car shorting out?

Question

my ford fiesta has had an electrical problem for a while now. the fuel gauge would drop all the way down at random times, the engine would shudder and the fog lights would come on.
I have replaced the alternator and that has made no difference.
I have just removed the headlights to fit a new bumper and now they dont work, the car has trouble starting and will cut out as soon as any electrical device is applied (reverse light, headlight, etc..) and both of the indicators are constantly on.

There is definatly a short somewhere but i have no idea where.

does anyone no how to diagnose and repair a short, or how much it would cost to be repaired?

(might have to get the aa to come and have a look as it wont drive at all now without cutting out)

could this be the reason why my radio's volume sometimes goes up when you turn it down and my heater only works on full power? i no the heater probably needs a new relay but could it be related?
also, i have just wiggled the headlight plugs and they came on but theres still more werid stuff happening like when i indicate right the full beam dash light goes on :s

Answer 1

honestly when you have numerous electrical problems all at the same time it is often a bad ground. check your battery to frame ground cable, and make absolute certain you have a frame to body ground. If you are poorly grounded then the electric finds other paths to follow to get to where it is going. Try hooking one of your jumper cables( if you have a pair) from the negative battery post to a good metal spot on the engine. Hook the other cable from the engine to a solid spot on the body, such as the brake master cylinder. Note that none of these connections will involve the positive battery post.

Answer 2

The easiest way to diagnose this is to get a jump lead and connect only the battery earth with the engine. If this solves everything the earth between the engine/gearbox and body is either broken, or more probably not connected. It tends to get forgotten when a clutch is changed but it should be a heavy wire attached to one of the starter mounting bolts.

Answer 3

if the engine cuts out when an additional load is applied to the system this indicates the battery is in a low state of charge a clip on amp meter on the battery lead will show if the altenator is charging peform a discharge test on the battery to confirm it's condition. auto electrician or lucas can peform these tests when you know the basics are sound set about resolving other problems

Answer 4

If its an older type fiesta like the older style escorts the mk4/5 it would usually be your main fuse box, the complete unit itself would be fitted to the car.check the main earth and all others like in the boot behind the tale lamps behind the carpet,under the bonnet on the chassis leg in most cars is the front earth and check the battery terminals making sure they are clean to and yes to checking the fuses.

Answer 5

Clutching at straws here,

Is the battery properly secured and the positive post not toching the body?

Are there any earth connections loose or missing or corroded.

You have to examine things with your forensics hat on when you've got problems like this.

Answer 6

You could try taking all non important fuses out( any that does not effect the running of the engine) and then start putting them back one by one and see if there is any effect. If not, then the problem is in the engine harness somewhere.

Answer 7

Sometimes it's easy to find a short by looking under the hood in the dark. Also if you don't see any thing then spray some water without flooding it.

Answer 8

certain we've a 2005 chevy malibu maxx lt, it comes with skill drivers seat, telescoping/tilt guidance column and adjustable foot pedals. my spouse is 5' and he or she says that is a exhilaration topersistent because it matches without pick for pillows. that is person-friendly to modify the motive force's seat for human beings over 6' tall. it is also a probability-free(5 in call for human being crash attempt) automobile with 6 air bags and four wheel disk brakes, v6 engine and receives over 30mpg hwy. wish this helps.

Answer 9

electrical problem,s are a pain......because they don,t alway,s show similar symptom,s.......many time,s it,s a grounding problem,especially with all the plastic,s in today,s car,s.....be sure everything is grounded properly....if it isn,t your electrical system will search for anything ,looking like a ground.try this. then look for any wire,s that look burnt or melted....then try the fuse game.....sooner or later you,ll stumble on the problem.

Answer 10

if i was you i would trade it in the money you will spend to put it right could cost you more than the car is worth cut your losses and treat your self to a new one