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Urgent Electrical Problem - I can't indicate and stuff isn't working.

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bigh
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2012/08/20 19:25:42 (permalink)
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Urgent Electrical Problem - I can't indicate and stuff isn't working.

Hey everyone,
 I've got a annoying problematic electrical issue.
 
Basically i was driving to the station today.  Noticed that the boost controller / AFM were dark.  got to the station, I tried to indicate, couldn't. checked the turbo timer, that was off too.
 
went to work trying not to stress about it, thinking most likely a fuse issue.
 
got back to the car after work. 
Heres a list of the thigns that didn't work:
mirrors (however they do fold)
windows don't go up and down.
heater fan / (possibly unit)
demist (doens't come on - i suspect it's an issue with the unit not having control power)
power steering
wipers
indicators
 
 
Here's what does:
interior light
headlights
foglights
stereo / cigarette lighter
gauges (except aftermarket)
 
Got home and checked all fuses. NO ISSUES THERE... :(
i went out to the car before and turned the car to accessory and the radiator fans were spinning like a boss.... the car is pretty cold...
 
Guesses:
relay gone bad?
earthed wire?
 
HELP!!! i'm supposed to drive the car to Hotham on Friday morning.... it's looking doubtful atm unless i can suss out what it is.
 
take care,
Haydon
 
 
post edited by bigh - 2012/08/20 19:57:53

1990 MR2 Hardtop Turbo
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    Dudeman
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    Re:Urgent Electrical Problem - I can't indicate and stuff isn't working. 2012/08/20 19:31:15 (permalink)
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    I had a similar problem when I got my car back from the panel shop.
     
    It ended up being a fuse down to the right in the drivers footwell, I didn't know there was another fuse box there until the auto electrician found it.
     
    Very claustrophobic in the 2 with no fan and not being able to open the windows.

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    #2
    bigh
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    Re:Urgent Electrical Problem - I can't indicate and stuff isn't working. 2012/08/20 19:53:50 (permalink)
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    yeah i checked that one - maybe i'll have to check each fuse with a multimeter/...
     

    1990 MR2 Hardtop Turbo
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    EssDub
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    Re:Urgent Electrical Problem - I can't indicate and stuff isn't working. 2012/08/20 20:07:46 (permalink)
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    You sure your alternator hasn't given up the ghost?  Sounds like a gradual voltage drop to me...
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    bigh
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    Re:Urgent Electrical Problem - I can't indicate and stuff isn't working. 2012/08/20 20:18:58 (permalink)
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    nope - it's not that - sorry should have added, 
     
    power leves on the bat is fine - it was a sudden thing... 
     
    i'm going to look for loose / broken wires under the dash. :)

    1990 MR2 Hardtop Turbo
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    bigh
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    Re:Urgent Electrical Problem - I can't indicate and stuff isn't working. 2012/08/20 20:46:30 (permalink)
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    ok my suspicions were correct.  
     
    i took the plastic cover off under the dash, and then tried put the key in the ignition.
     
    gauges work, indicators work.
     
    Cause: bloody shoddy wiring from the previous owner... looks like the issue was the turbo timer wiring. it's just covered in electrical tape, twisted on.  This is NOT ok in a sports car. A bump etc can easily dislodge wiring as it clearly has here.  F**ked if i know which wire is the cause, i'm going to have to soldier it and heat shrink it properly. (NB i did this for my guage installation.)

     
     

    1990 MR2 Hardtop Turbo
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    bigh
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    Re:Urgent Electrical Problem - I can't indicate and stuff isn't working. 2012/08/20 22:03:32 (permalink)
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    additional - looks like there was another loose connection to an inline diode.
     
    fixed that too car's elect systems work now. stupid dodgy installations.

    1990 MR2 Hardtop Turbo
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    nick12
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    Re:Urgent Electrical Problem - I can't indicate and stuff isn't working. 2012/08/20 22:24:12 (permalink)
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    I was told that soldering is not the gold standard by the mini expert who worked on my very loud and rattly '62.
     
    He suggested crimping was best in most situations. My look at it suggests Duraseal sealed spices and terminals can give a reliable connection.
     
    Solid crimping plus dual heatshrink, should outlast OEM
     
    See http://australia.rs-onlin...rimp-terminals/4089681
    #8
    bigh
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    Re:Urgent Electrical Problem - I can't indicate and stuff isn't working. 2012/08/20 22:26:04 (permalink)
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    interesting :) thanks for that :)

    1990 MR2 Hardtop Turbo
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    bigh
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    Re:Urgent Electrical Problem - I can't indicate and stuff isn't working. 2012/08/21 09:45:14 (permalink)
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    Ok ended up resoldering the diode wire and another wire... 
     
    was thinking about this a bit more - anyone know what the two chopped wires would be? (in the pic above)

    1990 MR2 Hardtop Turbo
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