QuestionQUESTION: Howard, Jon with the 1976 Midget (1275 in it). I was wiring the lights, the car
had just been painted. I wired the front headlamps first-tested ok, I then
wired the front side markers-tested ok. I then proceeded to wire the back, I
got the rear side markers working, got one rear tail, and license lights
working--but was having problems with the stop lamps and rear signals. I
also noticed that a rear connector (black female type) was getting hot...I had
nothing plugged in them. After playing with connections and grounds--the
markers all started to dim down--I figured a low battery. I disconnected the
battery, charged it--re-checked the schematics and went to bed. The next
day--the stop lamps now work (both sides) the signal lights work (both
sides), the headlights work (both sides), BUT no side markers (front or rear)
no license plate lights. Now I get perplexed. I check for shorts, none visible, I
check the schematic (its right) I check with a volt meter--NO voltage to those
lights. They run only on the RED and BLACK wired for side markers and
license lights. Now--the stop lamps run on the same wire as the tail light--
just a double filament bulb, but they only work in stop mode.
SO, I am wondering, do the markers and license lights all run on one circuit?
This one seems down. I noticed that the flasher for the HAZARDS seems to
make an occasional click if engaged--but not flashing lights. PERHAPS this is
part of the circuit and the problem? I can't seem to find a fuse or something
that could be blown.
Any suggestions to find out why there is no voltage to those particular lights
and whether the flasher is the cause?
Jon-G
ANSWER: Hi Jon,
All that is useless information. Any time you have an electrical problem you need to pick ONLY one circuit that does not work and take your wiring diagram and either start at the power source and start testing with a test light or volt meter and follow the trail on the diagram to the load (what ever don't work)
Never try to guess what is wrong. By testing one circuit at a time you have to find it's fault. Then correct it and if that don't correct all the other problems then pick one more failed circuit and follow that one the same way and quickly you will correct all the failures.
You can follow the diagram from load (what don't operate) to source (power supply) it does not matter which direction you go. This is the one I use.
I am always surprised what I find wrong but I always find the fault that way.
I take it that you installed a 1275 (Austin engine)in this car? The 76 came with a 1500 Triumph Spitfire engine.
If you don't have a wiring diagram for the 76 Midget let me know and I will put one up on my web site for you to copy. Let me know.
Howard
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: can you send a wiring diagram? Perhaps it is easier to follow then mine. Yes, you are correct it about the engine.
Just a note, so far--you have helped me leaps and bounds to get this car running. You have been a great help, just a thank-you.
Jon-G
ANSWER: Hi Jon,
Glad I could help. Go to my site http://mg-tri-jag.net/76Midget1x1.jpg for the diagram and http://mg-tri-jag.net/76Midget21x1.jpg for the index of the diagram.
let me know how you do.
Howard
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Ok. I have been going over things. What I have found is at the actual light switch, I have power at the brown wire (power in). I also have power at the headlight wire(s). However. I do not have power at the marker out wires when the switch is engaged. I tested the back of the switch in the on position were the red and green wires enter. Would this be the problem>?
AnswerIf you have no power (out)on either red w/green tracer wires with the lights on and thus no side marker lights nor parking lights and no instrument lights. Then the switch is bad. One of the red w/green wires powers up one of the fuses in the fuse panel which powers up the parking lights and side markers as you can see in the diagram.
Howard
