MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGB Technical - CD player cutting out at idle ??

Hi, lately I have noticed that when I stop at the lights in my 67MK1 MGB, and the revs drop to idle, my CD player cuts out. It is just a standard sound system, not a big volt grabbing boom box or anything.
The same thing also happens when I turn the headlights on. It seems to be getting worse too as my voltmeter seems to be spending more time in the negative than the positive section, and the CD player seems to be cutting out more regulalrly. Does this happen when the generator is on the way out or could I have a dirty connection somewhere that is progressively getting worse ? Hope someone can help. If I do replace it, what are the pro's and cons of an alternator replacement.
Craig

Hi Craig.

I think you are on the right track.

Does your ignition light behave normally ?.

Does the engine turn over briskly when you turn the key ?.

Don
Don

Craig,
to protect the electronics in many devices which use micro circuitry, such as car stereos etc, they will shut themselves down if the voltage/current gets too high or too low. Whether current (amperage) or voltage, relatively large shifts can cause devices to either malfunction or self-destruct, so shutting down is often viewed as the best choice when a unit is forced into an "environment" that is outside of its "normal" operating parameters. This is probably why your unit shuts down.

It sounds as tho you're not getting the voltage you need to run your car AND accessories, so it may be a combination of faulty wiring (corroded/crappy connections??) together with a failing charging system (bad Voltage regulator, bad brushes on your generator/alternator, or another related problem). And you may also have bad battery connections/wiring and/or battery.
Bob Muenchausen

This thread was discussed between 15/10/2003 and 16/10/2003

MG MGB Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGB Technical BBS is active now.