Can't get to start
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 77
Likes: 2
From: North Carolina
Can't get to start
On my 1977, my grandfather while still in his hands installed a deadman switch due to a short somewhere in the car. He could never find it, and the switch allowed him to cut the power when not driving it in order to save the battery.
That is not the issue however, the issue is that I forgot to turn it off the other day after driving it and now it won't start.
I checked the battery, took it out and it's charged and full at 12.8 volts.
I've looked at the fuses and they appear fine, however if this is the issue could someone tell me if there is a specific fuse or plug-in on the panel related to cranking.
I've replaced the starter as well as of today, just because I had a new one lying around and I found that this might be a good time (still no luck).
I've been told that it could be the fusible links or the cables itself...
I'm just looking for suggestions. I still haven't replaced any fuses or anything like that. But there's absolutely no power now. Just a click when I turn the ignition and that's it. No lights come on, nothing.
Thanks all.
That is not the issue however, the issue is that I forgot to turn it off the other day after driving it and now it won't start.
I checked the battery, took it out and it's charged and full at 12.8 volts.
I've looked at the fuses and they appear fine, however if this is the issue could someone tell me if there is a specific fuse or plug-in on the panel related to cranking.
I've replaced the starter as well as of today, just because I had a new one lying around and I found that this might be a good time (still no luck).
I've been told that it could be the fusible links or the cables itself...
I'm just looking for suggestions. I still haven't replaced any fuses or anything like that. But there's absolutely no power now. Just a click when I turn the ignition and that's it. No lights come on, nothing.
Thanks all.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,737
Likes: 2,582
There is no cranking fuse. Recheck the connections at the battery, the switch you mentioned, the ground connection on the frame and the connection at the starter. The fusible link is in the connection to the starter.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 848
From: melbourne florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Check your ground cable. Take a jumper cables from your negative battery terminal and run the other end to a good ground, I used my shifter not ideal but it worked. Those stupid side terminal batteries have a tendency to leak down the cable causing corrosion. Also some years had aluminum grounds . Check that first
Pro
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 729
Likes: 118
From: Kelowna British Columbia
Try jumpering around the deadman switch. Maybe the current thru it with it not off fries it. I would use a voltmeter or test light and check for voltage at battery and follow to ground and positive at starter. Easier to find problem
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 77
Likes: 2
From: North Carolina
Update.
when I wiggle the cables around with the battery fully charged at like 15 volts, the car will come on.
when I turn it over, I hear it in the engine, the ignition clicks... and then all goes dead.
this is frustrating.
cleaned all terminals, checked grounds, all look good.
when I wiggle the cables around with the battery fully charged at like 15 volts, the car will come on.
when I turn it over, I hear it in the engine, the ignition clicks... and then all goes dead.
this is frustrating.
cleaned all terminals, checked grounds, all look good.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 729
Likes: 118
From: Kelowna British Columbia
Wiggling cables at battery says they are loose or bad. You can but new posts and install on cables. Cut off old skin cable and have good look at cable, if good copper bolt down new ends. 15 volts is too high for a charged battery. Should be 13.8 tops
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