MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGF Technical - Electrical problem survey

As most of you are aware I have had a major electrical problem which was of the intermittant variety which was causing mis firing, starting and idling problems.

I know there have been other reported incedents but thought I would get a survey to see if there is any reltionship with age or milage.

Problem:
Fix (if known):
Car age:
Mileage (approx):
Model:

To start the ball rolling

Problem: Intermittant mis fire, revs dropping off, idling and starting problems.
Fix: (hopefully) Replace engine loom and main wire loom,New ECU.
Car Age: March 97
Mileage: 72000
Model 1.8i

Tom
Tom Randell

Fingers crossed that all is now well Tom
Rob Bell

Problem: Fuse 12 blowing, usually when closing lugage compartment lid.
Fix: Replace and lengthen part wiring from main loom in boot near left hinge up to boot lid.
Car Age: Sept 96
Mileage: 36000
Model VVC
JohnP

Problem:Intermittant mis fire when cold, revs irratic, idling and starting problems.
Fix: changed plugs, leads, air filter, rotor arm and dizzy cap... turned out to be the dizzy cap in the end
Car age: 96
Mileage: 42000
Model: 1.8i

Problem: Cutting out after about every 10 miles, then wouldnt start until about 10 mins after that, then cut out again after about 10 miles
Fix: changed the coil didnt fix, then changed the ECU problem went away
Car age: 96
Mileage: 42000
Model: 1.8i

Nick
Nick Walters

Problem: Intermittant mis fire, revs dropping off, idling and starting problems.
Fix: New battery
Car Age: Feb 96
Mileage: 54,000
Model 1.8i

Stefan Gibney

First MGF
Problem: nothing.
Fix: No precaution at that boot lid wiring loom section required. Well led.
Car Age: April 96
Mileage: 45.000 (then crunshed in 2000)
Model: 1.8i

bought MGF Wreck SARRDWBGMWD029593
Problem: nothing, but spotted the twisted/wrong led loom at the boot lid hinge where it splits from the main loom.
Fix: none required, car was dead ;)
Car Age: 10/97
Mileage: 55.000
Model: 1.8i

Current MGF
Problem: nothing, but spotted the twisted/wrong led loom at the boot lid hinge where it splits from the main loom.
Fix: Precaution, lengthen and aligning part wiring from main loom in boot near left hinge up to boot lid.
Car Age: Dec 99 made, on the road since 02/2001
Mileage: 50 (now 40.000)
Model: 1.8i
Dieter K.

#1

Problem: Missfire under load (typically from low revs in 3rd gear).
Fix: New rotor arm and distributer cap (original 1995 items - replaced 2002)
Car Age: Jan 96
Mileage: 63,000
Model 1.8i

#2

Problem: Hot starting problems.
Fix: New battery (original 1995 item - replaced 2002)
Car Age: Feb 96
Mileage: 64,000
Model 1.8i
Rob Bell


Problem: Won't start one morning (had been wet)
Bodge: Hairdryer stuffed into electrics for 1/2 hour to dry out system
Fix: New rotor arm and distributer cap, leads
Car Age: P reg
Mileage:70k
Model 1.8i
Will Munns

...
JohnP

Problem Intermitent refusal by starter motor to work.
Fix Clean and tighten spade contact to solenoid.
1.8i, 96
John K

Problem #1: Car cutting out whilst driving.
Fix: Reroute Cd changer cable through engine bay.

Problem #2: EPAS steering the car all by itself!
Fix: New multi block connector, (and not a new EPAS system as diagnosed by Rover!)

Problem #3: Intermittant starting, finally no starting at all.
Fix: New ECU

Problem #4: Interior lights remaining on.
Fix: Dismantle door lock and clean switch.

Wow, this depressing me now, I had forgotten how many electrical problems I have had with this car, but I still enjoy owning and driving it so its good points must be very good!

Jason H
Jason H

Problem: Intermittent misfire, revs dropping off and sometimes a total cutout - engine feels "tight" not free running (suspect the MAP is signalling the EMS).
Fix: still there - two downloads of testbook showed the MAP sensor at fault. Will replace when it arrives. Not holding my breath - gut feel - it's the fuel pump either an intermittent electrical fault or the pump shaft is seizing.
Car Age: '97
Mileage: 47,000 kms (doesn't get much use)
Model VVC

Have done the following - replaced plugs & leads, fuel filter, removed fuel pump and checked the pick-up, replaced the battery (it was stuffed anyway), removed MAP sensor and checked the connections.
Dennis

It doesn't look like testbook is too useful in diagnosing these problems. It rather looks like people are just changing components until the problem goes away (in most cases).

Has anyone successfully used other diagnostic techniques to solve electrical problems ? - including taking it to an auto-electrician ?

Steve
Steve

Problem: Fuse 12 blowing, usually when drivng and hitting a bump.
Fix: Pay auto spark to find short at boot light (rather than the wiring).
Car Age: Aug 98
Mileage: 28,000

Problem: Cold, damp starting when misty or foggy during winter. Fine when wet and warm or cold but dry.
Fix: New spark plugs / some damp proofing of ignition coils
Car Age: Aug 98
Mileage: 30,000

Model VVC

L Reid

The main problems seem to be intermittant mis firing, irratic idling and starting problem.

The main fix for this is change the normal things, HT leads, rotor arm, ditributor cap and occasionally the battery. However it is not always fixed by this method and is fixed by a ECU change.

Then there are other failures like boot wire problems, connector problems.

So far it does not look there is too big a problem, maybe mine could have been a very unusal occurance.

Tom
Tom Randell

...yours AND mine Tom!!!

Problem: Intermittant misfire, revs dropping off, idling and starting problems
Fix: unknown. so far its had leads, plugs, rotor arm, ignition coil, crank sensor - i have it booked in at an auto electrician tomorrow to see if they can diagnose & fix
Car age: 1995
Mileage (approx): 62k
Model: 1.8MPi
John Philpott

Problem: Missfire when engine hot
Fix (if known): New ECU, Coil and plugs
Car age: P reg
Mileage (approx): 67000
Model: F vvc
matt

Problem: No ignition (is that the same as misfire?)
Fix: New rotor arm and distributer cap (original 1995 items - replaced in June 2002)
Car Age: 1996
Mileage: 70,000 km
Model 1.8i

Freek

Problem: Stalling and high idle. No Engine power until 6500 RPM.
Fix (if known): New VVC Control Unit (MGR £450)
Car age:1998.
Mileage (approx):14500.
Model: VVC.
IJ Blanch

Problem: Misfire between 3 & 6000 revs
Fix: Changed HT Leads
Car Age: March 2001
Mileage: 13,200
Model: 1.8i
Kevin White

This thread was discussed between 30/09/2002 and 04/10/2002

MG MGF Technical index

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