Electrical Problem - Or is it?

[Tazio]

I am just finishing off my rebuild of a 1990 BDR. I have changed a couple of things re the electrics, iremoved the ignition barrel, installed a FIA battery isolator, and a red start button.

 

When switching the Big Red Key on, I can hear a relay click, I have traced this to the Hazard Relay. The hazards work fine, as do the indicators, and all other electrical bits and bobs.

 

The question I have, is this correct, or do I have a problem?

[Ian Macquarie]

On my 1990 X/flow, there is a "hazard" relay (which I think would be better described as an Indicator Relay). When the ignition is switched on, the relay is energised and enables the indicators to work.

So, if you have removed the ignition switch and replaced its function with the FIA switch then I would expect the relay to be energised when the FIA is turned on. (As an aside, if you've removed the ignition barrel how do you stop the engine?)

Do you have the wiring diagram?

Ian

 

[Tazio]

Ian, many thanks for that, the only diagram I have is the one in the build manual on an A4 sheet, which I find almost impossible to read.

 

If you are saying that when you turn your ignition on your relay clicks, this suggests I am ok.

 

I switch the car off with a combination of fuel pump switch and red key, though I could still put a toggle ignition switch in.

[SM25T]

Understand it is not recommended to stop engine with red key.

[Tazio]

Its old school no clever stuff like ecu sensors etc, so what can it harm?

 

But I will be putting a switch in to cut power to the coil.

[SM25T]

I think the alternator does something nasty ?

[2cv7]

I think as long as you wire in the dump resistor (down to earth-via  the normally open connection) the alternator will be fine.