3 replies to this topic

[mattyMPi]

Hello there all,

This is my first post on here, due to me being a mini owner as of last Friday. I bought a 1997 1.3 MPi in white and its been great fun so far. Looking forward to all the bits I can do and the summer with the car.

I have however experienced my first problem, although it hasn't dampened my enthusiasm.

Basically, whilst driving I heard a 'tick' from the interior fuse box and all power went and the engine cut. I noticed the headlights were all fine, stereo worked, but when I put my ignition on - no oil pressure light or ignition light. I systematically checked each fuse 1 by 1 until I came across a blown one. Replaced it, turned the ignition and it blew straight way. At this point I called recovery as it was pitch black. They arrived, tried a couple of replacement fuses which all blew. He then tried bridging the fuse with a solid piece of wire to try get me home. Started up fine, until about 10 seconds passed anyway, then electrical/rubber smoke started coming out from under the bonnet. Up in the top left hand corner of the engine bay, near the driver, is a wiring loom with a box on. The guy found a singular wire which had stripped itself and was bare copper. He isolated it as best he could, put in an ordinary fuse and the mini started up. Bingo! Until he went to turn off the engine and it just kept on going. Not running on, just still running. He even took the key out! So now if i want to drive the car i have to stall it to stop it.

I read somewhere that the ignition system changed around this year? Has anyone any ideas what may be at fault and if I may be able to fix it myself?

Thanks for any help!

Matt

[steveobennet]

if fuses are blowing it usually means there is something wrong with the circuit. putting wire in was a mistake. you need to trace the wires that the fuse protects and see if it is exposed or has corroded anywhere for a start.

[Ethel]

Who did the recovery? Bridging a blown fuse is a recipe for a smokey disaster

I would think a failed relay is involved.

[mattyMPi]

Thanks guys, sweet looking mini steveo!

Yeah I was a bit miffed when I got home and actually thought about what he had actually done. They were a York based firm, can't remember the name, the guy was nice enough, just stripped the wire.

Think I'm gonna get under the bonnet tomorrow if its bright and see how far i can trace this wire, make sure its all insulated. I think the wire in question had been rubbing against a metal pipe (not a hot one - mechanical term that!) until metal touched metal and fused. Fingers crossed. I have it booked in for Tuesday should i not be able to sort it.

thanks again!

Matt