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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Sudden Stopping

Hello All.

As it was getting dark out during my last run, I decided to exercise my given right to flip on the lights. Having done this abut 1.32 million times before, imagine my surprise when the charge light came on full and the car died as well as all electric power. After I pulled over,everything came back up and it re-started and ran fine for a few minutes, then did it again. A quick underhood check of all connections found the white/green stripe wire had edorded off lt's solenoid connection. It's hidden behind the positive batt cable, so I hadn't noticed it before. I jammed it behind the batt cable and everything came back. This got me home fine, although the charge light stayed on full. The only way I could shut the engine was to pull that wire back off,as it kept running even with the key off (possessed)? Out of curiosity, I gave the key a twist and it fired up fine, light went out, voltmeter shows normal charge....all with this wire NOT connected to the solenoid. I ordered a new solenoid anyway...but what gives? Sorry to run on, but thanks!

Al
ah harad

< The only way I could shut the engine was to pull that wire back off,as it kept running even with the key off >

You may have inadvertently placed the WLG wire to the battery-hot terminal of the solenoid when you < jammed it behind the batt cable >. that would keep the coil energized after you turned the ignition switch off, possibly explaining the continued running after key-off.

< imagine my surprise when the charge light came on full and the car died as well as all electric power. >

An incredibly loose connection at the battery-to solenoid terminal overwhelmed by the extra amperage needed to run the headlamps?? I would first disconnect the positive battery terminal, then inspect, clean and tighten all the connections at the solenoid.

R
Richard 1979 1500

Thanks Richard.

The cables are brand new and Tight. One thing I mentioned is that the same "power loss and return" occurred when I turned the radio on. Could a defective solenoid cause this. Everything worked with the "jam it in to get home" action. Why would everything work with the WLG wire disconnected???

Al
ah harad

"Brand new and tight" seems a long way from < edorded off lt's solenoid connection > However:

Perhaps you have a failing ignition switch? The radio is wired directly into the ignition switch (with fuse in the radio console box: have you checked to see if that fuse has been replaced with wire/foil or otherwise bypassed?) as is the other coil energizing WLG wire, the one not from the solenoid. I doubt you have a defective solenoid, but anything is possible. I don't know for sure, but I would guess one WLG wire is energized in the start position and the other in the on position. Were you able to START the car with the WLG wire completely disconnected?

FWIW, if you don't yet have an intimate relationship with your wiring diagram, now might be a good time to cozy up and Grok.

R
Richard 1979 1500

Richard,

The connection for the positive cable was tight (new cable as well). It was that white and green spade end wire that eroded off. Yes, I could start and drive the car with it disconnected.

Al
ah harad

This thread was discussed on 17/02/2009

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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