Ignition Light stays on even though the engine is off

[MissDaisy]

And the key is removed!
Not sure if this is an electrical problem or a mechanical one?
I have to disconnect the battery after use, so the battery isn't drained and reconnect it when I want to start her again.
Any ideas or suggestions before I book her into the garage?
Thank you very much.
Sweetpea and Miss Daisy

[lambrettalad]

have a look at the ignition switch wiring ,you must have a short in the circuit

[MissDaisy]

EEK! Hmmm, I may need help as I canlook but don't know what I'm looking it. I'll check my manual and see if there's a diagram of how the wiring should look and try and see if mine differs.
Thank you Alex

[lambrettalad]

or a broken switch,i.e. not ceasing contact hen it should.I presume the light comes on as soon as yo reconnect the battery ?

[mike.perry]

Check the control box, if the contacts are not opening when the engine is switched off this will cause the ignition light to stay on and the battery to drain.

[MissDaisy]

Yes as soon as the battery is reconnected, the light comes on.
Thank you, I'll check the switch too.
Goodness I' going to enrol myself on a car maintenance course. I know nothing!
Forgive my ignorance.
Sweetpea

[MissDaisy]

Mike, thank you, control box? Is that where the switch is or does the control box need checking too?
Beginning to feel embarrassed!
Sweetpea

[lambrettalad]

the switch is where the ignition key goes ,and the control box is under the bonnet on the drivers side it's big and black
Where are you ? maybe join the local club? to get a helping hand ?

[MissDaisy]

Yes I looked today and I think my local club is going to be Herts as there doesn't appear to be one in Beds.
Thank you for taking the time and having the patience to explain it to me. Very grateful.
Sweetpea

[bmcecosse]

Is it ONLY the red ignition light that stays on? Or is there an orange (or green ) light shining too? Do the other Ignition features continue to work (heater fan/indicators...) or are they dead? If only the red light - then the control box contacts have welded closed..(assuming you have a dynamo of course)....

[mike.perry]

The control box is the black box on the engine bulkhead with lots of wires attached to it. If you remove the cover you will see two cotton reels with contacts which should be open when the ignition is off

[MissDaisy]

It's only the red ignition light that stays on so I'll check the control box tomorrow.
No idea about a dynamo though!!!
Thank you so much for your helpful advice.
Much appreciated. Thankyou
Sweetpea

[MissDaisy]

Mike, can't wait to open the control box tomorrow and have a look inside. If contacts aren't releasing, should I try WD40?
Sweetpea

[bmcecosse]

NO -it may start a fire. With the battery disconnected - you could gently try to prise open the stuck contacts - and then give them a wee rub with abrasive paper....

[MissDaisy]

Crikey, I promise NOT to use WD40 then, couldn't bear to set her on fire!

Today, I opened the bonnet, yes on my own lol, took a while but I did it! I opened the control box and the two reels
look very new. Copper bright and metal very shiny. Maybe replaced by the mechanic during a service, but that must have been nearly two years ago. I didn't bother last year, as hardly drove her, the weather was so foul and I didn't want to take her out.

I'm beginning to wonder if it's the switch, the reason for this is the following:

Having taken her for a little spin earlier, I turned my engine off and as usual, the ignition light stayed on, I then started the engine again and turned it off immediately and the light went off, it seems intermittent. However, turning it off once doesn't turn the light off, but by quickly starting her again and immediately switching her off, it makes the light go out.

Does that ring a bell with any of you?

Thank you, I am learning rapidly, what fun! Yippee, you'll be pleased to know I am going to my local MMOC meeting tomorrow evening lol! EEK!!

Happy days
Sweetpea

[bmcecosse]

When it stays ON - does the heater fan work? Whatever you do -NEVER leave the car with the red light on. It will drain the battery and could possibly burn out either the control box or the dynamo.

[andy.pointeer]

Hi , just read this tread and I can confirm there is a Bedfordfordshie Branch as I am a member

see http://www.mmoc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=30238

Meeting Day/Time: 1st Thursday, 8.00 pm.
Location: Greyhound Pub, Haynes, near Sheford south of Bedford
Next Meeting will be the 7 February

But it does not show any contact details, the secretary is Penny Delaney and she can be contacted on 07970seventwo0729

I live near Sandy and I am no expert, but if you need a hand give me a PM

Andy

[MissDaisy]

I thank goodness have never left it on and now knowing it could do more than just drain the battery will definitely not.
Thank you
Sweetpea

[MissDaisy]

Ah thank you for letting me know. I just browsed through my magazine but didn't see it advertised. Maybe there and I missed it.
Will see you on February 7th then and I appreciate your kind offer of help.
Sweetpea

[mike.perry]

When the light is on and the contacts stay closed the circuit is effectively trying to run backwards, ie instead of the dynamo spinning and charging the battery, the battery is trying to spin the dynamo which it would be able to do if the fan belt was removed. The fact that the dynamo is being prevented from spinning when the engine is not running would burn it out
Did you check the control box contacts and have you checked the dynamo brushes? Can't be bothered to read back through again