Weird engine off situation

[jbuckl]

Ok so test drove a members car tonight.

finished; parked up ; keyed off.

engine still running though.

lights were on.

switched lights off , engine stopped.

engine starts with lights off.

did not check start stop with lights off…. For some reason sorry.

weird…. Any ideas?

has someone mixed up an ignition feed from lights?

pet hate is undocumented wiring bodges.

[trunt]

All I can think is that the lights are feeding the ignition wires as well as the ignition key?

Which lights turn the engine off? sidelights or headlights? that would be a start.

The place that they are nearest together is fuse 17/18 which is dip, and 19/20 which is switched (the green wires) so maybe look around there?
e.g wipers work with ignition off lights on, as they are fed from the ignition white wires via 19/20

The other place they are near are fuse 3/4 green again, and 5/6 sidelights.. that 3/4 fuse runs the brake lights I think.

Terry

[richardthestag]

someone has taken the coil feed from the light switch? how long does it run for? until the carb float chambers empty?

[trunt]

Thinking more..

If, as I suggested the lights are connected as well as the ignition, then the lights would come on as soon as you turn on the ignition.. it would work both ways. Did someone try to fashion running lights?

I guess it’s important to find out if the car runs without the lights on, and if so as Richard says what else is on with key off and lights on - Turn signals, Reverse lights, brake lights, wipers and pump spring to mind.

[jbuckl]

It’s weird. Because with no lights it’s fine. (Keys off)
it only stays running if the lights are on.

thanks for all replies .

Tbh I wouldn’t want to offer to sort it unless I was retired.

someone else’s electrical bodges can be a mission to sort out.

it has a few of those as far as I can see.

usually run a mile if I spot a pre insulated terminal or a scotch-lok.

[Ian F]

Silly suggestion Julian, but has anyone put any additional “spare” fuses into the fuse cover lid?

I did once, did not have continuous running as an issue, but DID have a headlight on, without the light switch being on. The spare fuse obviously bridged the ignition feed and one headlight circuit- could have been more dangerous, but I spotted the lit headlight, investigated (what had I changed ‘cos it didn’t do it before) and guess what.

Rookie error many years ago I’m afraid, but worth a looksee?

ian F

[jbuckl]

Silly suggestion Julian, but has anyone put any additional “spare” fuses into the fuse cover lid?

I did once, did not have continuous running as an issue, but DID have a headlight on, without the light switch being on. The spare fuse obviously bridged the ignition feed and one headlight circuit- could have been more dangerous, but I spotted the lit headlight, investigated (what had I changed ‘cos it didn’t do it before) and guess what.

Rookie error many years ago I’m afraid, but worth a looksee?

ian F

Will check next time I’m there thanks ian

[trunt]

Silly suggestion Julian, but has anyone put any additional “spare” fuses into the fuse cover lid?

I did once, did not have continuous running as an issue, but DID have a headlight on, without the light switch being on. The spare fuse obviously bridged the ignition feed and one headlight circuit- could have been more dangerous, but I spotted the lit headlight, investigated (what had I changed ‘cos it didn’t do it before) and guess what.

Rookie error many years ago I’m afraid, but worth a looksee?

ian F

Yes, I like that idea..