Technical Help with 1979 Spider 2000

[EBmez]

Just got myself a 1979 Spider 2000 and I have a few things I need to fix up on it.

The main issue is the brake lights and indicators (rear) not working (the taillights and reversing lights work). I have a voltmeter/ohmmeter and a third party shop manual. I have a feeling the control board is no good, but have to test it all out.

Other issues are:
~ High beams (low beams and parkers are fine) not working
~ Number plate lights not working
~ Windscreen wipers don't work
~ Driver's side electric window doesn't work

Mechanically, the vehicle seems very sound at the moment. I've noticed no issues other than the idle running very low. The car did sit for a long time without being driven - almost two years - so it might just be a matter of time before other thing present.

I'm open to all ideas and suggestions on (hopefully!) the easiest of fixes to these so I can get the car back on the road soon.

Cheers,
E

 

[GeorgeT]

Rule #1 for Fiat electrics: it's usually the grounds. The problem is that Fiat used copper wire but put aluminum connectors on the ends; when aluminum corrodes, it becomes an insolator. Go through your electrical system and disconnect each terminal, clean it and apply dielectric grease before reassembly. The grounds are especially prone to corrosion.

 

[Drumrboy]

Grounds can make a huge difference. I have one that corrodes frequently which makes the car incapable of delivering ANY power....it'll run and idle as smooth as silk, but the first sign of load (as in trying to drop the clutch to begin moving) it all but dies. I don't know how many grounds there are on these cars, does anybody have a count?

 

[Davren]

Not counted them, but the wiring diagrams show them all. These are the 79, 80, 81 and 82 diagrams.
.