Total Electrical Failure

[speed220mph]

Hi Bob:
Have a serious problem with ERA 409. The car has had total electrical failure several times, one while driving. Lights, engine, instruments, horn . . . everything needing electrical power quits. But after awhile the car has power again.

After tracing this intermitent problem with a multimeter and wiggling wires, checking connections--ground included--the only thing I can determine is the car is haunted by Joseph Lucas ghost or a faulty ignition switch. But I see from your web site that you've replaced the original Lucas ignition switch with a Delco unit. Did that change occur before or after 1995, the year #409 was built? The bezel is knurled and not slotted as with the original Luas unit. A round key is used. Guess I need to know which switch do I buy?

Thanks for your help. Any hints on troubleshooting I may have overlooked would be appreciated.

Tom Monroe

[strictlypersonl]

The ignition switch circuit does not include the lights, so if the head and parking lights are effected, the problem is elsewhere.

If you have a circuit breaker mounted next to the starter solenoid, bypass it temporarily (put both its wires on the same terminal) and see whether that fixes the problem.

If there's no circuit breaker or the problem persists, trace the power from the battery to the ammeter and back to the fuse box.

[speed220mph]

Interesting. I checked the circuit breaker, but I wasn't quick enough to catch it before it reset if it is the problem. But it may be the problem because the system powered up when I would open or close the hood, or jiggle any wires near it.

Done; I've placed the connections on a common terminal. I'll drive the car for awhile with the circuit breaker bypassed. But I'm sure you put it there for a reason such as protection against an overload. So what problem should I be aware of with the circuit breaker bypassed or can I eliminate it?

Thanks again for your help.

[strictlypersonl]

The circuit breaker is there in case of someone's brain fade when they're fooling around behind the dash. They have been quite reliable, but may eventually get tired if highly stressed. I've only replaced a couple over the last 20 years.

[ERA Chas]

Speed,
Not on this topic, but you have a PM from 4-22.
Please read at your convenience.
Thanks,

[joea]

I had a similar problem...turned out to be a weak connection on the big red connector on the harness. When the power blacked out, I noticed that by lifting the connection with my finger it would come back. I ended up taking the connector apart, cleaning the connections and making sure they lined up properly when I reinstalled them.