Help with an electrical fault??

[philcerbera]

Mine has started blowing the 15A fuse used for the indicators, brake lights and reversing light. when replacing the fuse everything seems to work fine for half an hour before blowing again. I haven't fully tested this yet (run out of fuses) but I think it could be blowing when I select reverse. Any ideas to help solve this one? Where should I look next? I'm reasonably handy with an AVO but don't have a wiring diagram.

[Peppe]

Hi !

Go to this homepage made by Byker28i, and you will find all the wiring diagrams and more.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/dave.hin

Could it be a short in the rear light cluster ?

Peppe

[philcerbera]

Thanks Peppe

Have had a look but can't get any of the wiring jpegs to show?

[GreenV8S]

A short on the wiring to the reverse switch can cause this sort of problem, for example if it has been rubbing and worn through the insulation. See if you can locate the loom to the gearbox and check for signs of damage.

[Ireland]

GreenV8S said:

A short on the wiring to the reverse switch can cause this sort of problem, for example if it has been rubbing and worn through the insulation. See if you can locate the loom to the gearbox and check for signs of damage.

This sounds likely.

It'll be tedious trying to find it, but worth it in the end.

[philcerbera]

Have swapped the fuse again. Tested all three circuits, various combinations and all on together and the fuse hasn't blown. Been out for half an hour and everything is fine. There's not a lot I can do to trace such an intermittent fault.

Something else - the wiper washer bottle managed to remove itself from its cradle, it fell forward, emptied and on came the washer empty light on the dash. Put the bottle back in its cradle and refilled. Now the washer empty light on the dash is still on??? Oh and the passenger entry switch has just stopped working. TVR's eh - don't you love 'em. Have to say though, other than a failed starter motor, these are the only faults in more than 4 years of ownership. Probably will regret saying this

[Ireland]

philcerbera said:

Now the washer empty light on the dash is still on

The what???

How many different variations of Cerbera are there?

[ancol]

new one on me didnt even know they had a washer bottle empty light,could be your actual reverse switch which has an intermitant fault and is occasionally going short cicuit if the fuse blows again you could remove wires from switch if it dosnt blow again it proves its the switch if it does blow you will need to trace where the short is in the loom as said previously by the other guys probably worn through underneath somewhere good luck anyway

[pena]

Don't know if this is any use to you, but I had this exact problem on my chim.
Turned out to be 2 things.

- The Reverse light connector underneath the gearbox had come loose and kept touch the gearbox on right turns which would pop the fuses that controlled the dash lights, heaters & speedo.

- 2 Fuses in the fuse board were the wrong amp numbers.

I would check these 2 things.
Took me + garage 2 months to track the problem & about £30 work of blown fuses.

Good luck.

Edited by pena on Sunday 20th May 21:02

[ireland]

If you can get the car on a lift / over a pit you should be able to get at the gearbox switch to check it.

From above, with the covers removed, if you get a good strong light and a second pair of eyes you might be able to spot any damaged wires.

Worth a try.