76 Went Dead - Electrical Problem?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 905
Likes: 0
76 Went Dead - Electrical Problem?
I have ignored the car since it left me stranded and finally got over my frustration long enough to look at it.
Basically, while driving down the road, the car just went dead - no power - no electrical. The ignition key when turned did nothing - there were no interior lights - zip point nada.
After having it towed home, I finally did a bit of basic troubleshooting yesterday and here is what I found. The battery is strong and has plenty of power. I shorted across the starter and the starter engaged and turned the engine over. It did not start - it is cold natured anyway - I ran it long enough until it started slowing down. Still no interior lights and ignition switch turned on produces no indication of power in the interior.
A friend who was with me mentioned a switch on top of the steering column as a possible source.
Any suggestions as to where to go from here would be greatly appreciated.
STW
Robert
76Stinger
Basically, while driving down the road, the car just went dead - no power - no electrical. The ignition key when turned did nothing - there were no interior lights - zip point nada.
After having it towed home, I finally did a bit of basic troubleshooting yesterday and here is what I found. The battery is strong and has plenty of power. I shorted across the starter and the starter engaged and turned the engine over. It did not start - it is cold natured anyway - I ran it long enough until it started slowing down. Still no interior lights and ignition switch turned on produces no indication of power in the interior.
A friend who was with me mentioned a switch on top of the steering column as a possible source.
Any suggestions as to where to go from here would be greatly appreciated.
STW
Robert
76Stinger
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
Re: 76 Went Dead - Electrical Problem? (76Stinger)
If everything is dead, you have lost the main power feed. If you look near the starter you should see some red wires with what looks like a spliced in portion with connectors on each end. These are fusable links. They often get burned in two. Also at the firewall in the main bulkhead connector is a possible break. Somewhere in this circuit, you will find and open.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: Pasadena Maryland
Re: 76 Went Dead - Electrical Problem? (76Stinger)
It could be the ignition switch but I doubt it since the interior lights are out too. I had a similar problem with my 78 a few years back. Inside the engine compartment on the passenger side the wiring harness has a main connector. You can find it by following the wiring up from the starter. It is pretty close to the fire wall. Your car wouldn't start when you jumped the starter because you didn't have voltage going to the coil. This connector supplies power to the interior as well as the ignition system. It's worth a try. Hope this helps
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,865
Likes: 1
From: I may be getting old but I refuse to grow up
Re: 76 Went Dead - Electrical Problem? (wombvette)
If everything is dead, you have lost the main power feed. If you look near the starter you should see some red wires with what looks like a spliced in portion with connectors on each end. These are fusable links. They often get burned in two. Also at the firewall in the main bulkhead connector is a possible break. Somewhere in this circuit, you will find and open.
Steve :steering:
