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Midget problems Scary

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E

eneth

Freshman Member
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77 Midget, Does anybody know what part of the electrical system would cause the starter motor to run when the hand brake is applied? I have disconnected the switch under the seat but would like to have everything working properly. After pulling the motor and trans for trans rebuild this weird thing happened. I found that the switch wire was under the seat rail and moved that and found no damage. I could start the car normally with the handbrake off and all was well, when I applied the hand brake th starter motor would engage. If trying to start the car with the hand brake applied then the starter would keep running. Turn the iginition switch on and apply the brake and the starter goes!!! What gives?
Also I have replaced rear springs and bushings and inspected all mounting surfaces etc. (no rust on the car) but it still sags in the rear noticablely. The passenger side much more.
It is the same as it was with the original springs just a little better with the bushings renewed. No apparent damage or body bending (34k miles and no wreckage) HELP please if you know anything. Thanks Ed
P.S. Looking for a good fm radio that will fit, does not have to be original but that would be nice.
 
Ed, Welcome seems you found the Spridgets... I want to know for sure what this is????


But dont rule out the front suspension for making the car lean. A bad front sping, pan, bushings, frame can all cause this too.

That starter problem, Well thats one for the books. Sounds like a brake light wire crossed to an ignition wire. Ive seen wires melted together under midget dashes more than once so wouldnt be surprised
 
Look at your ground. And in the mean time, keep it disconnected. Easy way to smoke a harness.
Poor grounds can do strange things.
 
this problem has been discussed here before....
there is an answer somewhere on the forum..
search it ....z
 
I know! There is a diode in the the circuit for "brake warning light" on the dash. If that diode fries, it can send current back into your ignition switch that will cause all kinds of havoc.
 
Welcome Ed. A wealth of great information here on the forum. A local resource for one on one assistance would be the BMCA https://pages.suddenlink.net/bmca/ Great bunch of people there and the 'yacht club' is very close to you as well.
 
To me it sounds like a power source from the hand brake switch making it's way up to either a relay or to a light bulb on the dash, which is also connected to the starter motor. My first impression would be the federal rules about all lights are tested when the starter is engaged, therefore all dash lights are connected to the starter supply. A diode would keep the parking brake light power from going back to the starter, and I would bet that one is defective.
 
Is there a hand brake switch on the Midget? My 71 doesn't have one, just the hydraulic pressure failure warning light if you lose one of the systems. If there is no switch then the hand brake must be catching a wire somewhere that is feding back to the start circuit, but I can't imagine why. People do some wired stuff with wiring on these cars as well so you never know.
 
Morris said:
I know! There is a diode in the the circuit for "brake warning light" on the dash. If that diode fries, it can send current back into your ignition switch that will cause all kinds of havoc.
Click to expand...

:iagree: What Morris said. This is not an unusual problem, I've heard of it before. Wish I could tell you exactly where the diode is, but you might have to follow the wires. My guess is it's built into a bullet connector somewhere.
 
racingenglishcars said:
Federal regulations!

71 didn't have 'em, 77 did.

We don't want the average public driving around with the parking brake on, do we? If there's a light on the dash, maybe it will stop them from doing it.
Click to expand...
Well, on mine that handle jamming itself into my right leg serves as a pretty good reminder :wink: Yeah, then that is the only common thing between anything electrical and the pull handle. Is there a diode? Check out the prints for it in the back of a haynes manual or it could be somones cockeyed wiring up under the dash. I love these sort of problems and wish I was there to help solve it. Its my thing.
 
Hey yes the Yacht Club is a riot. We enjoy the bunch a lot.
They all are in Batesville AR this weekend for the Scottish festival (kilts and all). Would love to have gone but headed to Miami. I still have not traced the starter problem yet but Ron McLeod has helped some. There is no indication of a diode in the 77 wiring specs so I must have a wire at the light crossed by pushing it over while feeling around. The Lucas diode that would go in line is on a 78 and they cost about $30
I have to remove the dash to refurbish the wipers and check some rattles etc but have been afraid to tackle that just yet as the car is driving every day and I hate to screw it up. Sometimes it is best to leave sleeping dogs lie. Ed
 
I've got my dash pulled so if you need any pics from behind let me know - I'm heading out of town for a couple of days but should be back soon
 
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