Mark
Posted a lot
Posts: 3,825
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Aug 18, 2011 16:27:20 GMT
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I have an electrical fault which causes my wipers/indicators fuse, on my e21 BMW, to blow the moment I switch on the ignition.
This happens without either of them being switched on. I'm no electrician but this strikes me as being weird as surely they would need to be on to complete the circuit that blows???
Somehow, when changing the brake light switch a week ago, the fault seemed to cure itself and I have had both wipers & indicators. Suddenly today, the fuse blows, and the fault is back again.
Can anyone, who knows their stuff with electrickery, give me some advice?
Better still, is there someone who could come to Kingston and fix it in return for some cash? I could even get it to you within reason. I really wanted to take my car to the gathering on Sunday but without wipers and indicators, it's looking unlikely.
HELP!
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Last Edit: Aug 18, 2011 16:27:52 GMT by Mark
E36 BMW 318is saloon (rare as a hens false tooth)
VW Caddy Maxi 2010 (usually full of Labradors)
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Aug 18, 2011 16:54:01 GMT
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The "park" function on the wipers goes live with the ignition switch, and motors are good at generating huge drains when faulty. Start by unplugging the wiper motor, if the fuse stays intact you need a motor. Failing that you might have a wire touching earth behind the dash somewhere, which would explain why it "fixed" when you moved some wiring under there.
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To get a standard A40 this low, you'd have to dig a hole to put it in |
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Mark
Posted a lot
Posts: 3,825
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Aug 18, 2011 19:42:50 GMT
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Thanks fella. I unplugged the wiper motor and fuse still blew.  Gonna get stuck in under the dash tomorrow. I'll keep you posted. |
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E36 BMW 318is saloon (rare as a hens false tooth)
VW Caddy Maxi 2010 (usually full of Labradors)
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andyf
South West
Posts: 415
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Aug 19, 2011 11:07:24 GMT
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As SOC says I bet there is a wire in the wiper/indicator circuits somewhere earthing and blowing the fuse. However, as long as it`s not raining Sunday you should still be able to make it because BMW`s don`t require indicators.  Sorry for the cheap jibe. |
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1980 Triumph TR7.
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Aug 19, 2011 12:38:33 GMT
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tbh, you don't legally have to use your indicators to drive anywhere - it's just a bit rude to not indicate, lol
another quick one, to try and make finding the fault easier - try removing any wiper/indicator relays, and see if it still blows a fuse. Then try the indicator relays, followed by the wiper relays
I'd also put money on it being wiper related than indicators
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You're like a crazy backyard genius! |
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Mark
Posted a lot
Posts: 3,825
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Aug 19, 2011 14:25:02 GMT
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I think I solved it and yes, it was wiper related. Where the wires go through the metalwork beneath the dash, one of the live feeds had been rubbing and worn through the insulation. Sometimes, going over a bump would jolt it away from earthing and solve the issue, till the next jolt caused it again. I managed to tape up the offending wire and all seems well again - so far. Thanks for the pointers guys. I've always found indicating to be overrated anyway.  |
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E36 BMW 318is saloon (rare as a hens false tooth)
VW Caddy Maxi 2010 (usually full of Labradors)
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I love those sorts of cars which make that electrical fizzing noise when going over bumps or round corners. One chap I saw at Castle Coome many years ago had run his battery cable through some rough old holes he'd hacked in the chassis to boot-mount his battery. My how me and some of the others chuckled at that one when he wasn't looking ;D That and re-enactments of him sitting at the wheel when the electrical current started going though his arms.
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