strainge electrical gremlin

[Jono FD3]

It\'s only a slight problem, but one that get on my ......... every time I wash the car, all mu side lights come on!! keys up in the draw & have been there for a week or so, car still locked and definatly no switches turned on! LOL
Any sujestions?

[rx-dave]

Get someone else to wash it :Thumbsup!

[MaLicE]

relay that controls the lights is obviously getting wet and powering up... they will have a constant 12v so when they get wet the switched live is shorting out and powering up...

[Jono FD3]

where abouts does this relay hide? is it the ones at the fron of the bonnet shut?

[SiH]

Yup, that\'s the pupps - it\'s the big blue one - known as the \'TNS relay. As Malice says, there\'s a constant live to it

[Jono FD3]

lol... that\'s my problem then! When I did the v-mount I turned it & mounted it upside down in the mouth at the front! looks like water has managed to creap in there over the years then Oh well, time to brake out the liquid insulation tape & give the back of it a going over!! atleast I know why now
Cheers guys
Jono

[SiH]

I did exactly the same with mine - I didn\'t get the water thing though, I just killed TNS relays on a practically daily basis!

I\'ve now relocated the relay to the inner wing, and replaced the proprietary Mazda one with a stock automotive relay and holder - now it will only cost me about 4 quid if it dies, rather than 30!