Dodgy voltage regulator?

Post by **chrisd87** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 9:56 pm

A couple of days ago I was driving in Maggie when the fuse for the switched side circuit decided to blow. Basically the stereo (wired to that circuit) suddenly went dead, the blower stopped and the fuel gauge sank to zero. More worryingly I then knew I was driving with no brake lights. I replaced the fuse (with the same 35A type that was already in there) and all was well for a few days.

My first thought was that the radio had blown the fuse, but I'm not so sure now.

Today in town traffic it started playing up again - the radio was trying to cut out (the sound periodically 'dropped out') and the fuel gauge seemed to alter its reading based on the engine speed. The fuse didn't blow though. Strangely when I drove home after leaving the car for half an hour everything was fine.

I'm a bit mystified but due to the fuel gauge playing up I suspect the voltage reg is on the way out and is somehow blowing the fuse. Has anyone else had a similar problem or think it's something else?

Post by **Mogwai** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 11:01 pm

Would be worth checking the charge rate if engine rpm is affecting things it could be overcharging. would also check the wiring hasn't chafed anywhere causing an intermitant short

Post by **alex_holden** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 11:02 pm

The new fuse hasn't blown though has it? I suspect the fuse box contacts just need a clean - disturbing them to replace the blown fuse probably caused an intermittent bad contact.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 4:12 pm

Yep - sounds more like poor contacts to me - although of course something must have 'blown' the original fuse. Try disconnecting the radio and see if all is well - it may have intermittent 'short' which is dragging down the volts but not enough to blow the new fuse.

Post by **chrisd87** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 5:45 pm

I'll try cleaning up the fuse contacts (they were fairly dirty from memory) and not using the radio for a bit, see if it helps.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 8:33 pm

Not just 'not using' - disconnect it ! Dunno how you can hear wireless in a Minor anyway!!

Post by **aupickup** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 9:58 pm

easy to hear a RADIO in a moggy, just turn up the volume

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 10:30 pm

But then you won't be able to hear that 'sewing machine' A series whirring away under the bonnet!

Post by **chrisd87** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 10:59 pm

The radio is easily heard if you turn the volume up. The only slight annoyance is that due to the amount of 'on the move' noise if you set the volume correctly for when you're driving along, it's far too loud when you come to a stop.

I don't want to disconnect the radio entirely as I enjoy having music while I drive.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 11:16 pm

Well - I was only suggesting it for a test - not for ever!
For me -the A series/gearbox/diff are music enough !