4 replies to this topic

[MiniMoe2008]

Okay folks, I'm stumped. I'm having an electrical issue.

1979 Mini Clubman

 

Every-time I turn on the lighting switch to the first click (Side and tail lights, instrument panel lights) fuse 7 & 8, it pops the fuse. I've disconnected each lamp one at time, all of them at the same time, replaced the lighting switch, replaced voltage regular behind the panel, and I'm still burning fuses....

 

When  got to the second click of the light switch the beams work fine and high beam as well. Reverse and heater works fine. No issues

 

 

Where do I go from here?....

Note: Majority of the bulbs are LED with the exemptions of the instrument panel bulbs. and rear license plate light. Again, I've disconnected it all and its still popping the 15 amp fuse. I've driven the mini like this for years with no issues. Every now and then it would pop the same fuse. once every 6 months or so. 

 

[GraemeC]

Sounds like one of the wires between the switch and the lamps is shorting to earth.
Disconnect every lamp and check the wires for continuity between the wire and an earth point on the ‘shell with a multimeter

[MiniMoe2008]

Sounds like one of the wires between the switch and the lamps is shorting to earth.
Disconnect every lamp and check the wires for continuity between the wire and an earth point on the ‘shell with a multimeter

So I disconnected them one at a time. I have several fuses. and it still popped. Any methods for shooting for continuity you suggest? I'm not the best with electrics. Thank you

 

V/R

Eric

[GraemeC]

Disconnecting them alone won't find the fault if the wire is shorting out somewhere between the switch and wherever you have disconnected them.

 

Disconnect them, then use a multimeter on every wire (not the earths obviously) to find out which has continuity (zero resistance) between the wire and the earth of the bodyshell.  The when you have found the suspect wire(s) trace along them until you find where they are damaged.

 

Obviously as the short happens on the first click you can restrict your search to the front and rear side lights, number plate, interior and dash lights.  My first suspicion would be number plate or interior light.

[cal844]

Check that the wires are central on the front sidelights and That the bake lite? Washer hasn't snapped, thus allowing the crimp terminal earth off the casing.

Have had this on a pair of brand new lights from Somerford Mini parts.

Hope this helps

Cal