4 replies to this topic

[kiptip25]

Hi,

My son has recently bought a Mini 35 and it has a few electrical problems which we're slowly sorting out.
So far we've removed all the left over wiring after a previous owner removed car alarm and front spot lights. Also we've replaced the fuse box and fuses, and the connectors which attach to it.

Unfortunately we've still got a problem in that the drivers side tail light doens't work, the instrument panel doesn't light and the drivers side front headlamp isn't working fully. full beam and normal are Ok, but in the first switch position (dimmed?) it isn't on. So far we've found that the tail light is grounded. The other tail light is OK, but aren't they wired together ?

The haynes manual isn't clear which wiring diagram applies to this car is it 1275 GT ? because that diagram only shows two fuses instead of 4.

[Dan]

The 1275GT wiring diagram refers to the 1275GT, that's a different model of Mini. If the diagram you are using shows only two fuses then you are looking at a very old 1275GT wiring diagram anyway. Which Haynes book do you have? The Haynes doesn't have great diagrams for late Minis but yours would be the set of seperate diagrams for each circuit.

On late cars the side lights (that means the tail lights and the side lamps in the headlamps, along with the number plate lamp and panel lighting) are fused on two seperate circuits, split side to side as with all modern vehicles. The fuse for the right hand side also runs the panel lights (the left hand fuse runs the numberplate lamp) so it sounds like just a fuse problem. Your car will have a big cluster of line fuses behind the air cleaner as well as the four way fuse box. You will find one with red and red/white wiring, that is the fuse for the right hand side lighs and panel.

[taffy1967]

I've just checked my 1969-2000 Haynes Mini Manual and it's the "Diagram 18 - 1988 onwards Carburettor equipped models" wiring diagram and information that you need to be looking at.

Same as in all the earlier Haynes manual editions.

Of course I'm assuming that your son has a Mini 35 anniversary LE which I believe is carburettor equipped and not the later 1996 Mini Cooper 35LE which is fuel injected?

Edited by taffy1967, 11 October 2007 - 12:35 PM.

[kiptip25]

The 1275GT wiring diagram refers to the 1275GT, that's a different model of Mini. If the diagram you are using shows only two fuses then you are looking at a very old 1275GT wiring diagram anyway. Which Haynes book do you have? The Haynes doesn't have great diagrams for late Minis but yours would be the set of seperate diagrams for each circuit.

On late cars the side lights (that means the tail lights and the side lamps in the headlamps, along with the number plate lamp and panel lighting) are fused on two seperate circuits, split side to side as with all modern vehicles. The fuse for the right hand side also runs the panel lights (the left hand fuse runs the numberplate lamp) so it sounds like just a fuse problem. Your car will have a big cluster of line fuses behind the air cleaner as well as the four way fuse box. You will find one with red and red/white wiring, that is the fuse for the right hand side lighs and panel.

Hi Dan,

The manual I'm using is 1969 to Oct 1996 (up to P registration). It's an M reg car, and was registered new in october 1994.

A fuse problem wouldn't explain why the tail light is grounded, only why it isn't getting any voltage. You're right it is the red/white wire at least at the tail light it is. So far we've proved it isn't the tail light assembly with the short circuit, and we've traced the wire disappearing behind the fuel tank on the other side of the car. I think I'll see if I can trace it from the fuse box next, and check for short circuits there.

I'm busy repairing my wife's mini at he moment which failed it's MOT on tuesday, when that's done I'll get back to my sons.

Thanks for your help.

[kiptip25]

The 1275GT wiring diagram refers to the 1275GT, that's a different model of Mini. If the diagram you are using shows only two fuses then you are looking at a very old 1275GT wiring diagram anyway. Which Haynes book do you have? The Haynes doesn't have great diagrams for late Minis but yours would be the set of seperate diagrams for each circuit.

On late cars the side lights (that means the tail lights and the side lamps in the headlamps, along with the number plate lamp and panel lighting) are fused on two seperate circuits, split side to side as with all modern vehicles. The fuse for the right hand side also runs the panel lights (the left hand fuse runs the numberplate lamp) so it sounds like just a fuse problem. Your car will have a big cluster of line fuses behind the air cleaner as well as the four way fuse box. You will find one with red and red/white wiring, that is the fuse for the right hand side lighs and panel.

Hi Dan,

I finally sorted my wie's mini, then fixed a problem with my car, sand have now had a look at my sons car. You were right it was the fuse, once I found the right fuse it was just a matter of rubbing the fuse contacts on the wire ends with a little emery paper.

Thanks

Kerry