robert green Posted April 23, 2023 Share Posted April 23, 2023 Today was the first chance since October to get the car out. I charged the battery, and all seems well. Key to first position, fuel pump buzzes away happily, and when everything is ready I prime the carbs, turn the key, and all power disappears.I have checked the connections to the battery, and also the earth to the block. Next steps are to check the connections to the starter motor and solenoid I assume. Any other ideas so that I can check everything in turn logically to get to the bottom of this. Will my multimeter help me, and if so how?!Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Kay Posted April 23, 2023 Share Posted April 23, 2023 Multimeter set to 20 V DC or similar.Check the battery voltage at rest, and the minimum as you try to start.JonathanPS: Would you like a wiring diagram? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Kay Posted April 23, 2023 Share Posted April 23, 2023 Do you have some fat jump leads and another vehicle or battery?Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert green Posted April 23, 2023 Author Share Posted April 23, 2023 Thank you Jonathan. A wiring diagram may be useful. The battery came off a ctek that seemed to think the battery was ok, so I had ruled that out. Certainly worth check it's voltage under load, I suppose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Kay Posted April 24, 2023 Share Posted April 24, 2023 Private Message sent.Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Vine Posted April 24, 2023 Share Posted April 24, 2023 Have you checked the electrolyte levels in the battery? There are reports that prolonged use of some battery conditioners can lead to low levels (although not with my Accumate, fortunately).JV Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barry watts Posted April 24, 2023 Share Posted April 24, 2023 If you have a red key emergency cut off switch try turning it on and off a few times. If that doesn't work try a little pressure on the key as you crank the engine. Happened on my crossflow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigel Riches Posted April 25, 2023 Share Posted April 25, 2023 This could be the same fault which got me, the switch isn't the most strongly made thing, and when you key it to the start position can over run the contacts, thus losing electrical power to the places it needs to be.The back of the switch can be removed from the lock barrel assembly, The cables pass through a plastic cover which is a snap fit on the back of the barrel, prise this off, and the electrical switch can be accessed. If you place a suitable sized screwdriver blade in the hole where the shaft comes from the key end, you can get an idea if the switch is porked. Also worth connecting a multi meter to the terminals, check for volts.Hope it doesn't get this industrial, it's a bit of an act too get in there under the dashboard.If it is the switch they are widely available, fitted to many Brit cars over the years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert green Posted April 25, 2023 Author Share Posted April 25, 2023 Thanks for the replies. John, it is a agm sealed unit, so can't be that on this occasion. Barry, that is worth a try and not something I had considered. Thanks. Nigel, as above , but I hope not!!!!! I will confirm the cause when I get to the bottom of it. My biggest issue is getting time with the car, which is probably why I'm in this situation in the first place. Cars are better used! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Golf Juliet Tango Posted April 25, 2023 Area Representative Share Posted April 25, 2023 I find an adaptor to measure voltage off the power outlet (cigarette lighter) is useful. Then I can see the voltage as I try to start the car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert green Posted April 26, 2023 Author Share Posted April 26, 2023 Connecting up a noco booster pack tonight got it going, so it is just the battery. I must admit the ctek had led me to believe the battery was fine and holding charge, so a measuring the voltage is the only real way to be sure. GJT, do you have a link for your adaptor, or something similar? Thanks all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now