'79 Goes 'dark' when trying to start | Joined: Nov 2016 Posts: 46 Likes: 3 newbie | OP newbie Joined: Nov 2016 Posts: 46 Likes: 3 | Greetings, I've developed dreaded electrical problems. Looking for some advice, suggestions,... maybe a shoulder to cry on.
So, open the door, lights come on. Put key in the ignition, and try to start it, it may or may not make a few clicks, but it always shuts down electrically. Dome light goes off, blower fans stop, nothing. Usually, after a varying length of time. Lights, fans, etc will work again.
Other possible noteworthy items. Tried two batteries, one brand new. Multimeter shows 13v at the battery. (I can't tell you if that dips when turning the key as there is only one of me currently) I did have the same effect when I tried turning on the headlights before starting it. All fuses by the glove compartment are good. Haven't been able to try jump starting it yet due to location and lack of a battery jumper pack. Seems to go beyond an ignition module or ballast resistor. Acts like it shorting, but the fuses are good, there is no 'smell' and power eventually comes back on... which seems weird.
Currently, I'm stumped.. and I hate dealing with electrical... so that makes it even worse.
Thanks... | | | Re: '79 Goes 'dark' when trying to start | Joined: Jun 2003 Posts: 12,898 Vanner | Vanner Joined: Jun 2003 Posts: 12,898 | With vehicle running it should be14.4 at the battery. Check all your grounds for corrosion.Try running a booster cable from the negative side of the battery to the block with a charged battery. If your ground strap is a crimped one tug to see it is not broken in the crimp itself,
I don't need to be honoured by Vanning, I am honoured to be Vanning ! Supporting Vanning, by going Vanning In A Van ! I hate it, when real life interferes with Vanning ! Van Clan Plus One, Vanning since 1977 ! Ontario Federation Of Truckers (Vanner's) Ottawa Valley Vans I.B.O.B. Founder,Mixed Bag Truckers | | | Re: '79 Goes 'dark' when trying to start | Joined: Aug 2001 Posts: 12,107 Likes: 37 Maniac | Maniac Joined: Aug 2001 Posts: 12,107 Likes: 37 | Make sure the battery cable terminals are clean (both battery and cable) and tight.
Windows- they're what make a van worth owning! | | | Re: '79 Goes 'dark' when trying to start | Joined: Aug 2002 Posts: 18,552 Likes: 137 Supreme Master | Supreme Master Joined: Aug 2002 Posts: 18,552 Likes: 137 | Sounds like a bad ground. As stated above I would start at the battery terminals and go from there. Arianrhod:2003 Chevy Astro Black Magic: 1985 Dodge B-250 Serenity:1985 Chevy G-20 The Outcast:1983 Ford club wagon Luna 1974 VW bay window transporter Freedom:1990 Ford E-150(parts van) Outcast Vanners van club Support your local 2% | | | Re: '79 Goes 'dark' when trying to start | Joined: Nov 2016 Posts: 46 Likes: 3 newbie | OP newbie Joined: Nov 2016 Posts: 46 Likes: 3 | Thanks for the responses. I hate dealing with electrical... it quickly reduces me to quivering blob in the corner. But it was a simple as fixing the ground. Seems every year around this time I would have to replace the ignition module, but this was acting different. having it stay powerless for an undisclosed amount of time was throwing me from thinking it was the ground... But... it was.
Again, thanks. | | | Re: '79 Goes 'dark' when trying to start | Joined: Aug 2002 Posts: 18,552 Likes: 137 Supreme Master | Supreme Master Joined: Aug 2002 Posts: 18,552 Likes: 137 | Glad to hear you got it. Arianrhod:2003 Chevy Astro Black Magic: 1985 Dodge B-250 Serenity:1985 Chevy G-20 The Outcast:1983 Ford club wagon Luna 1974 VW bay window transporter Freedom:1990 Ford E-150(parts van) Outcast Vanners van club Support your local 2% | | | Re: '79 Goes 'dark' when trying to start | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 4,463 Likes: 12 pooh-bah | pooh-bah Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 4,463 Likes: 12 | Glad you found it without more ECU replacements! Was the ground issue at the engine block or at the battery terminal? Did you think to take any pictures of what you found? It would be really interesting to see what if any visible evidence there was.
-It's been such a LONG TIME... BlueShift>> 1981 Dodge Ram B250 Custom Sportsman Maxi Van It's what you learn after you know it all, that counts... Are you living to work, or working to live? Learning from my own mistakes is good, learning from yours would be much better! | | | Re: '79 Goes 'dark' when trying to start | Joined: Nov 2016 Posts: 46 Likes: 3 newbie | OP newbie Joined: Nov 2016 Posts: 46 Likes: 3 | It was at the Battery terminal, and, there really was no visual evidence. I didn't take a picture. Didn't cross my mind. | | |
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