Massive electrical issue!

[stevecrossman1987]

Massive electrical issue!
Hi!
I have absolutely no idea what the problem is..

I unlocked my car the other morning ( no problems) and then realised that by the time i had turned the engine on the following was not working

1) Power steering
2) Heater
3) Radio
4) Electric windows
5) Dashboard


I have done the whole 23 times with the keys thing and no luck

Im guessing it might be a fuse or relay issue?


thanks in advance

[greglebon]

But the engine started, right?

Did you have headlights, indicators, etc...?

Did engine run ok......fast idle, rev dropping as it warmed up, etc....?

Or was everything just "dead" (relay click when you try to start engine.....)

[greglebon]

If engine didn't start (relay click or less), then disconnect you battery and check voltage across terminals: should be 12.x volts.

If correct, reconnect car to battery and check again: if voltage drops right down, then you have a short somewhere....?

Could be your starter motor solenoid has jammed.....

Or one of the main relays is defective / major fuse has blown

Possibly even a short-circuit diode in the regulator (alternator)?

I can't remember any of the relay locations, as I have not got a schematic handy....but for so much NOT to work its going to be something near the front of the power circuitry, the battery / charging / starting circuit: either a relay or fuse.

hth?

[stevecrossman1987]

Thanks for getting back to me, the engine starts fine as do the lights, no apparent issues in the engine as it ticks over although did notice a slight tone change, however it might just be me over thinking things

[greglebon]

So...Engine start / runs fine?

Lights work fine?

Have you checked to see if your battery is charging?

Its frustrating I don't have diagrams anymore, but I'm thinking that based on the above, the main fuses are ok....?

So...I'd be looking at an earth somewhere...or possibly your dashboard fuse...?
(I think they call this the "panel" fuse, or something?)

Have you had any water in the car? Leaky drains, etc...?

As we've had some crappy weather lately, it may be that a fuse has blown due to a water-related short.....

Most likely, anyway..

[aussieGT]

I had the same thing happen after getting my car back from the paint shop.

There's yet another fuse box in the kick panel next to the drivers foot well, try that box. Fixed my problem.