Eletrical problem of some sort

Post by **Cruisen Volvo** » 02 Jun 2007 05:22 am

Hey guys

My car the other week was just cutting out while i was driving anyway cause my alternator belt was loose i put the problem down to that.

Today i fixed the belt but now the car won't start at all. I am guessing it is a eletrical problem cause my head lights my wipers the starter motor and all cabin lights work but my indicators reverse lights eletcric windows and radio doesn't work and of course the engine isn't firing.

I thought it might of been an earth problem but it seems those things aren't even getting power but my testing skills are minimal.

Please any help on what the problem could be and how to fix or narrow down problem would be greatly appreciated.

BTW my car is an 1989 360 glt b200E from down under.

Thanks as always
James

Post by **pettaw** » 02 Jun 2007 10:16 am

Yeah, could be either earth or positive connections tbh. Check all the battery terminals are nice and tight....Not too tight else you'll break them.

If you've got one of those clamps where the main red cable screws into the clamp then remove the cable, clean it if necessary and then replace and make sure those screws are tightened properly. They are a constant source of trouble and the original Volvo ones with the crimped cable are much better.

Make sure there are no breaks in the earth strap and make sure its securely attached to the engine and also to the car body just beside the battery.

Post by **Chris_C** » 02 Jun 2007 12:48 pm

Hey mate, long time no speak!!!

Yeah, look at that connector in the main red cable that Andy mentions, they can be a pain in the backside.

Post by **ajdubas** » 02 Jun 2007 06:10 pm

pettaw wrote:Yeah, could be either earth or positive connections tbh.

so it's definitely an electrical connection then...

poking around with a multimeter is always fun if not always fruitful.

stupid question, but have you checked simple stuff like fuses?

Post by **petefarrell360** » 03 Jun 2007 09:07 pm

Being a B200E, I've had the same thing, but in an intermittent way! It cut out while driving, then started, pull away and it stopped. All cabin lights and other electrics will work etc as you say. It would idle fine, rev the engine and it cut out, this was as the engine rocked a little on the mounts, it pulled at the dodgy connection and broke the connection! It took a while to find this at the roadside in the dark! I pulled the connector apart, it sits a couple of inches away from the positive terminal and has two spade connectors coming from it.

After pulling mine apart and cleaning it up, I got rid of the plastic covering and covered them in insulating tape. No problems since! A PITA to trace if you're not sure where to look.

Pete

Post by **Cruisen Volvo** » 04 Jun 2007 12:22 am

Thanks for your help guys i will try all those solutions ASAP.

Yes i have checked all the fuses and no problem there, there isn't even a common fuse linking all the random components that are not functioning.

Just a quick question what is PITA

A PITA to trace if you're not sure where to look.

Thanks
James

Post by **petefarrell360** » 04 Jun 2007 12:26 am

Stands for Pain In The Arse! Good luck chap and let us know how you go!

Pete

Post by **redline** » 04 Jun 2007 07:56 am

Cruisen Volvo wrote: Just a quick question what is PITAQuote:
A PITA to trace if you're not sure where to look.

petefarrell360 wrote: stands for Pain In The Arse! Good luck chap and let us know how you go!

oh and there was me thinking it was that bread that kebabs come in lol

Post by **Cruisen Volvo** » 07 Jun 2007 04:23 am

OK guys status update.

Rain finely stopped for a bit today so i got out there quickly and straight into it. what i found before it starting bucketing down again was.....

The problem isn't an earthing problem all the components that aren't working i tested there earth with something else and worked.

Second The power getting to those components is like .05 to .12 volts as oposed to everything that is working which is around the 12v mark. Does this mean the it has earthed itself somewhere? not sure not an expert on the subject.

I did a complete rebuild on the clamp thing that hooks up to positive on battery only one connection looked worn but nothing serious enough to cause this . Didn't fix problem.

Any ideas?

Does anyone know what the power windows, radio, indicators, reverse lights, and engine firing have in common as far as power distribution.

your on going help is appreciated

Thanks
James

Post by **redline** » 07 Jun 2007 07:57 am

been a while since I had a 300 but is it a case of ignition controlled electrics aren't working but ones without the need for the ignition to be on are ?

Post by **Cruisen Volvo** » 07 Jun 2007 10:11 am

That is what i was thinking.

Do indicators work on accessories??? cause they aren't working but they do work if have emergency switch is on (the red triangle thing).

If it is an ignition problem what is it most likely to be with only a selection of ignition related things not working cause my head lights work and they are only on when the ignition is on.

I am completely stumped on exactly what it could be but don't even have a clue where to look?