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Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: TIGGER on October 17, 2005, 12:42:39 AM

Title: Electrical Problems with my 73
Post by: TIGGER on October 17, 2005, 12:42:39 AM
I went over to my friends house to start my 73 today.  The car seems to have a wierd electrical problem now.  The only things that work are the dome light, the head lights and the key buzzer.  The car won't turn over and none of the other lights work, tail lights, side markers, dash lights, idiot lights, gauges etc.  I cleaned the battery terminals and the block ground.  I also cleaned the starter solinoid terminals with no luck.  The battery was weak but I was able to crank it over for a short period just jumping the solinoid.  It has been quite some time since I started it but it usually is not a problem.  However last time I remember having to jiggle the solinoid wires to get the starter to engage but that was it.  The rest of the electrical system worked just fine.  Any idea's where to start?  What is the easiest way to check the ignition switch?
Title: Re: Electrical Problems with my 73
Post by: Pintony on October 17, 2005, 12:49:38 AM
Hey Tigger that is a good one.
Look under the dash at your fuse block.
Try tightening the 3/8" or 10mm bolt that holds that assy together.
If the bolt is tight? Unbolt and pull it apart and look at the connections.
I'll keep thinking about your question.
From Pintony
Title: Re: Electrical Problems with my 73
Post by: TIGGER on October 17, 2005, 12:21:46 PM
Thanks Pintony, I will check it out hopefully some time this week.  I think the battery is toast as it would not accept a charge last night.  I will take it back during my lunch break and have it checked....
Title: Re: Electrical Problems with my 73
Post by: 73pintogeek on October 17, 2005, 02:05:43 PM
hey Tigger...If after installing a new battery,youstill have the same problem...try checking for a melted fusable link...i`ve had this trouble before and torn my hair out over it...all over a 99 cent part...just a shot... ;D
73pintogeek
Title: Re: Electrical Problems with my 73
Post by: TIGGER on October 17, 2005, 02:34:40 PM
73pintogeek, while cleaning the terminals on the starter soleniod, the ring terminal broke off the fuseable link :-\  It looked like it was weak for sometime.  So I cut the fuse off and added a plain terminal till I can find another to splice in.  On another note, I now have a fresh battery.  It does not look like I will have time to stop by and play with the car tonight.  The girlfriend has other plans for my evening ::)
Title: Re: Electrical Problems with my 73
Post by: Pintony on October 17, 2005, 06:43:26 PM
Quote from: TIGGER on October 17, 2005, 02:34:40 PM
73pintogeek, while cleaning the terminals on the starter soleniod, the ring terminal broke off the fuseable link :-\  It looked like it was weak for sometime.  So I cut the fuse off and added a plain terminal till I can find another to splice in.  On another note, I now have a fresh battery.  It does not look like I will have time to stop by and play with the car tonight.  The girlfriend has other plans for my evening ::)

OH WELL HECK!!!! Just Dump Her!!!!!!..... if she dosen't understand about a man and his horse. ;D
Title: Re: Electrical Problems with my 73
Post by: TIGGER on October 17, 2005, 11:18:59 PM
She's a good woman :-*  She lets me get what I want when it comes to my cars, but gives me a hard time when stuff sits around without progress.  Last year it was my jet boat.  This year it is my crusier wagon.  She is going to  ::) her eyes when I tell her I am buying another parts car ;D
Title: Re: Electrical Problems with my 73
Post by: phils toys on October 18, 2005, 07:42:01 PM
tigger parts aregood at least you  are able to find parts  something about salt and cars  around here  always = RUST