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'79 Goes 'dark' when trying to start
#725043 June 24th 2017 10:29 am
Joined: Nov 2016
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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
Eyeteeth #725044 June 24th 2017 12:15 pm
Joined: Jun 2003
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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,


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Re: '79 Goes 'dark' when trying to start
Eyeteeth #725046 June 24th 2017 2:29 pm
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Make sure the battery cable terminals are clean (both battery and cable) and tight.


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Re: '79 Goes 'dark' when trying to start
Eyeteeth #725048 June 24th 2017 3:28 pm
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Sounds like a bad ground. As stated above I would start at the battery terminals and go from there.


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Re: '79 Goes 'dark' when trying to start
Eyeteeth #725064 June 25th 2017 8:08 am
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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
Eyeteeth #725079 June 25th 2017 9:12 pm
Joined: Aug 2002
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Glad to hear you got it. cheers


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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
Eyeteeth #725147 June 29th 2017 1:44 am
Joined: Mar 2007
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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.


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Re: '79 Goes 'dark' when trying to start
Eyeteeth #726459 August 03rd 2017 10:28 pm
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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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