Magic Smoke from dash!

[oddbod]

After removing my speedo and ignition barrel I suddenly realised I hadn't disconnected my battery,which I meant to. At this point Magic Smoke began to appear from inside the dash........ I quickly disconnected the battery however I have discovered that I now have no: indicators,fuel gauge or windscreen washer What advice can anyone offer as I am confused by the jumble of wires before me. I am assuming all the wiring is as it should be on a 1970 Traveller,as I am able to trace all the after market bits. Any help appreciated,thanks.

[les]

I'd be inclined to inspect the mass of wires and see if any are fused together, if they are then seperate the offending ones, re-insulate if not too bad and then check fuses and try out. If everything works you may want to renew the damaged sections for piece of mind. Hopefully you've not done more damage.

[oddbod]

Cheers Les, I'm just not thinking clearly at the minute,as I can't believe I didnt disconnect the battery!!! Are the only fuses the 2 in the engine bay or are there more lurking. I posses a multi-meter,though my short term memory appears to be failing

[IslipMinor]

Apart from the very later models, there are just the 2 fuses under the bonnet. On the very late models there is an in-line fuse for the side light and panel light circuits. Anyone know where it is located?

[oddbod]

Well I've identified one issue, the earth feed to the back of the speedo has shorted and melted its insulation,so that at least needs replacing,not such a big job,but I'll have to assess the rest of the wiring later this week as the earth melting has left some positive cable bonded to it! I just hope no major damage has occurred. Cheers again Les for being calm and offering simple advice when I was incapable of thinking clearly. I'll report back when I get finished. Anyone remember what the hand signal is for turning left?

[les]

It's something like the Queens wave only the hand revolves through 180 degrees pivoting around the wrist in an anti-clockwise direction! I doubt if the following motorist will have a clue what it means.

[andy.pointeer]

Hi

In response to the location of the in-line fuse on my 66 Traveller the in line fuse is located below the fuse box and the wires go into the main wiring loom

Hope this helps

[RobThomas]

.

[oddbod]

Cheers Rob,have you got an e-bay number for that and do you know can I buy it in 25l drums?

[oddbod]

Hi

In response to the location of the in-line fuse on my 66 Traveller the in line fuse is located below the fuse box and the wires go into the main wiring loom

Hope this helps

Thanks for that Andy, I did find the inline fuse but it didn't blow either. If anyone is taking the speedo out of the dash, can I suggest disconnecting the Battery first!!!! !!!

[oddbod]

Yep `I checked both fuses with a multimeter both showing continuity,however when a load was passing through the fuse wouldn't carry it,so a new fuse and all is well!! Checked loads of fuses with a meter before its never been wrong before, so the moral is : Electrical issues? Change both fuses for new ones, save the feeling of onrushing insanity at a cost of 50p!!!

[bmcecosse]

Did you remove the fuses from the holder when testing them?

[oddbod]

Yep, it was when I changed both fuses (cost 50p) and the electrics worked that I put some load through the fuse to light a bulb and it wouldn't, even though my multi meter still said the fuse had continuity. I think the original short "cracked" the fuse wire but didn't break it. Never had it before, but I'm sure it'll happen again to someone, so if my trials help 1 person I'm happy.

[bmcecosse]

Oh yes -it's common enough -and not just with daft wee auto fuses either....... If in doubt - try ONE new fuse. If it blows - then the fault needs tracing out......