Electrical Gremlins

[gaxor]

Hi

i am just completing my first Caterham, a 360S and I have so far discovered 2 electrical issues. 
 

firstly neither front indicators are working. Rears and side repeaters are both OK. The don't wok on the Hazard light switch either. I am stumped to think why both sides wouldn't work!

Second problem is the oil pressure gauge. It's reading around 2 bar with no ignition. When I turn on ignition the gauge cycles through 0 and then settles at full deflection 8 bar.  I haven't yet started the engine but cranking over with no fuel added yet gauge still reads 8 bar. 
 

any assistance greatly appreciated

 

gary

[Jonathan Kay]

Welcome.

Do you have a multimeter?

And a wiring diagram? If you'd like the appropriate version please send me a Private Message with your email address.

Jonathan

[Jonathan Kay]

"firstly neither front indicators are working. Rears and side repeaters are both OK. The don't wok on the Hazard light switch either. I am stumped to think why both sides wouldn't work!"

First checks:

Are the bulbs working? 

Is the feed in the lampholders coming up to 12 V when they're on?

Are the earths in the lampholders doing what they should? Check resistance to a good earth, not just continuity. If you haven't got a multimeter (yet) then jump a wire from that side of the lampholder to a good earth and see if that makes a difference.

Jonathan

[Jonathan Kay]

"Second problem is the oil pressure gauge. It's reading around 2 bar with no ignition. When I turn on ignition the gauge cycles through 0 and then settles at full deflection 8 bar.  I haven't yet started the engine but cranking over with no fuel added yet gauge still reads 8 bar." 

IIRC on modern Sevens they go full scale and back when the ignition is turned on. But I haven't got a modern Seven to play with... anyone?

If you disconnect the battery does it show 2 bar or zero?

Locate the sensor and disconnect the signal wire. What does the gauge show?

Then touch the disconnected signal wire to a good earth such as the engine block. What does the gauge show?

Jonathan

[SLR No.77]

Re indicators, if it's a new build and both sides it's unlikely to be a bulb or wiring fault, more likely that something has been connected wrong. I'm not familiar with how the latest cars are wired but certainly on earlier cars the indicator wiring was routed through the headlight bowls and it was easy to miss connecting an earth, I'd start there.

Stu.

[Dixa1225]

Ref the Indicators not working are the brass earth tags under the retaining screws to the pods ? 

 

[gaxor]

I have a multimeter arriving tomorrow. That was going to be my first point of call. 
 

I'll let you know

[K7 VCT]

Pretty sure latest instruments all go a full sweep on ignition on, then return to 0

[Jonathan Kay]

Thanks.

Recommendations on diagnosis unchanged.

Jonathan

[gaxor]

Turns out the oil pressure gauge is operating normally. Needed to crank engine longer to get meaningful pressure. Reads about 2 bar on tickover. 

[Jonathan Kay]

Thanks for adding the update.

Jonathan