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Classic mini electrics - indicators not working

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Not been used for about 6 months and got MOT booked for next weekend.

All light seem to be ok apart from indicators/hazards.

It seems to have the small 4 fuse box. BUT I think I'm right in saying the fuse for indicators also controls lights (and they work) so I'm thinking its not this.

Any idea where to start though?

Other thing. Clicks when you start and then takes about 10 attempts before it finally works - starter motor?
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Comments

  • onomatopoeia99
    onomatopoeia99 Posts: 7,159 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Imps are my thing rather than Minis, though I did help a friend with his when he had them...

    Starting problem could be the solenoid or the motor, don't remember if the old minis had pre-engaged or bendix type. If it's a bendix type with a remote solenoid, then replacing the solenoid is an easy and cheap thing to try first.

    If the indicators come on but do not flash it could be the flasher unit, often a round metal cylinder about 1.5" long and 1" diameter.

    Do you have a Haynes manual or similar? WIth a car that old it's probably worth getting one and learning some mechanicing. The wiring on the old ones with carburettors and points and condenser ignition, before they started putting fuel injection etc on, is very straightforward compared to modern cars.
    Proud member of the wokerati, though I don't eat tofu.Home is where my books are.Solar PV 5.2kWp system, SE facing, >1% shading, installed March 2019.Mortgage free July 2023
  • pappa_golf
    pappa_golf Posts: 8,895 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    non pre engaged starter on a series , check for inline fuse to flasher unit


    solenoid sounds like its working (clicking) I would suspect dirty/worn out brushes on starter or indeed a faulty earth strap from bodywork to engine block , remove , clean bodywork metal and replace , symptom often shown is choke /heater cable (Bowden) getting hot
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  • Gloomendoom
    Gloomendoom Posts: 16,551 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I've fixed a couple of clicking starter motors by taking the the solenoid off and cleaning up the the copper contacts inside. Some you can flip over to present a fresh face.

    Checking the brushes and cleaning all the muck out of the motor itself is not a bad idea either.

    For the indicators, I would be checking the flasher unit first. Is it getting power etc.
  • Imps are my thing rather than Minis, though I did help a friend with his when he had them...

    Starting problem could be the solenoid or the motor, don't remember if the old minis had pre-engaged or bendix type. If it's a bendix type with a remote solenoid, then replacing the solenoid is an easy and cheap thing to try first.

    If the indicators come on but do not flash it could be the flasher unit, often a round metal cylinder about 1.5" long and 1" diameter.

    Do you have a Haynes manual or similar? WIth a car that old it's probably worth getting one and learning some mechanicing. The wiring on the old ones with carburettors and points and condenser ignition, before they started putting fuel injection etc on, is very straightforward compared to modern cars.

    No indicators dont come on at all.

    Think the cars got injection unit. Its a japanese model cooper.
  • pappa_golf wrote: »
    non pre engaged starter on a series , check for inline fuse to flasher unit


    solenoid sounds like its working (clicking) I would suspect dirty/worn out brushes on starter or indeed a faulty earth strap from bodywork to engine block , remove , clean bodywork metal and replace , symptom often shown is choke /heater cable (Bowden) getting hot

    Thanks. Any ideas where inline fuse is? Or what flasher unit looks like?

    Yes like I said car has been standing for 6 months or so. Interesting about earth strap - its not the easiest battery terminal to tighten to be honest so I'll check that too.
  • Gloomendoom
    Gloomendoom Posts: 16,551 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    edited 3 April at 1:58PM
    [quote=[Deleted User];70642800]Thanks. Any ideas where inline fuse is? Or what flasher unit looks like?[/quote]

    The come in all shapes and sizes. Just Google "classic mini flasher unit".
  • pothole50
    pothole50 Posts: 244 Forumite
    While you are checking the earthing strap, also check the live wire groumet that goes through the boot to the starter motor. In time it deteriorates and will fall out like mine did, the live wire then rubs on the boot metal, finally wearing through creating a spark and setting fire to the car like mine did.
  • pappa_golf
    pappa_golf Posts: 8,895 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    late (early) minis had a oblong flasher unit as per


    10027124.jpg
    Save a Rachael

    buy a share in crapita
  • pappa_golf
    pappa_golf Posts: 8,895 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    there will probably be 2 of them


    one marked 4fl (normal flasher
    and probably 6fl (hazard)


    loss of power to both suggests an inline fuse
    Save a Rachael

    buy a share in crapita
  • pwllbwdr
    pwllbwdr Posts: 443 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Xmas Saver!
    edited 3 April at 1:58PM
    [quote=[Deleted User];70642800]Thanks. Any ideas where inline fuse is? Or what flasher unit looks like?

    Yes like I said car has been standing for 6 months or so. Interesting about earth strap - its not the easiest battery terminal to tighten to be honest so I'll check that too.[/QUOTE]

    He meant the earth strap from the engine to the body, not the battery earth lead. Check both.
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