Everything ready for the season, I thought. Last week first drive, starts directly, engine runs great, no misfire. Today... starts directly, drove out of the garage, engine suddenly dies. Try to start, no crank. Batteri ok, lights and everything works. No crank, can't hear any click or anything, nothing. If it was the solenoid it would not crank, but that would not make it stall when running (?). Please point me in a direction. /Peter
I would check the following things: - Fuel pump: check if it works, makes a buzzing noise when stering - Fusebox: check the fuse for the fuel pump and starter and look if it wasn't burnt (the white connector at the far right, 3d metal pin from the bottom if I remember well - Ground connection of the battery: by-pass the standard battery switch and run a cable from the "-" at the battery to the chassis
Thank you Stefan, will try that. Still puzzled of what happened, inbetween electrical and fuel. Will make some work tomorrow. /Peter
A failed alternator can cause a car to stall, and after the first start the battery may be discharged such that it can not crank the car but have enough residual charge that the lights would work. Or, a failed battery can load the alternator and cause the car to stall. I am thinking its a battery or battery cable connection issue. Possible blown fuses, or fuse box "burnt" connectors would be the next possible culprit.
So far, no burnt fuses, nothing burnt at white connector. Ground connection at batteri already removed before. Charged the battery, tried to crank, nothing. Lights etc. works. No idea how much amps the battery can produce though. Going in to starter to check connections tomorrow. /Peter
Since I will be at the starter tomorrow I might as well add the starter relay solution while being in there. Wiring seems simple, but were do you put the relay? /Peter
If the alt warning light does not illuminate with key "on", it would indicate that there is probably a problem in the ignition switch itself or the +12V wiring coming into it (or out of it) -- and this would match your symptom of the engine stopping; whereas, having a problem in the starter, or its wiring, giving a no start condition would not stop the engine once it is running. What version 1985 Mondial QV do you have (and please indicate whether it is 3.0L or a 3.2L just to be sure -- your location makes "model year" less definitive)?
Checked your wiring diagram (here's a link if you don't have a copy): https://www.dropbox.com/s/shgl3mh5nmmfqcw/Wiring Diagram Mondial QV Euro Version.pdf?dl=0 and (if your alt warning light isn't illuminating) the first diagnostic thing that I would do is measure the voltage from either of the terminals holding the large red wires leaving the middle of the vertical w connector on your fuse-relay panel to chassis ground (it should always be +12V even with no key present, but make this measurement with the key "on" to put this circuit under load so upstream unwanted high resistances can be detected). You should be able to touch the back of the metal terminal in the w connector with your voltmeter probe even when the w connector is plugged in. (Of course, also unplug/inspect/reseat the w connector too.)
Thank you Steve. I have a printed version wiring diagram but now also on file, good to have. Will follow your instruction first thing tomorrow. /Peter
So, No alternator light when key is on. Ignition key off, 12 V on the red terminal. Ignition key on, 0 V on the red terminal. No blown fuses. Lost indicators, but not hazard indicators. Lights, everything seems to work. Lost here. /Peter
Everything that goes through the ignition switch seems to be out. So is the ignition switch the place to go? Loose wire, bad connection... /Peter
Now the ignition switch is a real pain in the neck, I had to replace mine in the past, was beyond repair and I have some customers who had to do the same. The issue is located in the block in which the key fits , which cannot be opened. I can't remember having seen someone fixing it without having to replace it, I did a quick search on this forum but couldn't find a successful repair of the block itself.
Ok, I am totally wrong here, will check when I get home. You don't have anything useful on the shelf for me? /Peter
Many useful things including a number of anti-theft devices (= ignition switches). Anyhow, best to identify what's causing the issue first
