I have a 79 Datsun/Nissan 280 zx that I am trying to put back in working order! I just had the engine rebuilt. We just got it back, we drove it this afternoon, and tried to start it about 5 hours later and Nothing! The lights were Off and there is no radio. It appears the starter was in the off position. Can anyone offer me any tips or suggestions on where to start to find the problem? Thanks.
2007-08-19 17:24:14 · 6 answers · asked by blondechick 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
You need to get a $15 voltmeter. If the battery is around 14 volts while the engine is running, it's a bad battery. If it's around 11 or 12 volts with engine running, the alternator isn't working.
2007-08-20 01:05:03 · answer #1 · answered by Nomadd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1 Check the battery that there is no leak(s) or cracks and electrolyte has leaked out. Charge the battery out of the car. Check the electrolyte levels, then top up with distilled water - charge at the 20 hour rate (if it is 80 ampere hours, need a 4 amp charger). Check the battery with a load tester (battery mechanics have one) once charged, and this will tell if the battery is stuffed.
2 If this is OK, put back in the car, and put a DC current meter (about 10 amps DC) 'in line' with the battery (positive) terminal (you place one meter lead on the +ve battery terminal, and the other meter lead on the battery 'clamp'). DO NOT START THE ENGINE OR TURN ON THE LIGHTS as this will burn out the meter. Do NOT TURN on the ignition. See and record how much current is being drawn. This is leakage current. If it is about 0.10 (one tenth of an amp) amps this is about normal for many cars (clocks etc). Shut the doors and the trunk (boot).
3 If the current is more than this, pull out each fuse in turn and note which fuse lowers the current. Check what this fuse feeds and the problems will be in the equipment in these circuits.
Good luck, and Regards, Peter S.
2007-08-20 00:56:23 · answer #2 · answered by Benzcruiser 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, check all of your fuses, mainly in the main fuse block under the hood. Next, get a check on your battery, make sure it is good. Then, check your belts, make sure they are tight, and then get a check on your alternator. The battery starts the car, but then the alternator runs the car and charges the battery. If your alternator is bad, then its not running the car, forcing the car to run off the battery. A battery cannot run your car for long. If your belts are loose, then your alternator probably isn't getting to charge properly, and cannot provide the proper charge for your battery and car.
2007-08-20 00:35:34 · answer #3 · answered by zanilth1984 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Alternator not working? Alternator belt loose? Did you start losing power while you were driving? If you're sure it's not the alternator, charge the battery, drive it again, remove the power connection to the battery. Check to see if the battery still loses power with nothing connected.
I would also remove relays and fuses to isolate specific circuits while testing further.
2007-08-20 00:38:25 · answer #4 · answered by Albert L 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Either wrong charging power or worn-out battery
2007-08-20 04:17:33 · answer #5 · answered by swenson0 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you try to jump start it? You may have just a dead battery.
2007-08-20 00:33:37 · answer #6 · answered by turbocivic89 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋