Electrical, mk1: lights and accessories cut out briefly

PapaJo · Post by **PapaJo** » Fri Dec 21, 2018 12:22 am

Are those keys not coded? Do you have a spare key to try?

2226cc · Post by **2226cc** » Fri Dec 21, 2018 12:51 am

There's a transponder there on the switch, but I think that's on a different bit of loom so this could work.

You know, of course, that this problem will now suddenly stop happening ...

2226cc · Post by **2226cc** » Thu Dec 27, 2018 1:37 pm

So I unplugged the ignition switch, hooked up the new one, left key in old barrel for transponder, turned the new switch and all electrics go off.

I reckon that should indicate it isn't the ignition switch itself.

Replaced the starter today. Got stuck at the mall on Christmas Day trying to get the damn thing to start. Only got it going by hand-shorting the solenoid and it would keep disengaging. The electrics didn't cut out, but the starter just wouldn't engage long enough.

Removed all connections, cleaned them all, used Electro Kleen on every connection.

I need to figure out how to fit these fuse holders I bought:

To replace those stupid BMW blade fuse holders.

PapaJo · Post by **PapaJo** » Thu Dec 27, 2018 4:44 pm

Do you have a spare key?

2226cc · Post by **2226cc** » Thu Dec 27, 2018 4:48 pm

Yes. Why?
I used that to turn the new switch.

PapaJo · Post by **PapaJo** » Thu Dec 27, 2018 7:00 pm

2226cc wrote: ↑Thu Dec 27, 2018 4:48 pm Yes. Why?
I used that to turn the new switch.

To test if the transponder is reacting with the spare key. Spare should be coded same as original key.

2226cc · Post by **2226cc** » Thu Dec 27, 2018 7:38 pm

Both work fine. No weirdness with either key.

Medres · Post by **Medres** » Wed Jan 02, 2019 9:29 pm

Have you checked the relays that are in the dash behind the head light switch?

Post by **panic-mechanic** » Thu Jan 03, 2019 11:28 am

Yup that negates the ignition switch theory.

2226cc · Post by **2226cc** » Thu Jan 03, 2019 1:56 pm

A week with no issues since cleaning all contacts around battery and earth points in engine bay.

Running around this week before work and school starts on Monday. Going to get under dash on Saturday if time permits. I'll clean an tighten contacts where I can. Then I just want to make a bracket to mount new fuse holders.

Might be working now, but I don't trust those blade fuse holders.

Nicolaas-88 · Post by **Nicolaas-88** » Mon Mar 28, 2022 2:27 pm

Hi guys been having almost same problem mk1 1.4i when using indicators dash lights would flicker with indicators and started now when driving at night lights on when using brights car would cut briefly and come back on resetting watch and trip meter. Did replace fuses next to battery gave and gave fuse holder a good spray with electro cleen same with earth cable? Anything else i can do? Maybe buy a new earth cable

2226cc · Post by **2226cc** » Mon Mar 28, 2022 3:24 pm

i still used to have that issue. Unfortunately car is parked up at the moment, haven't got round to taking it further.
I bought a pair of maxi fuse holders from 4x4 Direct to replace those blade fuse holder blocks and give some protection from the elements.
I just think the fuse holder is rubbish. Damn thing has a BMW emblem on it.

GregMk1 · Post by **GregMk1** » Mon Jan 02, 2023 6:20 pm

I'm searching old threads. My 2009 1.6i is doing exactly the same.

Indicators on (left) - car dies. Looks like the rev counter stutters until it gets power, radio in safe mode, time and trip resets to zero.

Brights on - car dies and recovers. Then after this event, applying brakes and indicating also dims the dash.

When I pull the main fuses and push them back, no issues.

Will start my cleaning and stripping if I don't find answers to the issue.

2226cc · Post by **2226cc** » Mon Jan 02, 2023 8:30 pm

Cut out that whole fuse holder set up and replace with something else.

https://4x4direct.co.za/fuse-holders/85 ... -fuse.html

Seems like a better option than that fuse holder in the citi which seems to have come from some old stock BMW parts bin.

missioner · Post by **missioner** » Tue Jan 10, 2023 4:41 pm

Ignition switch is the culprit every time.

No need to modify the wiring or replace the fuse box.

That little R50 switch is a bastard and will not hesitate to make you crazy while it takes your virginity. When it wears out the sheer number of gremlins and random crap that happens is insane.

sramnarain · Post by **sramnarain** » Thu Jul 20, 2023 2:15 pm

Hi guys, my 2008, 1.4i is doing the exact same. Been to a few auto electricians but none can seem to find the fault. Please advise if replacing the ignition switch rectified the pro lem

sramnarain · Post by **sramnarain** » Thu Jul 20, 2023 2:15 pm

sramnarain wrote: ↑Thu Jul 20, 2023 2:15 pm Hi guys, my 2008, 1.4i is doing the exact same. Been to a few auto electricians but none can seem to find the fault. Please advise if replacing the ignition switch rectified the problem

Electrical, mk1: lights and accessories cut out briefly

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Re: Electrical, mk1: lights and accessories cut out briefly

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Re: Electrical, mk1: lights and accessories cut out briefly

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Re: Electrical, mk1: lights and accessories cut out briefly

Re: Electrical, mk1: lights and accessories cut out briefly

Re: Electrical, mk1: lights and accessories cut out briefly

Re: Electrical, mk1: lights and accessories cut out briefly

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Re: Electrical, mk1: lights and accessories cut out briefly

Re: Electrical, mk1: lights and accessories cut out briefly

Re: Electrical, mk1: lights and accessories cut out briefly

Re: Electrical, mk1: lights and accessories cut out briefly