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No ignition or headlights

Discussion in '308/328' started by RBV24961, May 19, 2015.

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  1. RBV24961

    RBV24961 Formula Junior

    May 23, 2006
    290
    Rye, New York
    #1 RBV24961, May 19, 2015
    Last Mothers day I took my 78 308 GTS on a 1.5 hour trip to Ct and suffered a major problem on the way home to NY. First my lights went out one after the other, the dashboard lights shut off, and finally the car died. I made it to the side and Hagerty brought the car home where I discovered my new battery had not been bolted down and the caps on one side popped off letting fluid either evaporate or escape. I did smell something strange before the car died and I heard a pop as well coming from the front of the car. I then pulled out the old battery and replaced it to find that I have no ignition or headlamps. Everything else seems to work fine, and no fuses were blown. The alternator was just replaced last year, and the car had a major service as well. In addition, I have two Crane electronic ignition boxes. Could I have fried the coils as they are wired directly to the battery through the ignition switch? Relays? Any suggestions are highly welcomed and thank you.
     
  2. Jdubbya

    Jdubbya The $10 Trillion Man
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 28, 2003
    43,205
    PNW
    Full Name:
    John
    #2 Jdubbya, May 19, 2015
    First thing I'd check would be the negative grounds. Not just the battery one but also the one on the engine. A loose or dirty ground can cause problems.
     
  3. Crowndog

    Crowndog F1 Veteran

    Jul 16, 2011
    7,042
    Fairfield,Pa
    Full Name:
    Robert
    #3 Crowndog, May 19, 2015
    Similar experience with an old Jeep. Overcharging of the battery caused it to blow. That might have been the pop you heard.
     
  4. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,105
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    #4 Rifledriver, May 19, 2015
    Exactly what I was thinking.


    The noise, the smell, the damaged battery, multiple burned out lights. Doesn't take Colombo to piece this case together.


    Some ignition units, among other automotive electronics can be rather voltage sensitive. They may have died from too much voltage. I'd call Crane directly and ask. Like MSD they might have a testing/repair service.
     

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