Help with electrics

[rogthegog]

Went out to garage to start S the other morning for potential trip to Leeds only to find that nothing happened when turned ignition key. No dash light, no fuel pump and certainly no starter motor.

However, not flat battery as central locking and alarm seem to funtion OK as do other bits not wired via ignition (side lights for example)

Not had to tackle S electrics before so bit nervous about where to stick my multi meter, as it were.

Anyone got any theories please or at least a plan of attack - where to start, what sequence to test in etc?

Rog

BTW has anyone else had difficulty with previewing a topic before posting - this is my third attempt, each time when tried preview function, was ejected from P'heads and lost my message?

[spivvy]

rogthegog said:

Went out to garage to start S the other morning for potential trip to Leeds only to find that nothing happened when turned ignition key. No dash light, no fuel pump and certainly no starter motor. However, not flat battery as central locking and alarm seem to funtion OK as do other bits not wired via ignition (side lights for example) Not had to tackle S electrics before so bit nervous about where to stick my multi meter, as it were. Anyone got any theories please or at least a plan of attack - where to start, what sequence to test in etc? Rog BTW has anyone else had difficulty with previewing a topic before posting - this is my third attempt, each time when tried preview function, was ejected from P'heads and lost my message?

had a similar problem in Le Mans first thing to check is the fuse box ,are fuses ok?

if so time it isolate the fault


check earth connections

check the connector attached to the key these have been known to go faulty,

also

one of the things that can cause this is the stater motor wires they are a bit exposed and do errode check the soleniod connections .
You can check the fuel pump by running a 12 volt feed direct to it

hope this helps

[NickP_S2]

I once had a similar problem on my S2. Having checked the prime suspects (battery, fuses etc), I started investigating the wires that go in/out of the ignition barrel. Gave the loom that sits inside the column cowling a wiggle whilst the ignition was in the on position. The ignition lights (handbrake, battery etc) came on after a bit. I have now tied all the wiring away from the steering column as I believe that was the cause, touch wood, havent had any problems since.

>> Edited by NickP_S2 on Sunday 19th December 13:17

[GreenV8S]

The multiplug between the ignition switch and the main loom is notorious for causing trouble, it was underspecced in the first place and vulnerable to overheating, it gets worse with age and corrosion. Wriggling the wires might have got it working again for now, but I'd advise you to check the connector and consider replacing it before it lets you down again.

[NickP_S2]

GreenV8S said:

The multiplug between the ignition switch and the main loom is notorious for causing trouble, it was underspecced in the first place and vulnerable to overheating, it gets worse with age and corrosion. Wriggling the wires might have got it working again for now, but I'd advise you to check the connector and consider replacing it before it lets you down again.

Its on my list of things 'to-do' this winter.... along with so many other things I'd hate to bore everyone with..

[RichardR]

You've probably checked this already, but one of the fuses specifically covers the ignition circuit, and if this has blown you'll get no ignition lights and no priming of the fuel pump.

Are other, non-ignition-fed circuits such as the clock, lights etc. all working ok?

[nicbowman]

Hi, try connector to alternator. Also, battery might be too flat to make starter work but still work the other stuff, charge the battery anyway or get it tested for max current at a local supplier. Could be the obvious.

Nic

[F908 TIM]

How are you getting on then? Fixed?

[rogthegog]

Thanks for suggestions and apologies for not replying sooner. Only got round to looking at problem this afternoon.

Disconcertingly, took nothing more than removing steering column bottom half of cover for fault to self rectify! Looking at wiring, I assume its a problem with the large connector block, but its not obvious - think will look for replacement.

Anyway, thanks again
Rog

[Psychobert]

Shnozz had a similar problem; advice on what to do in this thread..

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=25142&f=11&h=0&hw=connector+block+shnozz

[shnozz]

indeed I did. And since I couldn't find any real reason why the wires were connected with a block I decided to simply connect them up directly and throw out any connector block at all.

[Harry Flashman]

Schnozz, stop being a giant queen and go post on my thread. If you're not too busy rearranging your scatter cusions, that is.

[shnozz]