Leaving tim hortons tonite i went around the corner then the car just shut off, i lost all lights and power, not even a click from the starter. I checked all fuses, they were ok. I checked my connection at the battery, it was ok. i checked power at the alt. and starter, ok. all of the fusable links, ok. I was able to jump the starter to get it running but as soon as i turned on the lights or touched the brakes to signal the brake lights the car would die instantly. Im figuring a short in the lighting system somewhere, but im not sure where to start to look. The radio can be turned on but no lights, i drove the car home with no lights on and just using the e-brake and it didnt die, once i got it in the driveway i shut it off and it restarted ok, but when i tried to turn the lights on again it died and would not start. Any suggestions?????

 

I'll give ya 3 guesses...

1. Your alternator took a dive
2. The alternator is dead
3. Check your alternator

 

Just kidding. But I would really check your alternator.

With a fully functional alt, the alt provides the bulk of your electrical power while the engine is running. The battery provides power to start, then basically sits and receives a charge while your driving around.

If your alternator is dead, all electrical functions will be powered by the battery, this kills your battery pretty quick. Theoretically, the only power needed to run are the fuel pump and ecm. Your battery can handle that pretty easily since both use very little voltage to operate.

Now fast forward. You've been driving around with a bad or failing alt for some time, maybe even weeks. Your battery may have enough amps to start the car...maybe. Add the current draw required by turning on your lights.....now your fuel pump and ECM dont have the voltage to operate and the car will die.

That is why:
-you had to jump the car...and it ran (battery to dead to start your car but had enough juice to power ecm and fuel pump)
-you were able keep the car running...and your low amperage radio.
-When you turned on your lights the car dies, the electrical draw was just too much for a nearly dead battery

Pull your alternator out, take it to your nearest parts store and see if they can check it for you.

Alternators are a piece of cake to remove and replace....enjoy

 

nope, sorry, Checked the altenator out and its fine, had it tested at my buddies shop on the bench tester, i believe something is shorting out. A friend suggested the fuel pump wiring and the taillight wiring could be rubbing together (his 87 did this once) or shorting to one another causing the car to shut down when i turn the lights on. But i havent looked into it yet.

 

I would look on your starter at your Fusible links. You should have 3 little wires and 1 Large on coming from your Main Battery + wire. These are very easy to replace. If you do find a bad one, Make sure you replace with Fusible Link wire. Something is shorting that wire out and the Link did it's job. If it was the link, Was something installed IE>> Stereo, Amps, anything that could overload the wire? Try that one. Test with a multimeter on volts DC if connected..

Something else to try is disconnect the battery and check your cable ends on the + and - and make sure they don't spin on the battery. Also check your - wire to the chassis.. Make sure it is firmly connected.

 

starter wires or alt