9 replies to this topic

[LeosMini]

We appear to have an electrical problem! the keys are not in the ignition but we still have lights on the dash!

Model: Classic Mini 30year Limited Edition
Year: 1989
Description of problem (please be as in depth as possible): We have recently put together our mini after having the engine out and all the dashboard for a respray, we have put most of it together (well the engine is in, most of the wires are all connected except the headlights and radio). The indicators/hazardlights work with or without ignition turned on, but for some reason the dashboard has two lights permanently ON even when the keys are not in the ignition.

The coil is also getting VERY hot! so we have to keep it disconnected. Can anyone suggest what might be wrong? do you need anymore info?

I have also tried un-pluging the Coil and/or Alternator, but again at least one light stays on Orange but when I plug the connector onto the alternator both lights are ON. I have checked and rechecked the wiring and it all looks OK, there are no exposed wires touching the body and the body/engine are EARTHED.

Can anyone suggest what else I need to check/do?


Any non-standard parts that might be involved with the problem? - The only non-standard part we fitted that was NOT part of the original setup was a foglamp cable that moves it into the rear light assembly, i.e. no more dangling fog lamp on the valance.

Edited by LeosMini, 22 June 2009 - 09:53 PM.

[mars red mike]

I am guessing that the wires have been removed from the fusebox recently? I would put money on it being the ignition wires have been connected up to a permanent live, rather than an ignition controlled one

[Retro_10s]

I had this problem once - turned out there was a problem with the Alternator - replaced it with a known working one and the problem was solved

[Saxo-Fiesta-Mini]

Zenth diobe in the alt will be gone

[Retro_10s]

Zenth diobe

?What?

Please take the time to read what you type before you click 'add reply',... There's no such thing as a Zenth Diobe,... people are going to read your advice and waste lots of time looking for things that do not exist - or worse - find a part that is not fit for purpose and cause more problems...

There is a 'ZENER DIODE' inside an alternator,.. which is what i assume you're refering to, and is usually included in a rebuild kit.

[Saxo-Fiesta-Mini]

i was told it was called the zeneth diode sorry for the typo

[mini_turbo_pete]

i was told it was called the zeneth diode sorry for the typo

So you don't actually know? read the writing at the top "Don't give out incorrect advice - if you don't know the answer, don't post!" The Zener Diods are part of the rectifier unit in the alternator.

if you've got lights staying on with the alternator disconnected then i would say it's a wiring problem the live for the ignition is staying permantly live, this will also account for the coil getting hot with the ignition off.

I would start looking at the main live wire that feeds the ignition system and make sure the fuse box wiring is all round the correct way

[LeosMini]

Cheers guys, those of you who said it was the wiring/connectors to the fuse box were right, I got the Hayes manual out and started trying to follow the diagram, NOW i need to work out why the horn, fog, interior & head lights do not work, i guess its sti

[L400RAS]

NOW i need to work out why the horn, fog, interior & head lights do not work

Does your brake test switch on the switch panel light up when pressed? if not, all these items are run by the 2nd fuse down in the fusebox on the bulkhead. try that?
Ryan.

[LeosMini]

Brake Test light does not work, I will check the wiring to see where that goes and see what else links to the 2nd fuse. Thanks for the hint. Will report back when i have checked.