Fuel guage wipers indicators not working

[hammersmith]

Hi,
Just got back from filling car up the petrol gauge showed only quarter full and working ok. When I got back in the car the gauge showed empty. The indicator wipers and screen wash do not work. I have replaced fuses, which are upgraded to the spade type. Still the same. Any ideas please.
Many thanks Mike

[simmitc]

These items are all switched by the ignition key. Use a volt meter to check whether power is reaching the fuse and then on the other size of the fuse. I suspect that your heater fan won't be blowing either...

[hammersmith]

Hi, Simmitc,
Many thanks, yes have checked the heater blower is also not working. Will get hold of a volt meter and check it out as you say.
Thanks Mike

[beero]

Do your brake lights work? If so your fuse is okay, if not re-check the fuse and check the connections on your fusebox. If it was the ignition switch then your fuel pump and coil would not be live.
What year is the car?

[hammersmith]

Hi beero,

Thanks for reply, the petrol pump is ok as the car fires up and runs. the lights work. Have checked the fuse connections and there does no seem to be any power into or out of the fuse box for the fuel wipers etc. Thanks Mike

[hammersmith]

Hi beero,

sorry the car is a four door saloon 1957.
Thanks Mike

[beero]

Now that is strange because the white wire from the ignition switch which carries power to the fusebox has to be live because the fuel pump and ignition are fed from the same terminal on the fuse box, that is the 3 white wires, so I can only assume that whoever has changed the fusebox to blade type has somehow modified the wiring.

Can you post a picture of the new fusebox and it's wiring?

You say the lights work, do you mean the brake lights? The lights are totally separate, not even fused.

[hammersmith]

Hi beero,
Many thanks for your update am away from home for few days will get pics and info and send them on.
Cheers mike.

[Freddy]

Hi Hammersmith,
It seems like we are having the same problem:

http://www.mmoc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=50261

Regards,
Freddy

[simmitc]

Coming from the ignition switch should be a white wire. This enters the fuse box where two other white wires then leave and go to the fuel pump and ignition coil. If the car starts, then the white lead must have power. On the other side of the fuse box should be green wires that feed the circuits that are not working for you. If they are not getting power, then it has to be the fuse or its connections. However, if it has been rewired, then it's anybody's guess as to what is going where! You could use a short small jumper lead to connect each green wire in turn to the white wire and confirm that each circuit works with power supplied directly. Ideally you would include a fuse in the wire, but in reality it shouldn't do any harm - if you get a big spark, then disconnect immediately! If the circuits all work, then suspect the modified fusebox. Good luck.

[hammersmith]

Hi,
Well thanks for the info to one and all. I have just returned from a cold windy Jersey.

As recommended by berro and simmitc I check the power going in and out of the fuse box. What I did not mention is that there is a relay box on top of the fuse box. When I checked it I found that it was not working. Got a new one from Halfords and all is working again. Thank you all again for your help. And Freddy I hope you get yours fixed as well.
Mike

[bmcecosse]

Relay box ?? What for.......

[hammersmith]

Hi Bececosse,

The person that changed the old fuse box (glass type fuses) put in 6 spade type fuses, with a relay on the top for some of the connections from the ignition via relay and then into the fuse box. Hope I have explain that ok. I have had this modification for several years now and this is the first time that I have had to change the relay. Of course with this system it has also done away with the regulator/control box.
Mike

[simmitc]

Hi Mike, modifying the fuse box will not affect the regulator / control box - I suspect that the cra has been fitted with an alternator instead of the standard dynamo; otherwise you would still need the control unit.

[bmcecosse]

I can't see the point (or need) for a relay....but each to their own I suppose. Presumably it has an alternator fitted - hence no control box.

[hammersmith]

Hi simmitc and bmcecosse,

Yes again did not mention I have had an alternator fitted. I am not that up on electrics as you have probably gathered.
Saying that today as I was out in the Morris after stopping and getting back in the fuel gauge read empty although I know it is full.
I followed the checks in the Minor Workshop manual by Autobook and checked the fuel gauge, by disconnecting the T terminal on the fuel gauge. After following the instructions I ended up disconnecting the fuel tank sender unit and running a separate cable to the fuel gauge. According to the book the wire between the sender unit and the gauge is earthed.
When I put every thing back the gauge read full as it should. Any thoughts on that?

[bmcecosse]

Wait and see if the gauge goes down as you use up the petrol........

[hammersmith]

Hi, Just to keep you updated as I know you are probably on the edge of your seats waiting for this info.........
I have drained the petrol from the tank, and the gauge has dropped, so all seems ok.
Thanks again to one and all.

Mike