Electrical Problem! Aaaaargghhh!!!

[e21-Mark]

I have an electrical problem that is driving me mental.

As soon as I turn the ignition on the fuse for the wipers & indicators blows. Neither wiper or indicator needs to be switched on. As I say, the second the ignition lights come on, the fuse goes pop!

I disconnected the wiper motor and it still does it.

I checked the earths on the front indicators, all seemed OK, and still does it.

Sometimes it will seem to cure itself but a few minutes/miles later it'll have blown again.

Anyone else had a similar problem or have any suggestions as to a remedy?

I'm thinking gallon of petrol and a box of matches.

[Jeroen]

Sounds like a short circuit to me with the ignition off, turn on the hazard lights. Are they working? All? Then it seems indicator wiring isn't the problem either, time to check out the wiring or function on the other stuff that's on the same fuse: horn, windscreen sprinkler motor, mirrors.

[Jason_323i]

On the e28 track car we traced the same problem to the hazard relay under the column pull that out and see

Jason

[e21-Mark]

Swapped relay for a new one. No difference.

Also noticed that brake lights are not working and when I push the pedal, and the lights should go on, the radio goes off. It's as if the battery is so flat, and the alternator charge so weak, that there's not enough juice to run everything.

[murran]

wierd, if the car was infront of me id have sorted it. but as it is im just guessing.... you need to find out what is run off that fuse and isolate each one by one till you find it. what no. fuse is it? (location in the board?)

related to the brake lights? unplug the switch on the pedal does it still blow?... check the rear lamp boards? unplug the boards with the switch plugged in and try it?

[e21-Mark]

Bastard electrical problem came back today!!

So weird that it was cured for a week then just reappears! I need to try and sort this for Retro Rides gathering on Sunday.