Electrical Problems..any ideas?

[Seb]

Has anyone ever heard of brake lights coming on with the right hand indicator??? any sugestions as to what this could be would be most welcome!

I believe I have a problem which is effecting my brake lights and right hand indicator. I have noticed the following over the past couple of days but these are all intermittent:

• When locking and unlocking the car - my brake lights flash with the indicators?
  
• When driving and pressing my brake pedal the right hand indicator stays on (does not flash) until the brake pedal is released?
  
• when the hazard warning switch is on the break lights also flash?
  

Has anyone heard of this before? All other lights work fine? could it be the relay for the indicators on it's way out which is also effecting the break lights?

[Nick]

Hi Seb, It sounds like a poor earth to me or the most likely culprit would be to check the wiring loom in the boot (the bit on the left hand side hinge) open up the black wire cover and you'll probably see some chaffed / shorting wires.
You have checked the connections in your replacement lights are OK?

Hope it sorts easily for you matey. I have got some off cuts of loom from my 'spare' bootlid if you need any bits of wire etc.

[Rich]

I agree with Nick. Definitely a bad earth and most likely to be the bootlid loom. I managed to catch mine before I had a short and put some new insulation tape around it. Easy job mate!


Rich

[Seb]

All sorted Kids

Luckily I had a spare wiring harness for the new rear cluster when they replaced my faulty one! I think there was a problem with the actual harness plug as there were no loose wires itself. I have changed it over and all seems fine! I have also patched up the wiring loom by the hinge! Clifton Lane did it last year but it had worn a little more!

Thanks for your help though guys I'm pleased it's all sorted!

Rich have you fitted the fan belt cover on the inner wing? I still havent done mine yet as need to get the belt tightened/replaced before i put it on!

[Rich]

Glad you got it sorted mate. Sometimes electrical faults can be a nightmare and sometimes simples!!!!

No, haven't fitted mine either... Haven't had the time! Probably best to replace rather than just tighten the belt. And check the belt tensioner is ok and working properly. Cost me a fortune when mine went.

Rich

[Seb]

I was thinking i might just get a new belt! How much do fan belts cost these days including labour at CL?

Cheers
Seb

[Rich]

Not sure, but they aren't much. Still can't stress enough how imprtant checking the tensioner is though, especially the earlier models that auto adjust. The bearings can go and it would throw even a new belt off. Then it's bye bye valves. I took out 10 on the way in to Southampton services!

Rich

[Seb]

Ouch - Did you have to pay for a pick up truck as well?

I think i might see if i can get it booked in tomorrow!

[Seb]

The Grape has gone in to Clifton lane this morning to get a new fan belt! I've asked them to fit the cover as well!

No more squeeking!!!

Seb

[Rich]

Ouch - Did you have to pay for a pick up truck as well?

N'ah... Got my dad to make out he was in it at the time and it was brought back to Northampton on an AA lowloader. This was before the existence of Clifton-Lane so it went up to the MGF Centre where I got a very good deal.

I'm a member now and Kate & I are covered in any vehicle we're in, just in case my dad isn't around when we break down next...



Rich