No dash lights & won’t crank

Today, whilst at the recycling centre, my RRC 200tdi wouldn’t start! Although most electrics seemed to work, I had no dash lights and it won’t crank. I managed to hot wire the starter, which means when the key is in the correct position the engine runs fine. Very confused. Any suggestions?
Oh, and when I drove home the battery light came on but it’s charging the battery at 14v. Please help!

Check the ignition barrel to see if a wire has fell off the back

The charge light wire from the alternator to the bulb might be earthing out somewhere, possibly where it goes through the bulkhead (chaffing) or if its too close to something hot the insulation might have melted through.

wireman said:

The charge light wire from the alternator to the bulb might be earthing out somewhere, possibly where it goes through the bulkhead (chaffing) or if its too close to something hot the insulation might have melted through.

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Sorry chaps. On closer inspection it was the fuse for the dash. Tiny break in the fuse.
Feel like a burk!

DaveRRC said:

Sorry chaps. On closer inspection it was the fuse for the dash. Tiny break in the fuse.
Feel like a burk!

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Ever update may help others. Glad it’s resolved