Fuse blows when using overdrive

[Jon Tilson]

It looks a bit like lighting cable. You could of course make up your own but getting the connectors that go on the
gear knob switch blades can be difficult. Its cheaper time wise to just buy one in from what Ive found over the years.
If you strip off the gaiter and the rubber bellows at the base of the stick you may be able to see where the existing cable is chafed
and if its not too damaged maybe get some sleeve on it. Ive managed this a couple of times...

The other fave place for this bit shorting out is at the very top inside the knob. I tend to make sure the knob sits as high up the stick as possible so you get maximum clearance for the connectors from the stick. Wiggle the collar nut round so its as high up on the last thread and then do the conical nut up against it.

The connectors to join the stick loom to the rest are a bit fiddly but can be reached with practice. Later ones have a better push on pin connector. Early ones are just bullets with a joining tube.

Jonners

[lazeruspete]

So, I'm flummoxed. If you are cool to come round, or I could bring the car to you if easier, that would be great!
I'm also looking to get my rusty sills replaced and will be taking her to 'bodyteq' in Greenwich/deptford. Does anyone have any experience or knowledge about how much it l's likely going to cost me to replace all sills on both sides?

Thanks all. (Let me know what best for you Mahesh)

Colin, pm sent.

[Mahesh]

Dont worry Colin,

After I've been, you'll be able to use a meter to check voltages and then some.

I'd rather teach you to fish, and give you the fish so as to say.



Kind regards



Mahesh

[cleverusername]

I had this problem, and my solution was to get rid of the useless BL fusebox, and put a modern blade one in. Then ran a new feed for the overdrive from the fusebox, giving its own fuse. As long as the cable is thick enough you won't get anymore annoying shorts.

[tony g]

I had this problem, and my solution was to get rid of the useless BL fusebox, and put a modern blade one in. Then ran a new feed for the overdrive from the fusebox, giving its own fuse. As long as the cable is thick enough you won't get anymore annoying shorts.

Me too. O/D and reverse lights have there own fuse now (blade type like the rest of my electrics - 10 in total )

Tony

[colinwoods]

Resolution!

So, my new wires arrived and I removed the entire gear stick housing and carpet so I can follow where the cables go. Turns out the cables were completely severed and disconnected... Jonners was right, the wires were clearly ripped by being caught in the mechanics or something.

So, I replaced the new wires, reconnected them and put everything back together. Replaced a fuse with a new one and all is now working perfectly. I'm absolutely delighted!
Owning this car has taught me so much and this forums advice and enthusiasm has been a a real benefit. Thank you everyone!

Here are some pics of the wires..

[Jon Tilson]

Manipulating the new cable up the gear stick is an acquired skill....

Sadly there remains the possibility of it happening again so take care to route the cable though the bellows ob the right side
and make sure the belows itself is held at the base with the clamping ring and screws. Not always easy to get in place...

It all gets a bit gungy after time...

Make sure the clips that hold the gearbox loom are all in place too. Every little thing helps....

Glad you have a resolution. Its what we are all in this together for....

Jonners