V360 electrical problem - now with video

[trabitom99]

My cars really are letting me down ATM ...

Tried to start my 360 this morning - no luck, the starter didn't even turn over. Just a "gzzzzzzz" noise from behind the dashboard. What could that be? It was particularly cold this morning ...

Ever since we had the dashboard out for the AC, there's been a similar buzzing sound every time I use the indicators - maybe there's s loose connection somewhere?

Cheers

Tom

[trabitom99]

OK, I've narrowed it down a little bit, the buzzing noise comes as soon as I turn on the ignition to position 1. Also when I turn on the warning lamps (which don't go on). Turning the headlights on, I can hear a "clack" from a relay somewhere, but they're otherwise dead. I've removed the panel underneath the indicator stalks and have wobbled everything in sight, but to no effect ...

As soon as I find my camera I'll see if I can put up a video on YouTube, maybe that'll ring a few bells ...

EDIT: just had another go. After I blipped the horn, it all worked again. Weird ... and worrying
EDIT2: it's at it again Vid to follow ...

Tom

[volvosneverdie]

EDIT: just had another go. After I blipped the horn, it all worked again. Weird ... and worrying
EDIT2: it's at it again Vid to follow ...

Tom

Sorry Tom, but thats funny.
there fixed..... wah! broke again.

[trabitom99]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaYqVM5GCmo

the interior light has packed in by now too ... Buzzing when you open the door.

Sorry Tom, but thats funny.
there fixed..... wah! broke again.

Note, the horn trick didn't work the second time

Tom

[volvodspec]

you have a loose ground connection!

will probably be that plug beneath the dash under the fusebox; while you're there check if the 3 big connectors are connected properly

the rattle is a relay constantly switching on/off

[trabitom99]

Thanks Anjo, I wobbled all those plugs just now but it didn't help ...

Since we put the dash back, after fitting the AC, I've been getting a similar sound when indicating. Looks like the dash will have to come out again to find the bad connection.

What's the best way to go about looking for a bad earth?

#1 buy a multimeter
#2 remove the dash
#3 .... ?

Cheers

Tom

[volvodspec]

just read the startpost again...

have you tried another battery??

a machine-gun-rattling relay can be caused by a bad ground connection, or a too low switching voltage

too low switching voltage (or overall voltage) can also be caused by a loose battery connection

[Ride_on]

I had nearly an identical problem with my car laid up for a long period, + maybe me fiddling. Was caused by a loose earth bolt on the strap beside the battery tray.

[trabitom99]

The connections to the battery seemed tight enough, and the battery's only a year old, so I don't really expect problems there ...

Still, I've removed it, and am giving it a few hours charge, certainly won't do it any harm now winter's coming

Tom

[volvodspec]

even if battery is only a year old a faulty alternator or something like that is still possible

[trabitom99]

Hm, it wasn't the battery unfortunately ... I'll have to delve a bit deeper I think ...

Tom

[pettaw]

Tom I'll bet its the earth connection to the fusebox under the dashboard or the three multiplugs underneath. Being LHD it'll be underneath the glovebox side so much easier to get to than a RHD car Remove the panel underneath the glovebox and if you imagine where the fusebox screws into the firewall. On the other side, inside the car, are the three plugs that plug into the back of it, and also a large earth bar. Pull those out and firmly push them back in again. Give that a try, and if not then you'll have to pull them out, put contact cleaner on and push them back in again but normally just pulling and pushing back is enough to clean up.

Come back to us if that doesn't work.

[Chris_C]

Tom I'll bet its the earth connection to the fusebox under the dashboard or the three multiplugs underneath.

I'd put money on this earth connection too.

[trabitom99]

Well, I did give them a good wiggle! I'll pull them out completely this evening and see how it goes.

Thanks for all your comments guys, three V300 fails in two weeks are beginning to knock my confidence

Tom

[trabitom99]

OK working again for now!

Cleaned these up with contact cleaner and no luck:



... and then had a go at this rusty battery earth cable:


... and it started! Thanks again for all your help

Tom