89 totally without power
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5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 5
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From: Sun City, AZ
89 totally without power
I have an '89 with 28K original miles.100% Showroom, even the Delco Bose radio and valve stem covers. The car is totally babied and currently gets less then 400 miles per year. I went out a few days ago to take it for it's monthly 10 mile drive and the car is TOTALLY devoid of any power. No interior, dashboard, audibles, evern the engine maintenance lights will not come on. Of course, when I turn the key, the starter will not get any power, not even the low power ticking. It is as if there were no battery in the car. The battery, BTW, is new, and I put it on an overnight charge which almost immediately (within an hour) went to the trickle charge mode. Checked battery terminals, they are tight with no corrosion. I'm stumped! HELP!
Oil Producer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 9,371
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I have an '89 with 28K original miles.100% Showroom, even the Delco Bose radio and valve stem covers. The car is totally babied and currently gets less then 400 miles per year. I went out a few days ago to take it for it's monthly 10 mile drive and the car is TOTALLY devoid of any power. No interior, dashboard, audibles, evern the engine maintenance lights will not come on. Of course, when I turn the key, the starter will not get any power, not even the low power ticking. It is as if there were no battery in the car. The battery, BTW, is new, and I put it on an overnight charge which almost immediately (within an hour) went to the trickle charge mode. Checked battery terminals, they are tight with no corrosion. I'm stumped! HELP!
This should be interesting so I am subbing.
Have you tried boosting the car and does it make any difference.
My gut tells me the main battery lines must be internally shot.
there are also fuseable links ive read about but have no experience with. but then i believe those would affect just some items on the car not the whole car.
interesting situation.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 17,982
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From: Lansing MI
You know what, in spite of the fact your battery is new it sounds like its failed. You might try jump starting it as a test, if it starts up and things seem normal, then you probably just have a junk battery.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: LeClaire Iowa
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 17,982
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From: Lansing MI
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2018
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From: Sun City, AZ
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 5
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From: Sun City, AZ
Jumped...
I got it started by jumping the battery. It started and I drove it around for a half hour with some freeway time too. Got it back in the garage and then the charger worked to give it a good charge. I didn't know that just the power load from the Security system alone could bring a battery down that low. Going to leave it on the trickle charger from now on. I try to drive it for 15 minutes or so once a month, but this time 3 months slipped by without a start. I can't let that happen again because it's not good for the car. At this point my baby is becoming pretty much just an investment because of health issues. C4s are abundant, but as the years roll by there are fewer and fewer in collectable condition. Thanks for your help! Victor
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5th Gear
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From: Sun City, AZ
But hanging with the Dove was well worth it all. 
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From: Epping NH
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5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2018
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From: Sun City, AZ