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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 MGF Technical - Main beam stalk failure

In my TF this week the stalk that operates the main beam stopped working. The left stalk can no longer be pulled backwards, it is as if it never moved to operate the main beam. It can be moved to operate the indicators, and all the other electrics work OK.

Anyone experienced this? Is it worth looking at trying to get it working again; or will the stalk control need replacing? Anyone know what is involved in replacing the stalk?
Richard (Herts)

Curiously, I had something similar a few weeks ago - the stalk couldn't be pulled back to operate the main beam. Not ever happened before - and I thought that I'd have to replace the stalks - but when I got home, I gave the stalk a vigorous pull (had nothing to loose), and the stalk gave and normal function restored.

I presume that there must be a ball-bearing and spring retainer that became jammed? I've not disassembled the stalks before, so can't say for sure - nor can I say that this same procedure will work for you without breaking something, but might just be worth a go?
Rob Bell

.. and if this doesn't work...
http://www.mgfcar.de/srs_system/index.htm

Gives some impressions on how to get there. Notice the SRS rotary coupler must not be turned by hand. Just secure the cover with piece of tape against the outer case.

Spares are available from breakers and if you like it different then go for the stalks from a R400 (or was it the R200?).
Nicer look and a bit smaller than the original. Fits 1:1, I've changed them recently.
Dieter

In that case I will go and give it a spray of WD40 or silicon and give it a more vigorous pull.

Thanks Dieter for confirming it is R200/R400 and the photos, just hoping I do not have to remove the steering wheel.
Richard (Herts)

Rob,

I have just tried the more vigorous pull, while holding a can of WD40, and I have now got it working normally (the WD40 was not needed!). It was freer today, the main beam warning light flashed as I pulled the stalk which it did not at the weekend.

Thanks
Richard (Herts)

Nice one Richard :o)

Dieter, you probably know this already, but R800/ LandRover Freelander indicator stalks also fit as plug and play - and offers the option of variable intermitent wipers (assuming that a suitable control unit could be sourced of course...)
Rob Bell

Rob, not sure which I have. R???
Mine (from a UK ebay seller) has the option for variable intermittant wipers.
Need to host images though.
:)
Dieter

R8 Rover 200s, along with the later 'bubble' 200s use the same 'Honda' derived stalks as the MGF - namely no variable intermittent function. Which is a bit of a retrograde step IMO, as earlier Austin Rover products, including Metro, Maestro and Montego, all had this very useful feature.

I don't know of anyone who has successfully instituted variable intermittent wipers on their F. I definitely want this feature - particularly for the winter drizzle...
Rob Bell

R200 wiper stalk is different as it also has the control for the rear wiper.
Dave

You're right - it does!
Rob Bell

Just a picture of mine.
IMO it's just the additional variable function on the right. And the total width is smaller as shown.


Dieter

Yup, those are the Rover 800/ Freelander stalks (I think that these were also fitted to some versions of the Discovery too?)

They're plug and play. As it happens, I have a pair of these ready to fit too... ;o) LOL

What we need to do now is figure out a way of implementing the variable delay intermittent function Dieter. The Guys on .org were using a Metro control unit, but not with a great deal of success... Is there another solution?
Rob Bell

This thread was discussed between 17/11/2007 and 25/11/2007

MG MGF Technical index

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