Ignition switch problem

[Tim M]

Hi

This is my first post on the forum. I have recently purchased a two door saloon as my first Minor to try and re-assemble it from bits and bobs. I fitted a new ignitions switch and followed advice on this forum as to where to collect the wires but as soon as the battery is connected the engine starts to try and turn over.

Not all of the wires have the correct connectors so I have simply threaded them through the terminals but I cannot see this making a difference.

Does anyone have any ideas, any help would be appreciated. I'll try and put some pics up on the restoration thread.

Many thanks,

Tim

[bmcecosse]

Obviously wires on wrong terminals.......disconnect the wire to the solenoid (White/Red I think) -does it switch on the Ign ok now? And - is it the correct switch - with spring loaded 'second' position?

[Tim M]

Hi, thanks for the reply. I disconnected the red/white wire but the problem is still there. Hhhmmm

[simmitc]

Could it be the wiring on the solenoid? The white/red wire should go to a terminal on the solenoid, and there should be no power to it until you turn the key to the start position. If the engine is turning without the white/red wire on the ignition switch, then the solenoid must be getting power from somewhere else...

[bmcecosse]

So - what colour wire is going to the solenoid side connection? Whatever it is - take it off!

[Tim M]

Sorry to be totally useless but I cannot even see the solenoid, so a clue would be helpful. Here's some pictures of the bits I have got though... [frame][/frame]

[Tim M]

[frame][/frame]

[Tim M]

[frame][/frame]

[chesney]

Your first pic is the solenoid, though not a standard Minor one.
Where does that blue/white wire go? Should only have the white/red from the ign switch and the brown to the fusebox!
Blue/white is something to do with dip/main beam if I remember correctly?

[Tim M]

Hi

Thanks for that. I have swapped the red/white over to face the brown lead as this looks more logical and they may be the wrong pairing. The blue and white lead goes over to the other side and attaches to this...I will test it out later to see if it works.[frame][/frame]

[chesney]

Does that wire go directly to the pump? Or does it pass through something like an amp gauge or similar, or disappear behind the dash? If not, then that blue/white wire is going from an unfused live to an earth! Disconnect it immediately if this is the case!

The white/red wire looks to be in the right place to my knowledge, perhaps the solenoid is stuck on?

[Tim M]

Many thanks for this, the thing still turns so I will fit a new Minor solenoid next. Thanks again,

Tim

[bmcecosse]

Pull the white/red and white/blue wires off the solenoid - and certainly get rid of that white/blue wire - it's WRONG. Does it still crank when you switch on? It's NOT the solenoid - don't change it! If it was a stuck solenoid it would crank as soon as you connect the battery!!!!! PS It's NEVER the solenoid....... (or the coil) ....

[chesney]

If it was a stuck solenoid it would crank as soon as you connect the battery!!!!!

I thought that was the problem?

[tysonn]

LOL!!!!!!You couldnt make it up.All those companies producing aftermarket solenoids(and coils) have wasted their money ;-).

[bmcecosse]

The problem as I understand is that the engine cranks when it is switched on with the new Ign switch....... And yes - most of the 'new' solenoids and coils are poor quality and don't last......

[kennatt]

In the third photo looks like the blue and white wire goes to the coil,certainly permanently live by the way its connected,Roy I think he's saying it cranks as soon as the battery leads are connected.

[Tim M]

Yes, it cranks as soon as the battery is connected so that's why we might think the solenoid is faulty. I have removed the blue/white wire, no change.

[bmcecosse]

Ahh sorry - missed that - indeed then it is possibly solenoid if it cranks right away - although could still be solenoid being activated from the battery - hence I suggest taking all wires off (leave the cables on) and then try.

[Tim M]

OK, done that. the blue/white off (chucked away) and the red/white disconnected and it does still turn over. Why is this? Lots of smoke and rattles from the battery too just to add to the drama.