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A Gremlin in my F's electrics

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A Gremlin in my F's electrics #1
TassieF Phil Gourlay Hobart, Tasmania, Australia	Posted: July 27, 2011 07:38PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 6

I have recently purchased a low mileage import to Australia (MGF 1997, 33000 kms) and have found it has developed two annoying and intermittent 'electrical' problems.

It blows the 10 AMP fuse for the instrument panel and indicators (which seems to affect the power steering as well). It may be happening more frequently as time goes on.

The remote (FOB) gets unsynchronised from the cars 'computer' rendering the vehicle immobilised. It often takes many attempts to re synchronise it by following the procedure in the owners manual. I have replaced the batteries in both remotes.

Has anyone experienced these problems ? and can anyone help with a procedure to follow to get to the cause of either problem ?

Phil

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Re: A Gremlin in my F's electrics #2
Raxyl Craig Large Launceston, Tasmania, Australia 1969 MG MGB MkII 1997 MG F	Posted: July 28, 2011 02:40AM Registered: 2 years ago Posts: 179

Hi Phil,

PM Sent.

I'm also an Tasmanian F owner, based in Launceston though. I'm also the Secretary of the MG Car Club of Tasmania. Its a bit hard to diagnose via the web, however there could be a couple of reasons for the fuse going including a short in the wiring loom on the boot strange I know but its reasonably common. The reason the steering is effected is the electric assisted power steering (EPAS) is on the same fuse. As for the remote fob it could be a dodgy fob or it has a dry joint on the board.

Craig

Food, Photography & Little British Sports Cars
Casa del Raxyl - a sensory adventure

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Re: A Gremlin in my F's electrics #3
TassieF Phil Gourlay Hobart, Tasmania, Australia	Posted: July 31, 2011 07:20PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 6

Hi Craig,

Checked out many of the segments of the wiring loom under the boot and bonnet for any obvious points where a short may occur and found one particular area of concern. After fiddling and improving insulation I have had a couple of trips on the rougher bitumen roads of Kingston & Blackmans Bay without blowing a fuse! I am not convinced though and it is possibly just a coincidence as I know I am dealing with an intermittent problem. Beats blowing the fuse quickly though which happened on the two previous trips ... or perhaps it would be better if it happened immediately and I could convince myself of the cause !

I noted on another of your posts you are considering lowering your vehicle. I was told my suspension appears a little too low and I can have the hydalastic units 'pumped up' to give a bit more ground clearance and a better ride ... any thoughts ?

Phil

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Re: A Gremlin in my F's electrics #4
Rich in Vancouver Rich McKie Steveston, B.C., Canada 1996 MG F "Andy" ~ For Sale ! ~ 1997 MG F "VVC"	Posted: July 31, 2011 09:35PM Registered: 6 years ago Posts: 5,387

There's nothing more frustrating than an intermittent fault!
I hope you have it beat.
As for the suspension height the distance from the center of the hub to the fender lip should be 368mm.
If it is too low the suspension geometry will be incorrect and will wear out those expensive tires more quickly. They are right the ride will suffer too so lowering the suspension by letting off Hydrogas pressure isn't recommended.
I use a simple pump that I bought on Ebay.uk for 50 quid and it does a great job.

Modern MGs aren't just Transportation, They're a Hobby!

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Re: A Gremlin in my F's electrics #5
Raxyl Craig Large Launceston, Tasmania, Australia 1969 MG MGB MkII 1997 MG F	Posted: July 31, 2011 10:52PM Registered: 2 years ago Posts: 179

Hi Phil,

As Rich says the height should be 368mm +- 10mm from the hub centre vertically to the lip of the guard on the front, both sides. You do not need to worry about the back as the system is balanced front rear. If you find you are low you can take the car into David Short Automotive in Hobart and he can pump your system up for you for a fee or as rich also said you can buy a cheap Hydrogas pump off ebay and do it yourself, a third alternative is next time you are in Launceston give me a call and either I can pump it up for you or you can borrow my pump. The Hydrogas fluid I use is just a 50/50 mix of Coolant and Metho.

Cheers
Craig

Food, Photography & Little British Sports Cars
Casa del Raxyl - a sensory adventure

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Re: A Gremlin in my F's electrics #6
TassieF Phil Gourlay Hobart, Tasmania, Australia	Posted: August 01, 2011 04:20AM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 6

Thanks guys,
I'll check my suspension height carefully now I have the value for the correct height. I look forward to the day when a trip to Launny will be in the F and not in one of our more boring (but comfortable and reliable) vehicles. Dunno what to hope for with the intermittent fault ... I'd love to have a definitive outcome.
Phil

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Re: A Gremlin in my F's electrics #7
vegabass Drew Carr Canberra, Australia 1994 Ford Fairmont "Ugly Betty" 1997 Ford Falcon	Posted: August 01, 2011 03:00PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 6

Hi Phil,

Just wondering why you imported a F when there are plenty of Australian deliverd ones about and at such good value in the market?

Oh and if you ever find spare hydrgas bags, ensure you stockiple them as they are prone to busting. When that happens you get the local "lowlux" crew a little jealous.

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Re: A Gremlin in my F's electrics #8
TassieF Phil Gourlay Hobart, Tasmania, Australia	Posted: August 01, 2011 06:13PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 6

Hi Drew,

I actually purchased the vehicle locally (was advertised on eBay) but I suspect it was a low mileage import from a Qld company that specialises in such. I never met the owner, only his son, so didn't get too much info on the background. I know it was rarely driven and always garaged and probably managed about 6000 Ks over 4 or 5 years.

Phil

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Re: A Gremlin in my F's electrics #9
TassieF Phil Gourlay Hobart, Tasmania, Australia	Posted: August 31, 2011 05:52PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 6

The gremlin hasn't returned (touch wood) ... not sure which of my checks may have done something ... checking and reseating indicator bulbs or checking and then protecting one segment of wiring loom which looked like it may have the potential to cause a short. I assume I would have had to demonstrate a short to be more confident.

Had the suspension pumped up to maximum recommended pressure and the vehicle certainly looks better, (I think), and rides better (a little more comfortable). Assuming I measured the height correctly it is still less than the recommended height ... about 30 mm I think.

Phil

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Re: A Gremlin in my F's electrics #10
Raxyl Craig Large Launceston, Tasmania, Australia 1969 MG MGB MkII 1997 MG F	Posted: September 01, 2011 02:43AM Registered: 2 years ago Posts: 179

Phil, great to hear you seem have the short sorted, and the suspension up to a reasonable height. Bare in mind though, the pressure is affected by various factors. The correct way to measure the height is shown in the picture below.

Cheers,
Craig

Food, Photography & Little British Sports Cars
Casa del Raxyl - a sensory adventure

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