Help with Electrical Issues Please!
Discussion
Yesterday I thought I would have a look at some electrical issues.
I looked as loads of S3s before deciding to purchase this one. I saw many that had wires going… well, randomly anywhere - terrifying!
Someone has clearly attempted to tidy things up on this one. Many additional inline fuse, taped wires together and ties etc… You get the general idea.
I mentioned on PH a while back that when the lights were turned on the clock stopped. The general feeling from the forum was that the earthing connections were at fault.
Well armed with this information, a tub of petrolium jelly and a spanner I disconnected the battery and greased the connections.
As expected there was no change. I assume that the “earths” must be taken off the chassis at other points. Any suggestions....?
Is there a common earth behind the dashboard or does each insturment (device) have a wire going to the chassis? I can’t believe that this would be the case but, it’s a TVR.
Additionally, I don’t want to do too much in case I stuff up the electronics, before the summer, the strikes me as a winter job. After all I want to drive it
Does anyone have experience of someone, who is good with TVR S electrical issues? So that I can either get advice or hand any problems over to.
I looked as loads of S3s before deciding to purchase this one. I saw many that had wires going… well, randomly anywhere - terrifying!
Someone has clearly attempted to tidy things up on this one. Many additional inline fuse, taped wires together and ties etc… You get the general idea.
I mentioned on PH a while back that when the lights were turned on the clock stopped. The general feeling from the forum was that the earthing connections were at fault.
Well armed with this information, a tub of petrolium jelly and a spanner I disconnected the battery and greased the connections.
As expected there was no change. I assume that the “earths” must be taken off the chassis at other points. Any suggestions....?
Is there a common earth behind the dashboard or does each insturment (device) have a wire going to the chassis? I can’t believe that this would be the case but, it’s a TVR.
Additionally, I don’t want to do too much in case I stuff up the electronics, before the summer, the strikes me as a winter job. After all I want to drive it
Does anyone have experience of someone, who is good with TVR S electrical issues? So that I can either get advice or hand any problems over to.
UKBob had a few electrical issues... Might be worth dropping him a line... Failing that he will be here shortly.
There are several earth points on the S.
Look up into the footwells, IIRC there should be one fuse box side and one right up under the dash clocks to the right.
There are others but have been known to be all over the place. Do you have the bible..? I can't remember what it says off hand but there should be some advice in there.
Dave
There are several earth points on the S.
Look up into the footwells, IIRC there should be one fuse box side and one right up under the dash clocks to the right.
There are others but have been known to be all over the place. Do you have the bible..? I can't remember what it says off hand but there should be some advice in there.
Dave
I would suggest that you also remove and clean the other end of the battery earth cable.
Also, at the back of the nearside front wheelarch, there's a crossmember that goes to the front of the sill outrigger. This is braced by a strut that goes to the top chassis rail. There is an earth at the top of that strut - you can just see it in the top left hand corner of this pic:
Also, at the back of the nearside front wheelarch, there's a crossmember that goes to the front of the sill outrigger. This is braced by a strut that goes to the top chassis rail. There is an earth at the top of that strut - you can just see it in the top left hand corner of this pic:
Ro
From previous postings I think getting an auto electrician to check it out would be a good idea.
However, be prepared for a bit of slagging off by a decent one about fundamental wrong doing by the factory.
IMHO a proper look over and possibly a few more relays might get the electrics working better anyway.
Derek
From previous postings I think getting an auto electrician to check it out would be a good idea.
However, be prepared for a bit of slagging off by a decent one about fundamental wrong doing by the factory.
IMHO a proper look over and possibly a few more relays might get the electrics working better anyway.
Derek
Don't call an auto electrician until you have cleaned the earth points! IMHO it would be a waste of time & money. There are at least 3 earth points (2 front + one by the fule tank). Just look for bolts sticking out of the chassis with wires to them. Lots of penetrating oil, dismantle, clean with emery/wire brush, re-assemble with coppaslip.
(My water temp used to increase into the red, traced to switching on heater fan or headlights. Cleaned earths & problem fixed).
Ian.
PS also worth adding a strap from chassis to engine block, as this can help against poor starting & misfires under load.
(My water temp used to increase into the red, traced to switching on heater fan or headlights. Cleaned earths & problem fixed).
Ian.
PS also worth adding a strap from chassis to engine block, as this can help against poor starting & misfires under load.
bugsy said:
Ro
From previous postings I think getting an auto electrician to check it out would be a good idea.
However, be prepared for a bit of slagging off by a decent one about fundamental wrong doing by the factory.
IMHO a proper look over and possibly a few more relays might get the electrics working better anyway.
Derek
Derek
Sadly I am coming to that conclusion
I have the car booked to Dave Batty's place next month. The list is growing by the day. Cheers
Ro
tvrgit said:
I would suggest that you also remove and clean the other end of the battery earth cable.
Also, at the back of the nearside front wheelarch, there's a crossmember that goes to the front of the sill outrigger. This is braced by a strut that goes to the top chassis rail. There is an earth at the top of that strut - you can just see it in the top left hand corner of this pic:
Excellent! Thanks, I'll have a look tomorrow.
bridgdav said:
UKBob had a few electrical issues... Might be worth dropping him a line... Failing that he will be here shortly.
There are several earth points on the S.
Look up into the footwells, IIRC there should be one fuse box side and one right up under the dash clocks to the right.
There are others but have been known to be all over the place. Do you have the bible..? I can't remember what it says off hand but there should be some advice in there.
Dave
Dave
Here we are; only a few months after we first spoke and one of my own. And loving every minute of it too.
I do have a copy of the bible, I must admit it is an excellent basis for investigation.
Cheers
Ro
lwt said:
Don't call an auto electrician until you have cleaned the earth points! IMHO it would be a waste of time & money. There are at least 3 earth points (2 front + one by the fule tank). Just look for bolts sticking out of the chassis with wires to them. Lots of penetrating oil, dismantle, clean with emery/wire brush, re-assemble with coppaslip.
(My water temp used to increase into the red, traced to switching on heater fan or headlights. Cleaned earths & problem fixed).
Ian.
PS also worth adding a strap from chassis to engine block, as this can help against poor starting & misfires under load.
Thanks Ian, it's good to hear that these problems are "to be expected". Point taken about the extra strap.
Cheers
Ro
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