328 electical short???

hi guys, bought a damaged 86 328 (thought it was cheap)

body damage and needed a new computer.

ran fine (was sitting about a year), for over 200miles everything worked.'

now cranks doesn't start, also windows don't work and gauges also.

change i think all fuses.

what next any ideas.

thanks

 

Hi there,

Welcome to FerrariChat! Lots of owners on here can help you with your problems.

First, could you fill out your profile so we know a little bit about your car, location, etc.? First name would be nice, too.

As far as your problem--could you clarify the issue you're having? What do you mean by "change I think all fuses"--do you mean that you did change the fuses, or that you think you should change the fuses?

Do you have a DMM (Digital Multimeter)? You'll need one. Check Sears, Radio Shack, Home Depot, etc.


--Mike

 

Some of that may depend on where it sat without running.

I left an Alfa sit for about two years in a cold, dry climate without a problem. But after leaving it a year sitting in a coastal city, I had to clean salt air induced corrosion off just about every electrical contact, including the headlights.

Electrical diagnostics takes a methodical approach. It may be as simple as a connector popping off, but even then you'd have to pay close attention to details to figure out which one. (For example, noting exactly which devices stopped working might point you to the suspect connector.)

You'll also need to get a wiring diagram. (I don't think the dealers can get them anymore, but you can get a pdf one online, or you might convince a dealer to let you copy his.)

(Is it just my perspective, or are diagnostic skills becoming a lost art?)

 

thanks for info guys,

i changed all fuses in main box.(on passenger side)

i didn't know if i should start changing relays?

i am not very good at electrical, but something tells me i am going to become

more proficient.

i will have to go throught and see exactly what is working and what is not.

thanks carl

 

Welcome...we have this "cheap Ferrari" discussion twice a day!

Best to find a knowledgable local shop, unless you weant to invest HUGE amounts of your own time....

(Yes, you are correct "fixing things" is no longer taught in school...I have checked)

 

Did you change the battery?

 

Most auto shops don't have electrical wiring experts either. Modern cars plug into computers which tell you what parts to replace.

Auto electrical shops are separate businesses that auto shops outsouce the tough cases to.

My father (a former mechanic) was strict about that kind of thing. When a power window stopped working on my first car, instead of replacing the power unit, I wound up restringing new (hardware store) cable, and soldering the loose connection inside the motor. (But then, a new window mechanism would have cost more than the car was worth. )

Computers haven't been the same since we took the "single step" key off the front. Instead of tracing and fixing bugs, we just shrug, reboot, and hope it doesn't happen again soon. (And if you have any idea what a "single step" key was, you must have also reached the point where you pay attention during those "hair replacement" commercials. )

 

hi guys,

yes, i did change the battery.

i will dive into it tonight and see what i can figure out.

thanks carl