wipers and heater fan fault

Post by **nick_h** » Sun Jan 25, 2004 10:03 pm

Can anyone tell me why, when I switch my wipers on, the heater fan stops. Switching the wipers off starts the fan again. I presume this could be an earth fault, but would welcome any advice offered. I'm not very good on electrics! The car is 1968 Minor 1000.

Thanks

Post by **ColinP** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 12:26 pm

Nick,
Both of these should be supplied by one fuse. I think your first guess is most likely - check the earthing of the wipers and fan motor - don't forget that the wiper motor has 2 power leads and 1 earth!.

Colin

Post by **brixtonmorris** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 4:49 pm

The heater is not earthed through the body of the heater. it has an earth wire which is earthed in the dash somwhere behind the speedo. The wire comes out of the top of the fan motor. difficulf to see. this is the later heater. cant remember if it the same for the early ones

Post by **winger300** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 5:54 pm

i get this when my battery is almost flat.

Post by **Gareth** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 6:51 pm

Are you sure that the fan stops, or is it just that the noise goes away?

It could be a reduction in electrical current, perhaps, although earths are a favourite!

Post by **Willie** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 7:58 pm

You should check that when in the fault condition the flashing
indicators stop working as well as the heater? This would indicate
either that your battery supply is very weak(how does it start), or
the fuse for these items (the one with all the Green wires on it)
is either corroded or has some other problem. Failing that check
the windscreen wiper earth which is the Black wire which is earthed
on the CONTROL BOX terminal 'E'. Follow the wiring loom, on
the bulkhead, down from the control box and you will find a black
wire which is bolted to the bulkhead.....this is an important earth
and should be clean and tight.

Post by **nick_h** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 11:31 pm

Thanks for the replies. I think the battery is OK as it was new last year and starts the engine OK. I will check the wiring as suggested. I had the heater out for a strip down and clean last year and maybe missed a wire when replacing. I've also dabbled with the wiper motor to restore the autopark in recent months. As I don't go out in the rain if I can avoid it, I don't use the wipers that much. I was only cleaning the windscreen with the washers! I must have left a wire off somewhere, I think. Will check at the weekend (if it's not raining!). I've also recently emeried all the connectors on the control box.

Nick

Morris Minor Owners Club

wipers and heater fan fault

wipers and heater fan fault

heater off