Always check the simplest things first...

[Jason7579]

I replaced my side light bulb today as it wasn't working. Nice simple job, took the grill and the headlight out, made sure the light was working and put it all back together. Once I had gathered my tools and got everything sorted I pressed the button on the key to lock the doors and... nothing!
I tried a few times unsuccessfully and tried locking via the drivers door. Drivers door locked but the central locking didn't work at all. Now I am a little worried. Started the car to check that I hadn't shorted anything and the battery was still ok and it all started up fine. Checked the fuses under the dash and the fuse for locks was fine. Tried the door lock button inside the car and it worked perfectly.
After saying a few choice words I started unpacking my tools again - the sidelight hasn't been working since I got the car so obviously there is some kind of wiring fault that those £*$%&'s who sold the car to me were covering up. Then I had a last minute thought, before I started removing the headlight again I checked all of the doors.

The passenger door was slightly ajar

A waste of 10 minutes and stressing out all for nothing, I now have a full compliment of working lights and my central locking is perfect.

[Hrimfaxi]

That's a classic.

Similar story with me old classic Mini Cooper SPi, it had a battery cut off switch. I was changing the coilpack and afterwards I tried to start it to test.

Nothing. No click from the alarm or fuel pump priming, it was dead. So cue 10 minutes of double checking and rechecking everything, swearing and head scratching, I remembered the switch.... bingo.

Definitely always check the simplest things first!

[Red Baron]

Did anyone else ever fall foul of the fuel pump cut off switch under the spare wheel in the late 80s/early 90s Ford's. You'd change a wheel, throw the other wheel back in the boot and then the bloody thing wouldn't start until you pushed it reset it. If you didn't know it was there you'd end up calling out the breakdown service.

[munk]

Originally Posted by Red Baron

Did anyone else ever fall foul of the fuel pump cut off switch under the spare wheel in the late 80s/early 90s Ford's. You'd change a wheel, throw the other wheel back in the boot and then the bloody thing wouldn't start until you pushed it reset it. If you didn't know it was there you'd end up calling out the breakdown service.

yes... in a petrol garage saf cossie.. for a good hour or so untill a bystander came to my rescue. it had triggerd slamming my boot i believe..

[Jason7579]

I'm glad I'm not alone.it's good to hear of others stories.

[Red Baron]

Throwing the spare in was the common way of tripping them, I did the one on my Orion Ghia i reversing into my parking space with 2 people in the back seat, the extra weight caused the towing eye to whack the curb rather than ride over the top of it like it usually did. Spent ages trying to bump start it when I flattened the battery, finally had that eureka moment when I noticed the fuel pump didn't prime.

[Pirate1066]

Xr41 same thing n boot,and has enyone else wondered why the side lights were on in the scoobie when it's of and locked and spent ages trying to work out why then remembering the parking light switch In front of streering wheel DOH
After you have had a clear round with a cloth