1969 Electrical Problem - Bad Ground?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 23
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1969 Electrical Problem - Bad Ground?
I was out driving my '69 on Saturday, and my engine quit running for some reason. When trying to start it, the starter motor would not do anything although there was power (or at least enough to turn on the interior lights and make the key buzzer sound).
After letting the car sit for a few minutes, it decided to start. I then drove a couple hundred yards only to have the engine cut out again. I was then able to start it after waiting another 5 minutes or so. I decided to have it towed home fearing it would just continue to cut out on me.
Does anyone have an idea what could cause this? I checked my ground connections and noticed that there is no ground from the engine to the frame. I will be adding one. The ground connection from the batterty to the frame seemed OK, but I pulled it out and cleaned off the metal just in case. The wires to the starter motor seem to be in tact, but are missing some insulation.
Any help diagnosing this would be appreciated.
Thank you.
After letting the car sit for a few minutes, it decided to start. I then drove a couple hundred yards only to have the engine cut out again. I was then able to start it after waiting another 5 minutes or so. I decided to have it towed home fearing it would just continue to cut out on me.
Does anyone have an idea what could cause this? I checked my ground connections and noticed that there is no ground from the engine to the frame. I will be adding one. The ground connection from the batterty to the frame seemed OK, but I pulled it out and cleaned off the metal just in case. The wires to the starter motor seem to be in tact, but are missing some insulation.
Any help diagnosing this would be appreciated.
Thank you.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
So last night I added a ground cable from the engine to the frame. I also took a close look at the battery terminals and connections. The positive end was slightly corroded, so I will clean that up.
I don't think I have actually solved the problem and fear that this will be an issue that haunts me for a while.
Anyone out there with a similar experience or an idea on what caused this?
I don't think I have actually solved the problem and fear that this will be an issue that haunts me for a while.
Anyone out there with a similar experience or an idea on what caused this?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Now it gets weird. I had the battery disconnected to clean up the ground connection and the positive battery connection. After reconnecting it, the power was back on as evidenced by the interior lights. The next day, I went to start the car, and had no power. The interior lights were off. The key in ignition buzzer would work, but that was it. No starter engaging, no clock, no lights.
I took a break and then came back to it. I put the key in while the door was open. When I pushed the key all the way in, the interior lights came back on, and the power was restored. I cranked the engine and it started right up.
Now I am thinking it could be something in the ignition lock cylinder or the ignition switch. Any thoughts out there?
I took a break and then came back to it. I put the key in while the door was open. When I pushed the key all the way in, the interior lights came back on, and the power was restored. I cranked the engine and it started right up.
Now I am thinking it could be something in the ignition lock cylinder or the ignition switch. Any thoughts out there?
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 81
Likes: 16
From: Phoenix Arizona
I hope you don't mind me asking, but have you checked to make sure the alternator is working? When running you should have around 14 volts or so at the back of the alternator and you should then have within about .5 of a volt less at the battery or around 13.5 volts (when running). When I first starting reading your post, my first thought was that the battery only had enough power to turn on the interior lights and key buzzer. After you let it sit for few minutes, the battery will build up a bit and it will allow you to start the car. However, if you turn the car on and off a few times, the battery will not be able to start the car. Have you had the battery checked or do you know for sure that the battery is fully charged and working properly? I assume you checked all of these things but I thought I'd ask.
