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total electrical shutdown

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Old 10-03-2007, 02:01 AM
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slivan
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Default total electrical shutdown

Where is a good place to start? Car is an 82 930, I was driving 40 mph and had a total electrical shutdown right in the middle of the road. No guages, lights, windows or radio. The starter does not turn, the hazards do not work and the electromotive crankfire led is not powered. Am I correct that all power runs through the ignition switch? Fuses are all intact. Cable running from battery to the starter was just a little warm when I went into the boot. Sidebar, I did install a new hi torque starter two days ago, could this have any impact? Not exactly what I had in mind when I went out for a spin this evening...
Thanks
Tom

BTW, when you call the tow in make sure you request a flatbed with the additionad boards, this would've been literally impossible without them.
Old 10-03-2007, 10:01 AM
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I hate stories like this.

I would just start from the battery and verify power at the source, check to verify the battery terminals are good and clean, both cables terminations are clean with a good solid ground .... then trace the + accessories tap.... Possibly there are some fuses you didn't see, or a fusable link?

I had that happen on a Toyota and the battery shorted internally. It was deader than dead.

Good luck, let us know what you find.
Old 10-03-2007, 11:03 AM
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WERK-I
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slivan,
Sorry to hear of your misfortune. Always look to the last location of repair in cases like this. The odds that an incident such this happening and it being something else are astronomical. It sounds like it may be the wiring down by the starter or the starter itself. Make sure nothing loosened up and cross-connected.
Old 10-03-2007, 11:55 AM
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I would bet it is the ground strap at the starter. If you loose that it stops everything.
Old 10-03-2007, 04:20 PM
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I'm crawling underneath now, the battery has a full 12 volts and connections up front are good. Going after that starter... Thanks
Old 10-05-2007, 01:14 AM
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Droops83
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Check all the obvious stuff like battery cables, ground straps, etc, but also check the plug connection for the ignition switch that goes through the firewall to the fuse block. This can work itself loose and nothing will work. We have had several cars towed in for this.
Old 10-05-2007, 12:19 PM
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I agree with Chris about those G'damn firewall plugs. I almost went crazy trying to find a problem with half of most of the things inside the cockpit. Like one window, one interior light, one turn signal etc. The damn thing was still together but not making full contact.
Old 10-08-2007, 08:02 PM
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slivan
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The new starter tests out fine, all connections were in tact. Interestingly, when the key was turned to the accessory position ( I thought miraculously it would start up...) the warning lights and blaupunkt blue on light lit up. Turn full on try to start and lights out, nothing. ALmost like a little residual power. Reinstalled the starter, full 12V at the battery and starter. Have voltage the block fuses 16 thru 20, direct from the battery to block. Digging in now, gonna check that firewall plug.......

Last edited by slivan; 10-08-2007 at 09:21 PM.
Old 10-08-2007, 09:09 PM
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Do you have an aftermarket alarm on the car?
Old 10-08-2007, 09:19 PM
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slivan
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no alarm..... no 12v to the hazards but have 12 V to the #30 pin the 6pin feeding the ignition switch. New electrical portion of the ignition switch on the way....

Last edited by slivan; 10-09-2007 at 12:10 AM.
Old 10-13-2007, 04:25 PM
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Just a quick update, replaced the electrical portio of the ignition switch, car fired right up. Thanks for the help gents!

Tom
Old 10-14-2007, 11:00 AM
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slivan, that's great news!!! Now get that car out and enjoy the Fall before you get dumped on with snow.



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