kodiak Posted June 9, 2002 Share Posted June 9, 2002 parked my caterham in the garage, working fine... now the electrics keep cuttting out :( anybody got any ideas? if i turn off the electrics at the master cut out switch (its on a roadsports b - k series), turn it back on... electrics (lights, indicator etc) are fine. but as soon as i try to fire the engine up, all electrics cut out (just click, and everything is off )... if i turn it off at the master again, and then on... electrics are ok is there something simple i should look for? cheers for any suggestions mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swiss_Tony Posted June 9, 2002 Share Posted June 9, 2002 It sounds like a dodgy cut off switch. If you try a bit of WD40 or similar in the cut out switch and see if that helps. It may need the inner part of the switch pushing in a bit more to make a decent contact. James Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blatman Posted June 9, 2002 Share Posted June 9, 2002 Loose battery cable. Check ALL the connections that run from the battery, starting with the earth. Clean them as you go too (ie remove them, sandpaper them, and the battery terminals, and replace them). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New Barbie Posted June 10, 2002 Share Posted June 10, 2002 I've had problems with the relays coming loose, probably due to the harsh ride, a quick prod back in and they are fine again. Longer term, it's an idea to slightly bend the contact to ensure a tighter fit. The fuses might also come loose, best to check them as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New Barbie Posted June 10, 2002 Share Posted June 10, 2002 dp Edited by - Count on 10 Jun 2002 11:21:44 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jam Mad Posted June 10, 2002 Share Posted June 10, 2002 when this happened to me, it was simply a loose battery cable. check it out.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Carmichael Posted June 10, 2002 Share Posted June 10, 2002 Older master switches can cause problems. Some race teams consider them an annual replacement item. Skinflints keep them going for longer by putting a small washer in the keyhole so that the contacts make a firmer connection. Peterid=teal> 253 BHP K-seriesteeth.gif, no gearboxbum.gifid=red> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kodiak Posted June 10, 2002 Author Share Posted June 10, 2002 cheers for the suggestions, will have a go this evening... btw, am i correct in saying if the master switch is off, there should be no drain on the battery?or is it possible that if they are dirty/worn that you can get a dodgy contact - could it also drain my battery? im charging that as well jic. cheers again, mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blatman Posted June 10, 2002 Share Posted June 10, 2002 If you have an imobiliser, it may be wired in so that it bypasses the cut out switch......I think............ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Carmichael Posted June 10, 2002 Share Posted June 10, 2002 Some master switches I have seen have been wired a bit dodgily, with some afterthought items taking power direct from the battery. I have seen immobilisers and the R500 ECU controlled radiator fan wired in this manner. Peterid=teal> 253 BHP K-seriesteeth.gif, no gearboxbum.gifid=red> Edited by - Peter Carmichael on 10 Jun 2002 13:50:29 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kodiak Posted June 10, 2002 Author Share Posted June 10, 2002 yippee, its working again. looks like the battery was dead, not sure how its discharging when the master cut out is off... will get someone to have a look at the wiring to see what is drawing current when its off. now just need to go out for a blat - to charge the battery of course :) thanks for tips etc, mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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