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Alternator 1, Wipers / Horn 0

Posted: Mon May 30, 2011 9:39 pm
by DavidConnolly
Hello,

My late model Minor (1965/1098cc) came already converted to negative earth.
When I recently replaced the dynamo with an alternator I followed the fitting instructions supplied
This included totally clearing 2 control box terminals, leaving at least 2 wires unused.

Conversion appeared to be successful: car goes, battery charges, CD player, lights, ciggie lighter (sorry) all work.
However I now discover that neither wipers nor horn are working (I've been in France - so no rain!)

Has anyone else had this problem; or is anyone able to provide the (no doubt blindingly obvious) solution?

Plus; Haynes is very helpful about servicing the wiper motor/gearbox etc but is totally silent about how you get to it. Any ideas gratefully received.

Thanks, David

Re: Alternator 1, Wipers / Horn 0

Posted: Mon May 30, 2011 10:30 pm
by mike.perry
Interesting! Since the wipers and horn are on different circuits and fuses there must be an independent reason why they are not working. If all other components are working, ie courtesy lights and indicators then both fuses are ok. I would start by running jump leads direct to the horn to check that is working and if that is ok check the bullet connectors and and horn push which earths the horn.
Check that the wiper switch is wired correctly. Term 1 black/green to wiper motor Term 2 black to earth, Term 3 green to fuse. Also check connectors.
The wiper motor is situated under the bonnet on the n/s inner wing

Re: Alternator 1, Wipers / Horn 0

Posted: Mon May 30, 2011 11:03 pm
by beero
Do the courtesy lights work? They are on the same circuit as your horn. If they don't work are the 2 brown wires still joined at the control box on terminal A. I feel the wiper problem may be a separate fault.

Re: Alternator 1, Wipers / Horn 0

Posted: Tue May 31, 2011 1:44 pm
by DavidConnolly
Many thanks for the helpful pointers.
I shall let you know!
Regards, David

Re: Alternator 1, Wipers / Horn 1

Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2011 2:38 pm
by DavidConnolly
Spot on chaps!

1) The courtesy light did not work; a new fuse resurrected the horn.

2) My earlier fumbling behind the dashboard had disconnected one of the wiper switch connections.

The forces of Entropy vanquished for the time being!

Thanks for your help.

David