Interesting electrical problem

[bigjones]

On the way to the store this morning I happen to look at the gas gauge and it was way past empty! My heart jumped in my throat because recently I had installed a new electric fuel pump - visions of 7 gal of gasoline in the road behind me.

Then I noticed the rev counter (electrical) wasn't working and the turn signals.

Stopped at the 1st store, returned to car and it started up fine but still no electricity to gauges.

Stopped at 2nd store, returned to car and again it started no problem and all the gauges were working again - kinda fixed itself.

Well, I thought I was going to have a difficult time tracing this problem but the first thing I checked was the clamp on the negative battery post and it was loose as a goose!

Now, I'm thinking this would account for it but how come the car started up just fine? I think the car can run for a bit, using juice from the alternator but I thought the starter motor needs the battery.

Cheers!

 

[ecurie_ecosse]

It could also be a loose or corroded earth. I'd be checking that too.

Stuart.

 

[bigjones]

Wow! You could be right Stuart. I never thought to check anything else once I found the loose clamp.
Thanks for posting that.
Cheers!

 

[spritenut]

sounds like a dirty fuse, the one that controls the gauges, signals, and brake lights. Next time it happens, have the passenger kick the top of the footwell, if everything starts to work, it was the fuse. My wife is real good at fixing the fuse while I'm driving down the road :wink:

 

[tweety]

My midget has done this a couple of times. Always fixes itself.

 

[sqbsprite]

Next time it happens, have the passenger kick the top of the footwell, if everything starts to work, it was the fuse. My wife is real good at fixing the fuse while I'm driving down the road :wink:

Just not at night with the lights on.lol My luck something else would stop working.

 

[hooey]

check your green wires

 

[DrEntropy]

Electrons are funny, fickle thingies. Engaging the solenoid/starter circuit is near-as-dammit a dead short, the loose terminal is scant resistance to that kind of load. Gauges (and the voltage 'stabilizer') on the other hand, not so much. You likely found the problem.

 

[bigjones]

...Next time it happens, have the passenger kick the top of the footwell,..

How can she do that if she is leaning backwards pounding where the fuel pump is? :laugh:

Thanks all for the replies - I'll re-check the wiring (something I should do more often)

Cheers!

 

[spritenut]

...Next time it happens, have the passenger kick the top of the footwell,..

How can she do that if she is leaning backwards pounding where the fuel pump is? :laugh:

Thanks all for the replies - I'll re-check the wiring (something I should do more often)

Cheers!

She is a good woman! Besides, she kicks the fuse while she punches the rear deck for the fuel pump at the same time :wink:
Oh the good ole days when this was how it was in a Sprite.