MG Car Repair: mg tf analogue clock, analogue clock, auto electrics

Question
hi barrie, i have a 52 plate mg tf and the analogue clock and backlight does not work.
i have checked the fuses, but cannot find 1 that has blown

any help would be much appreciated

Answer
Hi Chris.  I do not claim to be an expert on the modern MGF/TF cars.  However, I do know auto electrics.  If neither the analogue clock NOR the illumination work, then this sounds like an earthing problem.  The power to the clock is permanently live, but the power to the clock backlight only works when the sidelights are on.  Therefore, they are on two different circuits with two different fuses.  Also, the backlight for the clock is wired with the backlight for all the other instruments.  Check the earth wire.