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MG MGB Technical - Lights/Radio Problem

On my 1980 MGB, I enjoy listening to the radio, until I turn on the headlights. At the moment the headlight switch is turned on, the radio stops. It might come on again for a few moments then quits again.
When I turn the headlights off, the radio works fine again. This problem just started. The radio worked fine last year.
Please advise.
Thanks,
Cameron
Cameron Craig

I once had a radio that when the battery got weak, instead of the radio getting weak, it would just shut off. I suppose it was a built-in feature to protect some sort of sensitive electronics.

I'd measure the voltage at your radio power leads with the headlights off, then on. Your charging system may be weak. Battery connections clean and tight? Alternator connections likewise? Alternator belt tight?
Matt Kulka

do you have a hard wire from the stereo to the battery?
Josh

Measure the voltage as Matt says (make sure the radio is switched on both times) and also determine where it is powered from. Also check the grounding of the radio. If it has a wire from the sidelights to dim the panel display at night, and the ground is bad, turning on the lights could kill the radio.
Paul Hunt

This thread was discussed on 25/03/2002

MG MGB Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGB Technical BBS is active now.