More series 2 electrics

[LJR]

Hi all,

My last post returned some very helpful answers that lead to me solving the problems and i need your help again. The clock, a rectangular Keinzle model, is not working. Power is going to it but it never starts ticking. Ive taken it all apart and it does tick momentarily with a wind of the balance wheel and I guess its the simple crcuit board that is causing a problem. Any ideas what to look for or how to test?

Secondly, the boot interior lamp has never illuminated in my ownership. A bit of reading up tells me that the switch is integrated with the bulb holder. How does it ever get activated with no visible contact point? Furthermore, it says that this unit is not repairable and would usually have to be replaced, has anyone ever taken one apart?

Lucas

[mike020150]

Hi Lucas,

I can't help with then internals of the clock. I've only ever replaced them once they've failed.

Above the bulb holder, the boot lamp has a blob of mercury that completes the circuit when the boot lid tips it into position. These switches were used on a variety of contemporary car models. Over time, the contacts seem to gain a layer of oxidation preventing the switch from operating as intended. If the problem isn't too bad, a tap on the bulb holder usually brings it back to life temporarily. Last year, I scoured the internet to find a replacement for my series 2 and after trying six or seven second hand units and two new old stock items, I settled for one of the new old stock items which works occasionally on its own and always when tapped. An alternative is to replace the right hand boot hinge with a series 3 hinge which uses a simple spring loaded courtesy lamp switch to operate the boot lamp. Mike.

[oldtimer]

We live and learn,
I've only had my Series 2 XJ for the best part of forty years and never new that the boot light was operated by a Mercury switch -and no it doesn't work.

Elf and his brother Safety would go ballistic if any body used toxic mercury switch today.

Do you think that has any bearing on me loosing my memory!!

[mike020150]

Health and safety? If I collect any more second hand boot switches, I will risk being accused of collecting weapons of mass destruction! Mike.

[LJR]

After some time doing other jobs it's back to the puzzle of the electrics. This one begins with the radio being removed to try and replace the bulb within it (0.1A 12V, 36mm x 6mm festoon type) That was unsuccessful because I can't find one like it anywhere. Simultaneously I focused some attention on the light that is supposed to illuminate the gear selection. Having found that one of the wires had been cut in half (very peculiar) I attached it back together and reassembled everything. Job seemingly done.

However, I now have the very strange outcome of the interior lights flickering dimly when the central locking switch is used or the key is turned in the ignition. The interior lights are on the same circuit as the aerial which I disconnected from the radio temporarily when I removed it but beside that I have no idea how the lights are behaving this way. Any ideas??