Ignition now dead following smoke near the dash

[Mick.Grout]

Hello everybody, I have a 1985 Excel. When turning the ignition on nothing happens, no lights or anything useful. Immediately prior to this while attempting to start the engine on the key, some smoke came up from the console area. Does anyone have any ideas what caused this and to do next

[MetBlue]

Disconnect the battery before you go any further.
Pull the instrument binacle forward (only 4 screws). Helped if you push the Speedo cable forward from under the bonnet once the 4 screws are out.

You should now have a fair view of most of the wiring behind the dash, which sounds like it might have got hot. Look for anything burnt or melted.

You'll also be able to check most of the fuses, some of which likely blown.

Tony

[Marten]

Disconnect the battery before you go any further.
Pull the instrument binacle forward (only 4 screws). Helped if you push the Speedo cable forward from under the bonnet once the 4 screws are out.

You should now have a fair view of most of the wiring behind the dash, which sounds like it might have got hot. Look for anything burnt or melted.

You'll also be able to check most of the fuses, some of which likely blown.

Tony

I'd start with the fuses. If any are blown the wiring diagram will give directions.
To remove the instrument panel you have to remove the covers around the steering column (5 screws) But I'd start with pulling the steering wheel, makes everything much easier. And I can't find enough speedo cable to connect it from the top, I have to fiddle with the instrument panel in place from below.

Good chance the ignition switch went up in smoke, it carries a lot of current, no fuses and is made by Lucas. It is held in place with a tiny screw on the lock barrel

[Hawaiis0]

I would check the main power stud.

[DavidOliver]

Smoke indicates cable/connectors/switch failure and you need to get access to behind the Binnacle.
I normally remove the steering wheel by removing the plastic boss cover to get access to the six Allen headed bolts, thus avoiding pulling the steering wheel boss from the steering column splines. Then remove the top and bottom leather covers around the switch stalks/levers.
On 85 LC there is a plastic cover to the instrument panel fastened by black plastic rivets which you need to prise off, giving access to the instrument pane fixing screws. With 85 HC you will have to sort out how to remove the wood veneer panel first.
Remove the indicator/windscreen wiper stalks/switches.
The Speedo cable restricts pulling the instrument panel towards the driver position, just pull it until with nimble fingers you can disconnect the cable from the Speedo (knurled ali nut).
You can now check connections, smell and visual for burns around connectors, lamps (unlikely).
Most likely is the ignition switch which can be a devil to remove. The small grub screw on one side is hard to find and harder to remove. Prepare to have to drill out the two retaining bolts holding the switch to the steering column or evenrelease the bolts by sacrificing the switch housing by Dremel grind.
Replacement ignition switches complete are readily available from usual sources but you may have to do some rigging like adding a push switch for engine start.
Needles to say, I have done this job on my 85 LC after the Cobra alarm decided not to let me start my motor and being an afterfit spliced in God knows where I went the substitution route.

Dave the cog