Electrical Issues

P

Peaches

New Member

Posts

47

Location

Warwickshire/Shropshire/Cornwall

• Mar 19, 2013

• #1

Things on my series 3 appear to be getting worse with regards to the electrics. The stereo cuts out all the time, the indications come on but do not flash, and the headlights get brighter when the handbrake is pulled on. Also, considering I have a great big new battery in there, the starter motor seems a bit sluggish.

I suspected a bad earth somewhere, but having checked it all it all seems as it was when I first did the wiring. Any ideas?

 

jamesmartin

Well-Known Member

Posts

91,879

Location

louth lincs

• Mar 19, 2013

• #2

you need a fairly heavy earth straps between body,chassis and engine

 

P

Peaches

New Member

Posts

47

Location

Warwickshire/Shropshire/Cornwall

• Mar 19, 2013

• #3

Ive got some braided steels ones atm, i dont know if they've got worse over time? there is an isolator on the negative terminal as well, and another earth running directly from the starter motor

 

jamesmartin

Well-Known Member

Posts

91,879

Location

louth lincs

• Mar 19, 2013

• #4

but is body, chassis,engine all earthed and is isolater poor contacts etc or big enough

 

johnny curt 1

Well-Known Member

Posts

9,118

Location

manchester

• Mar 19, 2013

• #5

id check that the bonnet stay prop isnt shorting on the live terminal on the battery when its closed ( seen it happen a few times meself now )

 

mystery

Well-Known Member

Posts

1,510

Location

BULKINGTON

• Mar 21, 2013

• #6

check for good connections on cable lugs,battery terminals,corrosion on fuse holders and ignition switch

 

Ruari

Active Member

Posts

281

Location

North Ayrshire

• Mar 21, 2013

• #7

What about using a jump lead from battery to chassis?
Also try another temp. earth from the chassis to negative of the head lights. I suspect the headlights and inidcators would share an earth which could be dodgy.

Indicators could also be the flasher unit. It won't flash unless it has enough load. I.e. if you stuck in a low watt light it won't flash.
Do you have a warning light for your handbrake on the dash? If so I tink they are wired with power to the light and when the brake is applied it makes a contact.

I just rewired my car as it had to much tape holding wires together. Too many cut wires and too many redundant parts. Everything now works and I understand the system.