nissan micra electrics

[markja]

when the ignition is on but engine not running none of the lights,hazards,horn,indicators work. start the engine and they all work. there is a slight poor earth condition where flashing lights affect steady ones but not enough to cause things like no horn/hazards.( with the ignition off the hazards/ side lights/ flash don't work either.)
any ideas folks.
it's a g reg 998cc 1990 ls.
just had a new battery & alternator.
i'm thinking it may be the ignition switch but then why are the hazards affected?
my brain is overheating trying to work this one out!!

[homer75]

Classic symptoms of bad earth. Make sure your battery connections are clean and tight. Follow the earth lead from the battery to the body - remove ( if possible but bolt may well be rusted in ) and wire brush then WD40. Also live connection to alternator same - clean and WD40. Check and clean earth strap from engine to frame - usually a braided strap from gearbox bellhousing to bulkhead.

[markja]

thanks homer,
it took a while but i found the cause. one of the wires (think it's called a fused link ) from the battery possitive had 90%corroded and was giving hardly any current through. like i said, like a poor earth but different.
now only got to fix the rear brake seals, front pads, rear exh box and get a small weld done and my loverly ('dad can you fix my car for it's mot?') daughter can drive for another year!!