Electrical problem...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 292
Likes: 41
From: Falls Church VA
Electrical problem...
The facts... replaced the battery the beginning of spring. She ran fine for a month. One day I forgot to turn the radio off (the previous owner connected the radio straight to the battery so it still operates when the ignition if off). Had to jump start the battery and she worked fine for 3 weeks. I went to start her this morning (a perfect day for going topless I might add) and she wouldn't even turn over.. Where should I start troubleshooting? Alternator, coil, battery? Unfortunately much to my chagrin, I am not the most mechanical guy that every walked the earth, so I appreciate any help...
Last edited by Silver72; Jun 17, 2005 at 01:10 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
First start with a long slow charge. Overnight at a low amp setting. Eventhough the battery is technically new, the new type batterys do not like to be completely drained. Sometimes they never recover. Then start checking for a draw. You probably will find one somewhere. Start with removing all fuses and check those circuits, then go to other items that could draw with the key off. The alternator is a prime suspect.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 292
Likes: 41
From: Falls Church VA
Originally Posted by wombvette
First start with a long slow charge. Overnight at a low amp setting. Eventhough the battery is technically new, the new type batterys do not like to be completely drained. Sometimes they never recover. Then start checking for a draw. You probably will find one somewhere. Start with removing all fuses and check those circuits, then go to other items that could draw with the key off. The alternator is a prime suspect.
Thanks again!
Steve
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 918
Likes: 5
From: Gainesville FL
Originally Posted by Silver72
Can you tell me the process for checking the circuits for a draw?
Once you've found the bad circuit(s), look for a short to ground in one of the wires. A complete wiring diagram for your model year will make this job much, much easier. They're around $25 from the usual mail order places. I have also seen someone on this forum who sells version where the lines correspond to the wire colors. Very slick.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 1
From: Ontario
Originally Posted by Vette Gator
I have also seen someone on this forum who sells version where the lines correspond to the wire colors. Very slick.
vetsvette2002@yahoo.com
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 292
Likes: 41
From: Falls Church VA
Originally Posted by Boofers
Does your starter even make a click sound when you turn the key?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 292
Likes: 41
From: Falls Church VA
Originally Posted by Vette Gator
The most thorough way is to connect a test light between the negative battery cable and negative terminal with the key off. If the test light is on, one or more circuits are drawing power. If this is the case, pull each fuse one at a time and see whether the light goes out. With any luck, it's only one circuit and you will find it this way. If it's more than one, it's probably simplest to remove them all and put the fuses in one at a time. Be sure to mark the types that come out of each holder.
Once you've found the bad circuit(s), look for a short to ground in one of the wires. A complete wiring diagram for your model year will make this job much, much easier. They're around $25 from the usual mail order places. I have also seen someone on this forum who sells version where the lines correspond to the wire colors. Very slick.
Once you've found the bad circuit(s), look for a short to ground in one of the wires. A complete wiring diagram for your model year will make this job much, much easier. They're around $25 from the usual mail order places. I have also seen someone on this forum who sells version where the lines correspond to the wire colors. Very slick.
Steve
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 292
Likes: 41
From: Falls Church VA
Continuation...
OK, went out this morning and she fired right up after charging the battery yesterday and then driving her for about a 1/2 hour... So what's up? If I had an alternator problem, would she simply fire up this morning after sitting all night? 
As always thanks for any sugggestions...
As always thanks for any sugggestions...
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 1
From: Ontario
Originally Posted by Silver72
So what's up? If I had an alternator problem, would she simply fire up this morning after sitting all night?
Another thing to verify is to put the voltmeter across the battery + and -. If you have less voltage there than what you measured at the alternator you should make sure your electrical cabling is good (all connections should be tight and free of dirt and oxidation). Have fun
