MX5Ireland

All was going well with my 2nd mk1 until yesterday. I took her for a run to warm the oil up in preperation for a service. I then put her up on ramps and axle stands to change the engine oil and then the gearbox oil. All went well till i got her back on the ground and tried to start her. No power. No lights on the dash whatsoever. The headlights go on but the units don't flip up when i turn them on. They will flip up with the switch on the centre of the dash. Nothing else, indicators, blower,stereo, interior lights, lighter, wipers, working. I checked all fuses and relays. I swapped the ignition switch with the one in the other 5 but to no avail. Anybody got any ideas? Thanks

Firstly check battery connections are not loose.Is the heavy wire on the starter motor tight.Possibly earth straps .You say you checked fuses but in both fuse boxes as one under the bonnet runs larger items.Is it cranking over/starting??.Any chance you unplugged something while fitting ignition switch?? ie indicatror stalks ( more than one plug on each)

I'll check battery cables again in the morning but they seemed fine and headlights are working but won't flip up with the light switch but they will using the button at the hazard warning button. It is possible that i disturbed something at the alternator when trying to get the oil filter off. I checked both fuse boxes, under bonnet and below the steering column.

Hi Barney ,there is 1 large wire on alternator held on with 12mm nut and a 2 pin connector which is clipped in and never seen one falling out etc.Chekc the 12mm nut anyway ,its under small plastic cover.Also check htat the stater motor heavy cable is tight ,its just behind the alternator at back of engine.These are live wires so if you are taking them off DISCONNECT BATTERY FIRST.Where are you based,Donegal ??

have you checked the main relay and the 80amp fuse?

Sorted. I should have turned off the isolator switch before removing the oil filter as i think the chain filter wrench shorted something out and blew the 80amp fuse. There isn't much room to work and i think the chain wrench did the damage. You are advised to use a filter belt on the manual. My biggest problem now is that i damaged the oil pressure sender and now leaking oil. Need a new oil pressure sender unit. Thanks for all the help and yes Robert i'm in Donegal.

Just tighten the filter by hand with a smear of oil on the seal, always worked for me with no leaks. No need for filter wrenches.

It was taking the old filter off that the damage was done. New one was only put on hand tight.

Hi glad to see you sorted it anyway and yes we have it.