Fun with electricity

[BruceK]

This afternoon I changed out my fuse block from the original one that uses glass fuses to an updated one that uses more modern blade fuses.  I was very careful to move only one connection at a time.  However, fun ensued. Now, when I turn my headlights on with the car ignition off, the electric fuel pump turns on.

Also, when I turn the ignition on with the headlights off the fuel pump turns on as expected. What seems to be happening is when the headlights are switched on two other circuits of the fuse block get energized, one of which contains power to the fuel pump. Of course the headlight circuit is always energized and controlled by the headlight switch.

So when I switch on the headlights, the weird part is other circuits are becoming energized.  That doesn't make sense to me.

Any ideas?


Edit: just found out turning the ignition on also causes the parking lights to turn on.  So there's definitely a relationship that shouldn't be there.

[94touring]

I've got similar issues with the Inno that are driving me nuts.

[BruceK]

OK, I reinstalled the original glass fuse block and everything seems to have returned to normal. Of course this points to the culprit being the new fuse block. I didn't wanna believe that, I was thinking it had to be my user error.


But, sure enough, I turned the new one over and rather than four independent circuits as Austin intended, there is an unwanted bar linking two circuits together. WTF? Just Lovely.

Top photo is the bottom of the old glass fuse block, and the bottom photo is the new "improved" one. 

Yes, I can cut that bar out and use the new fuse block, but at this point I am just tired with messing with it.

[BruceK]

I've got similar issues with the Inno that are driving me nuts.

I hope you can get your problem sorted as easily as I got this one figured. At least Minis aren't super complex, I can't imagine how difficult modern cars must be with CAN bus systems and all the multiplexing and a different computer involved for everything.

[MiniDave]

I ran into this when I changed out a worn fuse block on Buzz, I think I even wrote about it.....the new ones had a bridge that the old ones don't.

Sorry I didn't see this in time to save you some frustration....

[MiniDave]

I'm pretty sure I sent the large schematic for the Inno with the extra parts. I tacked it up on a wall so it was easier to follow the traces.....

[MPlayle]

I ordered 2 of the blade style fuse boxes like Bruce tried.  I put one in my panel Van and had no issues with it.  I will check my spare one to see if it has the bridge.

It may also depend on the orientation for whether the bridge has adverse effects or not.

Edit:
I checked my file on the Van and found the receipt from where I ordered mine and checked the website.  They have 2 entries for the 4 fuse blocks: one for Triumph/Mini and the other for Midget/Sprite (and MGB, and Lotus).  The Triumph/Mini one does not have the bridge, the Midget/Sprite on does have the bridge.
My receipt shows I ordered two of the Triumph/Mini type.

Here is a direct link for the Triumph/Mini one:
https://www.torquerestoparts.com/product-page/triumph