9 replies to this topic

[TotemoToi]

Sorry if this is a newbie question, but I am wondering if the previous owner just didn't wire the headlight switch properly.  1991 Rover Mini from Japan.  With my key out, I can flip the headlight switch and everything turns on...headlights, dash lights, etc.  But I accidentally turned it on once, and left it on during the day, and almost killed my battery but luckily noticed (my clover lime green canvas top Mini now has the nickname "Lucky").  I am thinking about just running one of the wires to the ignition.  First, is this stock?  Second, any ideas which wires go to where?  Simple fix?

 

Thx so much guys!!!

[cooperd70]

Headlights will stay on if they are switched on on the dash rail even with the key out of the ignition as standard...well on my 1990 car anyway.

This may have changed in later cars, but doubt that it will have been changed in a 91 car.

Get into the habit of lights off before switching engine off was my fix 🙂

[Blake71]

Likewise on my 2000 MPI

[Quinlan minor]

Headlamps were independent of ignition switches on most cars in the 20th Century. Learn to turn your lights off.

Alternatively, you could fit a power relay or a warning buzzer.

[richmondclassicsnorthwales]

A buzzer is what I had for a few years

 

Connect the + positive to the sidelight lead on the switch - and tap into the courtesy light (purple and white) lead which is an earth - and job done.

 

You leave your lights on and try to leave the car - and bingo - it sounds

[cal844]

Yes even on my 1994 carb car

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

Headlamps were independent of ignition switches on most cars in the 20th Century. Learn to turn your lights off.

Alternatively, you could fit a power relay or a warning buzzer.

Ford had the headlamps go off with the ignition on the Sierras.  Not sure about other models.

[Spider]

I fitted a Buzzer as Richmond Classics suggested in one car years back.

 

If you want to have them operate off the Key, don't wiring them direct to the Ignition Switch but via  Relay as the standard switch isn't rated for this kind of load.

[Tornado99]

Here's a recent youtube vid on fitting an auto lights off relay to the wiring off the ign switch.

https://youtu.be/ti70RkSVpO4

[TotemoToi]

Thanks so much guys!  Yeah, the previous owner installed one of the long, MK1 style switches, so it's just kinda easy to bump on during the day by accident (while I was working under the dash).  But all that info helped so much, so cheers mates!!!