting the problem sprag said, inclined to get a new one to be sure. So currently two bulbs and a fuse got me going, hopefully one of those components was causing a bad earth, or just made another issue more obvious, either way its working enough to make it to a caravan holiday this weekend. Thankyou for responses!!