Wiper/Indicator stalk issues

[RoryO'H]

Hi all,

MOT time is around the corner and my MG has not moved much over winter.

Decided to get it running and check all the basics such as lights, horn etc..

I gave the battery a good charge all day Monday and into Tuesday, went out yesterday afternoon, turned the key and the wipers immediately started. I thought I'd maybe bumped the switch however with the ignition on and the switch off, the wipers still operate. The wipers do change speed when you select a faster speed and the washer still works.

I've pulled the fuse for them at the moment however this will obviously be an issue on its MOT.

As I continued round, I noticed that wheneve I have the headlights on and I pull the main beam switch, the rear fog turns on as well. I can't get the fog light off using the rear fog switch but only by turning the headlights off.

Anyone experience anything similar? I'm going to see if I can pull the wiper stalk out and check resistances on the pins to see if there's a fault in the stock or if it's a relay problem somewhere else in the car? Everything is all standard in the car electrics wise and I've had no issues prior.

[mgtfnut]

First thought - earthing points:

https://www.the-t-bar.com/forum/roverli ... ions-guide

[Chris Tideswell]

I would inspect the loom where it passes close to the boot hinge for damage, it may seem unrelated but damage to that part of the loom can lead to odd electrical behaviour that you describe.

[RoryO'H]

Hi,

Thank you both for your thoughts, I've taken off and cleaned the earth points under the bonnet, inside the cabin and the one in the boot. They were all pretty clean but did them anyway. While I was at it, I inspected the looms in the boot and there was no apparent damage (although I've read it isn't always visible).

I also managed to get the wiper and light stalks off the wheel and got some contact cleaner into them. I found a wiring diagram and confirmed with a multimeter that all the switches were switching as they should.

I'm beginning to wonder if it's the MFU? I've been doing some research on it and as far as I can it does have some circuitry for the wipers and the rear fog (While I remember, my intermittent wipe has never worked since owning the vehicle, I wonder if it is also related?)

I can see there are a few second hand ones out there so I might try and source one to swap out. It looks a simple enough job and I have a 1996 F so as far as I can tell it's just a plug and play job?

Thanks again and will keep everyone updated!

[RoryO'H]

Hi Everyone,

Just thought I'd post an update.

I replaced the red MFU located behind the interior fusebox and I'm pleased to say that my wipers are stuck on no more! Infact there are a few other features that are also working.

Rear fog works as expected and doesn't turn on randomly with main beam.
Wiper intermittent setting works.
Interior lights (Mirror and Footwell) now operate when the doors are opened.
Internal Buzzer now operates (such as trying to start the car while the immobilizer is active).

All these features never had worked on my F although I hadn't done enough research to realise they should

My F is stored under a cover and usually kept pretty dry however I noticed I could see daylight while I was under the dash replacing the MFU. I'm wondering if water has dripped in somewhere and caused problems on one of the days it's not been covered however I will keep an eye on it.

Thank you for all your input!

[Reckless Rat]

Result!

[talkingcars]

Hi and welcome to the forum Rory, pleased you have not only fixed your car but also managed to "upgrade" it too.

[Deepfat]

h for the old days power / switch / consumer / earth and no pesky chip in the way, but then again how could I post this without a pesky chip. Glad you got it sorted and more importantly reported the solution, I love a happy ending.

[EllsoJo]

Hi Everyone,

Just thought I'd post an update.

I replaced the red MFU located behind the interior fusebox and I'm pleased to say that my wipers are stuck on no more! Infact there are a few other features that are also working.

Rear fog works as expected and doesn't turn on randomly with main beam.
Wiper intermittent setting works.
Interior lights (Mirror and Footwell) now operate when the doors are opened.
Internal Buzzer now operates (such as trying to start the car while the immobilizer is active).

All these features never had worked on my F although I hadn't done enough research to realise they should

My F is stored under a cover and usually kept pretty dry however I noticed I could see daylight while I was under the dash replacing the MFU. I'm wondering if water has dripped in somewhere and caused problems on one of the days it's not been covered however I will keep an eye on it.

Thank you for all your input!

Congratulations on achieving a resolution of an (apparently) weird set of problems.

Full marks for correctly analysing said problems,

AND a GOLD STAR for taking the trouble to let anyone following or , at some time in the future, searching this site for solutions to similar problems.