Newbie w. EA81 fail to start

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 1:01 pm

Hi,

Just to introduce myself I have an 84 FWD Wagon that I remember coming home brand new from the dealers

Trouble is that "Suzzy" aint so new any more. Have got away with doing most repairs myself but am stumped on this one.

When switching 'on' the warning lights all come up but are dimmed. They flicker with the pulse of the fuel pump and dim more with the application of the brake lights. Trying to find power to turn the engine over is naturally not there.

The relatively new battery holds 12+ volts but this declines to about 10 after a few minutes of connection.

Presumably this is a short but I can't find where.

I have done the following without success:

Disconnected the fuel pump (as it had been getting a bit noisy)
Pulled each fuse one by one to see if amps change
Checked fusible links

I am guessing that if I can't get the amps of drain to change from the fuses then it must be a short on something that bypasses the fuse box e.g. Hazards or brake lights but I wondered if anyone had any ideas on how to most efficiently trace the problem to the ground

Thanks

Rod

BTW Disconnected the fuel bowl solenoid a few months ago to stop a short on the ignition system.

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 3:59 pm

Sorry but can I Bump this please?

littlewhiteute · Post by **littlewhiteute** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 6:14 pm

Can I assume the current drain is in the engine bay?
Have you disconnected the alternator?
It could have an internal short to ground.

Suby Wan Kenobi · Post by **Suby Wan Kenobi** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 8:15 pm

Are you sure there is a current drain? Is there a spark given off when everything is OFF and you connect the battery?

Another thing, is the starter motor ok or is it jammed out?

brumbyrunner · Post by **brumbyrunner** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 9:19 pm

Have you tried jump starting it or a different battery? First thing I would have done.

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 11:01 pm

Thanks for the help guys I will get onto it again in the morning and report back.

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 9:19 am

Solved! Bloody alternator

Thank you to everyone -much appreciated -Suzzy rises from the ashes!

Rod

SUBYDAZZ · Post by **SUBYDAZZ** » Sat Apr 26, 2008 8:30 am

Dang, I was going to suggest that first.

steptoe · Post by **steptoe** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 2:10 pm

I was gonna say it sounds like....but someone beat me to it

littlewhiteute · Post by **littlewhiteute** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 6:45 pm

Rodster wrote:Solved! Bloody alternator

Thank you to everyone -much appreciated -Suzzy rises from the ashes!

Rod

Alternators.
Don't you just hate that.