5 replies to this topic

[Sawyer]

Hey all.

Strange problem with my saloon discovered this evening when returning home in the dark.

Started the mini and had no lights what so ever. Drove it from car park to my workshop door so I would have the outside flood light to help investigation. (About 20 metres drive) pulled up, put my foot on the break and noticed the lights shining on my roller door. No break no lights, break pedal again lights come on.

Flicked the light switch and they came on like there was no issue. Drove it home without fault. (20 mins drive)

I have now noticed with the ignition on and no lights when the brake pedal is depressed the lights on the clocks illuminate as well as the side lights (could be headlights) noticed in a glass window reflection at home. I am guessing it’s sidelights as that would tie in with clocks illuminating.

Had noticed a few weeks back the brake lights aren’t incredibly bright. Mini is rarely used outside beautiful sunshine ☀️ so hadn’t noticed these issues until tonight.

I have a spare everything so can swap stuff about, thought maybe start with the rear lights, any thoughts or similar experiences?

Ben

[nicklouse]

Bad earth.

[cal844]

Clean the earth terminals back to shiny metal then look for corrosion in the terminal where the wire is crimped

[Sawyer]

Thanks I will start there and report back once done

[Ethel]

If there's no earth for the rear lights the current will flow back up another conductor to find a different route to earth. The brake lights flow more current (as they're brighter) so in a head to head with tail lights they'll win out & there are several other earths in the sidelights. Everything will be a bit dimmer where the current is flowing through bulbs in series & their resistance adds up.

[Sawyer]

I will check rear lights out first and give earthing points and all connections a good going over. Might change fuel sender unit whilst tank is out for access.