Ignition Won't Switch Off, clock and temp gauge + alt light stay on

[kevj]

When i switch the ignition off the engine stops ok but the clock and temp gauge + the alternator light stay on, also the radio does not go off with the ignition anymore. I have tried everything I could think of, I pulled out fuse number 27 and that turns off most of it. It seems to be getting a power supply from somewhere but I cant find it, has anyone come across this before and could make a suggestion as to what is causing it. It is a 96 XM 2.1TD SX. Thanks Kev.

This post has been edited by kevj on October 27, 2007 10:58 pm

[Ciaran]

Strange, sounds like a short in the ignition switch?
Which XM is this BTW?

Ciarán

[kevj]

Hi, forgot to put that in. Its a s2, 2.1td sx. 1996

This post has been edited by kevj on October 27, 2007 10:52 pm

[Ciaran]

Quick and simple way of checking is unplugging the ignition switch. There are three connectors which join the switch to the relevant wiring. From memory, you just need to take off the lower cowling from under the steering wheel. You may need to remove the part of the lower dash trim the rheostat sits in too, but its not too much work, just a few screws. Just trace the thick wire running away from the switch and you'll find the joining multiplugs.

If you unplug the switch and the ignition goes off, you have your answer. Sounds very like a short or mechanical jam inside the switch itself.

Someone more experienced may be able to shed a bit more light on it, but this is the only thing I can think of at the moment.

At a guess it could also be an earthing fault somewhere, or a drain through the alternator, but I'm not 100% on this, perhaps someone else can shed more light on that possibility.

Ciarán

This post has been edited by Ciaran on October 28, 2007 10:32 pm

[kevj]

Thanks for the surgestions, will give it a go tomorrow and let you know if it works. I suspect your right about it being the ignition switch. Cheers Kev

[Ciaran]

I had the opposite symptoms when the one in my 2.1TD mine failed, dash gauges and lighting not working, little things, but the big clue that gave it away was having to start engine with jump leads attached to the starter trigger wire and croc clips on the diesel stop solenoid

This post has been edited by Ciaran on October 28, 2007 11:24 pm

[kevj]

Tried the ignition switch and it looks like its not switching off properly, going to try some electro cleaner. Hopefully that will clear it. Will let you know if it sorts it. Thanks for your help, Cheers Kev.

[Ciaran]

Hi Kev,

It's possible to open the switches, but be warned if you do, they are full of pingfukkits. The innards consist of a half circular cylinder shape with springy steel strips running along it. There are a number of glass balls which press down on specific contacts when the switch is rotated to a certain position.

I had the one on my 2.1TD apart, and while it is possible to do, be prepared for a frustrating afternoon trying to reassemble it all

Hope you get it sorted.

Good luck!

Ciarán

[kevj]

Hi Ciaran.
Sorry I haven't got back to you, kind of got it sorted. But now the clutch has gone and its time for it to go. It's a shame as I have always liked the car and have had it since 1999. Its got MOT till November 22nd, bit sad about it. Anyway going to put it up for spares or repair, body is very good and engine is a sound.
Thanks Kev.

[Ciaran]

Hi Kev,

Sorry to hear you're parting company with it, but needs must I guess. That said, a clutch job isn't a huge thing, unless you have other reasons, which is understandable.
One thing though, have you considered posting it in the 'available' section on this forum? I would say that some members might be interested in acquiring it from you. It would be nice to see it back on the road again.

Cheers

Ciarán

[kevj]

Hi again, I have put it in the available section like you suggested. I made a mistake with the Mot date, was looking at my wifes. It runs out the begining of October, anyway Thanks and Regards Kev.

[demag]

Hi Kev,

You say the clutch has just gone, as if you weren't expecting it to go. Clutches usually give fairly prolonged advance warning if they're going to pack up by slipping more and more.

If it failed suddenly I would have thought there's a strong chance the cable may have snapped. It sounds like you really like the car and if the cable has snapped that is a straightforward (ish) repair surely?

Apologies if I'm barking up the wrong tree.

[Ciaran]

A very good point, I was thinking about that earlier in fact.

[kevj]

Hi, the clutch has had a rattle for as long as I've had it, I was told it was a common thing with them, something to do with the way the thrust bearing works. Push the pedal down let it up again and the rattle stops. Anyway I checked it again and it's not the clutch plate that's gone, never thought about it but I drove it home when the pedal hit the floor. I lifted the pedal up and it still operates the arm so the cables not snapped, my thought is the thrust bearing has collapsed. It now makes a lot of extra noises when the pedal is pushed down. It's been a great car but I just don't want to spend any more time or money on it.
Cheers Kev.