Hi, I`m back with another ignition issue, after the first on was sorted out last week: I want to start the car, on-board electricity (8-track-Player, passenger lights) are all there when turning the ignition on without igniting. I then ignite it, it dies down completly, no electricity whatsoever...dark and dead. I wiggle at some cables on the steering column, I wiggle in the engine bay, not always the same place. Suddenly, electricity is back, it starts again, and runs...I`m quite afraid this might happen while driving on the highway. Seems the electricity flowing through the system on a start "overpowers" it, but I really don`t get the complete shutdown. I don`t know if it really is the mechanical impulse via wiggling or maybe the time in between starting manoeuvers, maybe a fuse with a bitmetal control, whatever...it really stresses me out, I`m not too keen putting in my kids. All help appreciated...again!
ConvertDreamer seems to have nearly the same issues in his thread from may 21 ....I went for that battery pole, cleaning it up, going to clean up all those contacts, letz see what I can do. Jens
Check your ignition switch, especially if you have a dashboard ignition. All the car's juice runs through there, and they can build up resistance and short-out over time.
Jens. Didn't you just have to replace the rod and Rack assembly in your column ???? Are we talking about the same car ????Are you sure the Ignition switch is adjusted properly ??? If you have a Tilt column try with the wheel all the way up and then try with the wheel all the way down . I think the rod and rack assembly isn't pulling the switch far enough . I was right the first time lets see if I can get 2 in a row . Also Year and model and with or without tilt wheel will help . Good luck
Not only the same car, but also 1 day before the mandatory 6-year- tech inspection by the state which they take quite seriously around here....30 min all over that car because they only check these classics every 6 years. Wow, but as I`ve written I`ve gone behind it myself after I`ve read what they wrote at that thread from ConvertDreamer. I`ve had a battery disconnct switch at the negative pole, took it off, it looked a little "burned" at the contact area. Also the thread looked somehow strange, discolored and had some little debris in it...I don`t know if it`s that or not, but I took it out, reconnected that battery in the classical way, had the contacts cleaned before...for now, runs like a champ. Thanks for your help and your thoughts, otherwise the ignition rod seems to do it`s job. All the best Jens
Glad you sorted it out. The problem you describe is usually a loose battery cable or a bad ground between the engine and frame, frame and body or body and engine. Good luck with the inspection.
Car still starts strong and powerfull...good thing. Tech inspection went good so far, car stays on the road All the best
