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MG TD TF 1500 - Low Fuel Light

Hi,
My low fuel light body broke and I needed to replace it, which I am in the process of doing, but it's a very fiddly job and I've managed to break the resistance wiring on the replacement part.
My ignition light doesn't have this resistance wiring, and I'm using a LED bulb in it without any problems for about 4 years.
Can I simply ignore the resistance wiring and replace the bulb with a LED.
And if anyone has any tips on how the compress the retaining spring while fitting the circlip with the dash just 'dropped', I'd be very grateful.
Thanks.
Mike

Mike Christie

I think the resistance wire is to protect the plastic lens from heat. An LED should be OK. The TF does not have a resistor as the bulb is in an ally housing away from the lens.
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

Thanks Ray, very helpful.
The bulb in the ignition light is 12v 2.2w, can't see how that's going to get too hot!! And the fuel light is at best on intermittently.
Thanks, again.
Mike
Mike Christie

I have a different problem. Four years ago I fitted a new fuel tank and sender unit. The low level warning light has worked as it should but the last time I filled up with petrol, the warning light would not go out. I have checked the electrics but it looks as though a new sender unit is required. Aargh!!!!
Richard
MGTD 0460
R A B Wilson

If the tank sat with low fuel levels for an extended period of time it is possible moisture corrosion has caused the lever to seize. This can be exacerbated when methanol blended fuels are used. You may be able to remive the sender and free it up with a little persuasion.

Bill Chasser
TD-4834
W A Chasser

An LED will work fine. I believe our instrument cluster has seven LEDs, size 2mm, but it was a decade ago that the instrument cluster was assembled. Oil and water temp are blinking LEDs. Green was used for the fuel light, quite noticeable without being obnoxious when driving at night. My wife quickly notices it because it starts blinking at first and holds steady when pretty low. I recall using a bit of shrink tube to recess other LEDs back so they weren't too bright.

JIM N

FYI, see http://www.ttalk.info/Tech/Indicators.htm for a bit about the OEM socket/bulb. The OEM 987 bulb is actually running at about half a watt. Bud
Bud Krueger

Thanks Bill for the idea. I will have to ride out the fuel in the tank and see if I can get the sender operating again.
Richard
MGTD 0460
R A B Wilson

R A B,
It is also possible that the float has sunk. Either way it has to come out, be careful not to over tighten (or lose) the screws.
Ray
Ray Lee

Re Mike's question about compressing the retaining spring: It has been a few years, but as I recall I used a clamp or pliers to compress the spring and then used a fine wire to wrap around the compressed spring to hold the compression. Once installed I used a wire snip to cut the fine wire. As I recall it worked pretty good without having to use too many swear words.

Larry
LD Kanaster

This thread was discussed between 02/07/2021 and 07/07/2021

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