Electrical fault - urgent help needed in "numpty speak"....!

[Longers]

Afternoon everyone.

Just popped out to get some fuel for the run home later. Just pulling away from pump and car completely died on me without any warning....
Indicators didn't work although hazards did
No fuel pump
No wipers
No life in the dash gauges
Lights worked
Electric windows worked
Starter motor turned over fine but engine wouldn't fire

The surprise at what had happened was just starting to give way to thoughts of panic and "oh my god how am I going to get home" (22 miles away) when I tried it again and it fired.

Nervously drove the mile or so back to work ok. Once at office I stopped and restarted a couple of times without problem.

Being very non-mechanical can anyone give me any ideas, in very simple terms, on what to check before I try and get home later? Once there I'll be booking it in for a proper check!

Thanks in advance,
Longers

[neil240970]

Could be the yellow block connector under the steering column? First place to check i'd say......if there's any evidence of melting or charring here, that's your problem.

[Longers]

Thanks, I'll check that.

[Gerald-TVR]

Hi Longers EXACTLY what happened to me when arriving for S Club Heaven cause -



worth checking

[tubbystu]

And simple enough to bypass the offending joint - ensure you use a large enough guage of cable though. This carries significant current, hence why it toasts over time.

HTH

[Longers]

Cheers guys.

Made it home ok after an apprehensive drive home. Will take a look under the steering column over the weekend and see what's occuring.

Longers

[tvrgit]

Agree with all the advice above - that's exactly the symptoms of the dreaded igntion switch connector. Bet it's as burnt as the last beefburger at a veggie barbeque.

[mycroft]

same happened to me about 3 yrs ago , that reminds me must check the temporary repair .

[ChrisGadd]

Just wondering if there is a block connecter that is available of the shelf that would be a direct replacement but capable of taking the current/voltage

[Gerald-TVR]

No point Chris the plug is there to facilitate the original build of the car and I dont see any need to replace with another plug. Direct joining of the wires, with well soldered joints (I wouldnt use crimp connections) is a no brainer solution. If by any chance work has to be done later such as steering coulmn removal they the switch can be unbolted and left in place. If the switch needs replacement a quick bit of unsoldering and resoldering will do the job but cant see that is likely.

Norman

[SteveOS3]

Soldering and me are not compatible.

Could I use one of these?

[Gerald-TVR]

I'm not an autoelectrician but I wouldnt, i paid £45 to have mine done but that included wiring in an override switch for the cooling fan

[Barkychoc]

Longers if you wanted to risk coming over here I'll solder it for you, I can't do this weekend though.

Chris

[Longers]

Cheers Chris, thanks for the offer

I think I'll be ok with the soldering, assuming it is the connector that is causing the problem. If that doesn't fix it I'll be in touch

Once it's sorted I wouldn't mind popping over anyway just to check on your rebuild progress and see how good it looks before all of your hard work is hidden under the body. Will have to see if Dave M, Mycroft and Gozzy fancy a run out....

Longers

[SteveOS3]

As luck would have it......... I just fitted a Kenlowe fan and need to get the override switch fitted. Where did you mount it? It's a rocker switch that I was thinking of hiding up under the dash somewhere.

On seconds thoughts, maybe the auto electrician is the best idea!

[Gerald-TVR]

I've had it mounted just above my left knee, the electrician is a good idea as he just ran the wiring back to the fan relay so very little currect through the switch, i wouldnt have tried that!!

[Barkychoc]

Longers said:

Cheers Chris, thanks for the offer

I think I'll be ok with the soldering, assuming it is the connector that is causing the problem. If that doesn't fix it I'll be in touch

Once it's sorted I wouldn't mind popping over anyway just to check on your rebuild progress and see how good it looks before all of your hard work is hidden under the body. Will have to see if Dave M, Mycroft and Gozzy fancy a run out....

Longers

Better tidy the garage then! (Mrs Barkychoc has been tidying the house - need I say more?)

[gozzy]

Longers said:

Cheers Chris, thanks for the offer

I think I'll be ok with the soldering, assuming it is the connector that is causing the problem. If that doesn't fix it I'll be in touch

Once it's sorted I wouldn't mind popping over anyway just to check on your rebuild progress and see how good it looks before all of your hard work is hidden under the body. Will have to see if Dave M, Mycroft and Gozzy fancy a run out....

Longers

Speaking as a fellow numpty, I would be happy to join you. As long as you are nice to a lowly porker driver

[tvrgit]

ChrisGadd said:

Just wondering if there is a block connecter that is available of the shelf that would be a direct replacement but capable of taking the current/voltage

I bought a large 4-point connector from Halfords that I crimped in place. Soldering is probably the best option though if you can.

[mycroft]

Longers said:

Cheers Chris, thanks for the offer

I think I'll be ok with the soldering, assuming it is the connector that is causing the problem. If that doesn't fix it I'll be in touch

Once it's sorted I wouldn't mind popping over anyway just to check on your rebuild progress and see how good it looks before all of your hard work is hidden under the body. Will have to see if Dave M, Mycroft and Gozzy fancy a run out....

Longers

sounds like a good idea .