OK, this probably isn't a problem for anyone else, given that I couldn't find any posts about it, but...

The OBC display in my tach hadn't worked since I bought my car almost a month ago. The backlight comes on, but it has remained black... until yesterday afternoon, when a few random pixels lit up when I went over a speed bump. Then they all came on when I went over the next speed bump, then went back to random when I pulled to a stop. I jiggled my key in the ignition, and got it working again, to my delight. It remained functional through a shutdown and restart, but didn't remain functional after the next shutdown at the next store. (We were out running errands.) No amount of jiggling would get it working again.

So, does anyone know if the OBC has a known problem with a worn key lock or a worn ignition switch (behind the ignition key lock in the steering column). On other cars I've owned, I had to replace a worn out ignition switch on an MG Midget, and I had to replace a worn out ignition lock in the BMW 750iL that I owned for 17 years. I have a feeling that the lady who owned my Mini before me had a very heavy keychain that wore the ignition lock and the key that came with my car.

If this is a known issue, I apologize for not being able to find older threads about it. I looked. Please point me to those threads. If they're available, please post links to the part of the wiring diagram that links these two systems, OBC and key switch or lock. I haven't bought myself a repair manual yet, and I've really got to get one. (I've been spoiled by the previous three cars having repair manuals or electronic diagnostic software available free on the internet, and that just isn't true for Minis.)

Thanks for any help you can provide me.

Scott

 

The pixels on the older MINI tach has not been really and issue. Its not an issue like the BMW screens and the R56 stock radio display. I would try to unplug and plug back in the tach first. The pins might not be making contact. Mine still works fine at 260K miles.

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/62116936313/





The only thing i could see is the connection at the ignition switch or the switch itself.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-question.html








61326913965

 

Thanks for the images. That helps me see the connectors. At least I can test the connectors with jumpers and see what happens, or doesn't.

Scott

 

You are welcome.