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MOTRS

MGF / MG TF

1995-2011 / Roadster / United Kingdom

All MGF / MG TF problems All workshop problems
Common Electrical Issues

Instrument Cluster Failures

Symptoms

Instrument backlighting goes dark. The LCD display (odometer, trip) fades or dies. Individual gauges read incorrectly or stop working.

Cause

Backlighting bulbs blow -- these are small bulbs soldered to the circuit board. The LCD display loses contrast as the connection between the screen and the board degrades. Solder joints on the cluster circuit board crack from thermal cycling and vibration.

Fix

  1. 1 The cluster can be removed and repaired. Replacement bulbs are cheap ($10--20 for a set). LCD repair requires resoldering the connector -
  2. 2 a job for someone comfortable with a fine-tip soldering iron. Full cluster rebuild services are available from specialists for $150--300. A replacement cluster from a wrecker: $50--150
Cost mentioned in fix
$10$150$50

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Other known issues

Minor Electrical Issues

Window Regulator Failure

The electric windows stop working, move slowly, or drop into the door with a bang.
Minor Electrical Issues

Central Locking Actuator Failure

One or more doors fail to lock or unlock with the remote or central locking switch. The actuator may click but not move the lock mechanism.
Critical Electrical Issues

ECU (MEMS) Solder Joint Failure

Intermittent running issues -- misfires, rough idle, stalling, failure to start. Fault codes that come and go. The engine management light illuminates intermittently.
Common Electrical Issues

Alarm and Immobiliser Issues

The alarm triggers randomly. The immobiliser will not disarm, preventing the car from starting. The key fob stops communicating with the car.
Minor Head Gasket Failure (K-Series Engine)

What Happens
Minor Head Gasket Failure (K-Series Engine)

Why It Happens
All MGF / MG TF problems