Classic good news bad news story

[bluecuda]

The good news first. Finally after almost 1 year I had the Cuda running today. Moved to a new state, bought a new house,wife and I both started new jobs.No time for the fun stuff until today. Charged the battery all morning and got her fired up. Let it idle in the garage about 30 minutes. Just getting ready to go to the gas station when I got the bright idea to turn on the headlights to see how well the battery had charged. Bad idea!
  The engine quickly died and will not restart under its own power. Nothing happens when I turn the key now.
What went wrong??

[GoodysGotaCuda]

The good news first. Finally after almost 1 year I had the Cuda running today. Moved to a new state, bought a new house,wife and I both started new jobs.No time for the fun stuff until today. Charged the battery all morning and got her fired up. Let it idle in the garage about 30 minutes. Just getting ready to go to the gas station when I got the bright idea to turn on the headlights to see how well the battery had charged. Bad idea!
  The engine quickly died and will not restart under its own power. Nothing happens when I turn the key now.
What went wrong??

Nothing happens? Dome light work? anything? I'd first just check the battery terminals take them off, clean anything on and check and make sure you have a good connection.  Same with the hot wire from the batt to the starter relay, make sure that is nice and solid.

[422STROKER]

It might be the Fusible Link under the Hood next to the Starter Relay.  Worth a look.


Tom

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Goody gave you great advise. Find out if "all" is dead. If you do have a horn, or 12 volts across the battery, then the fusable link is suspect. Something would have to go terribly wrong to blow that sucker up. 


  Mike

[422STROKER]

I had a short in my headlights on my old 70 Barracuda and the lights went out fast had to replace the fusible link.


Tom

[MEK-Dangerfield]

I had a short in my headlights on my old 70 Barracuda and the lights went out fast had to replace the fusible link.


Tom

Being in electronics, my nose got into this.  The fuseable link is indeed in your "front" wiring harness. I don't see that as the problem here(I don't think). If your car was running(idling) for 30 minutes, either your alternator, or voltage regulator crapped out on you. Did you notice what your Amp meter said?? It should have been moving to the right towards charge.


  Mike

[bluecuda]

MEK, now that you mention it, the gauge was not working like it has in the past.It stayed in the middle not showing charge or discharge.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Then it sounds like a bad voltage regulator, or alternator to me.


  Mike