18 replies to this topic

[sc-em]

Right ho. I seem to have forgotten what I ever knew about Minis back in the 80s I have been trying to get my Mini starter turning on the ignition key. So first job was to change the solenoid, as I recall these were always dodgy, so for the sake of it worth changing. It was turning the starter when I shorted across the nuts. So, new solenoid installed. Turn key. Nada! Hmm. So, to the ignition switch. Short across the wires and hey presto it turns the starter. Result. However, looking at the block wiring loom from the ignition switch to the one it goes into, the trigger white and red is there, as is the brown live, but someone has just joined to fused wires (white) together and put in the spade block. No sign of the green that comes out of the ignition switch. I have attached some photos, if anyone has any helpful suggestions, please. What am I missing, or has been done. Why do people mess with electrics? Lol

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[Spider]

The Green wire on the Switch itself is for the Accessories position.

Possibly, one of the White wires in the loom that have been joined together will have a trace colour on it (Green or Grey ?), that will be for the Accessories circuit in the car. Depending on the model of your Mini, these may be both plain White, in which case, they are both needed for Running.

If the Accessories position isn't something you make use of, then no point in tying yourself in knots over it.

[viz139]

What year is the Mini? The three spade wires normally go onto the ignition switch in the centre of the dashboard which doesn't have an accessory position. Looks like your car was converted to a later column ignition so just ignore the green wire.

[sc-em]

The Green wire on the Switch itself is for the Accessories position.

Possibly, one of the White wires in the loom that have been joined together will have a trace colour on it (Green or Grey ?), that will be for the Accessories circuit in the car. Depending on the model of your Mini, these may be both plain White, in which case, they are both needed for Running.

If the Accessories position isn't something you make use of, then no point in tying yourself in knots over it.

Thanks for that. You may be right. As for the model of the mini, it's a bit of a mess with what someone has done to it. The dash is in the middle, but the ignition is on the column, not in the middle of the dash as VIZ 139 suggests it should be, so I think the wiring has been properly messed with. There is a push pump for the washer bottle, but a motor on the bottle itself. The fuse box is right by the washer bottle, so I can see that things are going to be fun to get right. I did once redo the whole wiring loom for a kit car. Quite therapeutic soldering all the spades, but don't want to do this yet. Indicators work at a snail's pace too, but that may all be earths. Perhaps a few photos will help with some idea for those with greater experience. 

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[viz139]

Your switchgear appears to be early '70's, the fuse box post '78 and the engine( verto clutch) and washer bottle 80's . looks like one of my cars  . Your column ignition is an early type (pre '78) which I think was an option on some models so it may have been standard from the factory to simply plug the spades into the socket on the ignition loom. I never worked on one so maybe someone else can confirm that. 

[Ethel]

Pedals are post '76 too, but that half a column cowl looks to support Viz's theory. Defo looks to be a Mk3  by the subby mounts - assuming wind up windies.

 

The fusebox looks like it's standing in for the earlier version, with fuses to spare. I might go with Spider's suggestion, & pop the switch terminals from their  choccy block if you can't cram the chunky loom terminals in. 

[sc-em]

It does appear to be a bit of a mongrel, doesn't it. So, do you reckon to go with the column ignition switch? What's going on with the plunger in the centre of the dash? Odd. Not a big enough hole for an ignition switch, I don't think, or I would go for that. The subframe mounts are two bolts, as can be seen, but the front has the rubber tear drop mount. Does it matter. Is the fuse box location right? I thought they were on the bulkhead, but can't quite remember from my 1971, or 1275 GT I had back in the 80s when I learned to drive. I suppose the question is, what to try and turn it back to or just embrace and rectify what's there? Would the Mk3 have the centre dash?

Sorry to ask lots of questions, but it would be nice to know what my datum is. Thanks

[timmy850]

The plunger in the middle of the dash looks a bit like a washer pump

[sc-em]

The plunger in the middle of the dash looks a bit like a washer pump

Definitely a washer pump, but the washer bottle has a motor on it. I think it is a bit of a parts bin build. I am not sure when, or even if these washer pumps were on minis, although I do seem to recollect a girlfriend back in the 80s may have had one on her. I was a great old magic wand car, so guessing a Mk2. Can't remember much about it.

[Ethel]

The switch panel (and washer pump) would be correct for a Mk3 with a steering lock. Looking again, the plastic cowl might be correct, it's an obscure angle. If you have the matching top half it will be obvious, if there's a hole for the steering lock.

 

I think they got the steering lock in 1970. 

[Spider]

I think it's an early car and someone latter added the steering column for the lock.

[sc-em]

The switch panel (and washer pump) would be correct for a Mk3 with a steering lock. Looking again, the plastic cowl might be correct, it's an obscure angle. If you have the matching top half it will be obvious, if there's a hole for the steering lock.

 

I think they got the steering lock in 1970. 

I shall take another photo later to see if that help clarify the whole column and switch etc. But would the wiring not then all all four wires, or is the ignitions switch later still with the green accessory wire? In the  case of the plunger, the washer bottle with the motor is obviously a later bottle just sources from somewhere. it's still the subframe that makes me ponder. Does it look right from the photos? I wonder because of the rubber mount at the front. I can't imagine someone would retrospectively add a two bolt per pillar subframe, but who knows? Thanks for the help in identifying thus far.

[imack]

Assuming the switch panel/manual washer pump and ignition switch/lock are original it looks like a 1972-75 twin bolt subframe chassis, although, has the floor pan been messed with where the subframe mounts?
Pedals and master cylinder are post 76 dual circuit items. Instruments are correct for an early 70s 998 (850 was speedo only)
Washer bottle, fuse box and vertical clutch are from later cars.

How many cables at the hand brake lever?
Drip rails on the roof gutter?
Roof gutter drains, are they punched slots or large gaps?
Roto dip hole in the rear bulkhead?
Round tunnel or square where the gear lever comes through?
Ash tray brackets in the front edge of the rear companion bins?

Edited by imack, 10 May 2026 - 11:11 AM.

[Ethel]

Fusebox is a later car, but it's nearly in the right position for a Mk3 suggesting the loom is Mk3.

 

Rather than posting a photo, just look online they're significantly different 

 

No lock

With lock

[sc-em]

Assuming the switch panel/manual washer pump and ignition switch/lock are original it looks like a 1972-75 twin bolt subframe chassis, although, has the floor pan been messed with where the subframe mounts?
Pedals and master cylinder are post 76 dual circuit items. Instruments are correct for an early 70s 998 (850 was speedo only)
Washer bottle, fuse box and vertical clutch are from later cars.

How many cables at the hand brake lever?
Drip rails on the roof gutter?
Roof gutter drains, are they punched slots or large gaps?
Roto dip hole in the rear bulkhead?
Round tunnel or square where the gear lever comes through?
Ash tray brackets in the front edge of the rear companion bins?

Well, here are a  few more photos to help your expertise. One cable handbrake, Roof gutters look like large gaps. Not sure how round the tunnel is supposed to be. Can't obviously see ash tray brackets. Perhaps the photos will help.

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