RMW just died

Comrades...

Driving in 35 degree rain the other day, my '92 Estate Wagon ran like a top, like always. When I reached my friend's house, I turned car off, heard a half beep, and then nothing. No power anywhere...ignition, door lights, horn...nothing. Nothing clicks when the key is turned. Just dead.

It did come back to life briefly, twice, but all power was lost as I turned the key to start. It is now, once again, acting as if it has no battery. The battery terminals are tight. The battery itself is less than a year old.

Sounds electrical to me. I let it sit for a few days to dry out, but it is still dead in front my friend's place. I ran the transmission lever thru the gears to see if that was the problem.

I am not a mechanic and I do not think I can track down a short circuit, but I do not want to pay for another repair shop bill.

Is there something simple I should look at that would explain this before getting it towed to a shop?

Thanks for your help.

David

Disconnect the battery terminals, inspect for corrosion. Measure battery voltage, should be 12.7V. If less, battery needs charging. Reconnect terminals, try to start. Do the lights come on when you open the door?

Will do.

No lights.

You either have a completely dead battery or a bad battery connection.

I had a new battery with a cracked cell. Worked fine until you slammed the door.. then.... nothing. Slam the door again, and voila, power.

I have had corroded cables that looked fine from the outside, but were rotted on the inside.

Check the battery for volts and then follow the power back until there isn't any.

Thanks to all.

I will check battery and cables.

And make sure the junction block is in good condition; clean, tight and no corrosion.
If it isn't the brass version, replace it.
It's located on the passenger wheelhouse inner.
Part #50 in this diagram:
http://www.tonkinonlineparts.com/showAssembly.aspx?ukey_assembly=816591&ukey_make=1084&modelYear=1993&ukey_model=15841

Check at the red box on the right wheelhouse for power. That is what the cable is wired to.

JoeT wrote:

And make sure the junction block is in good condition; clean, tight and no corrosion.
If it isn't the brass version, replace it.
It's located on the passenger wheelhouse inner.
Part #50 in this diagram:
http://www.tonkinonlineparts.com/showAssembly.aspx?ukey_assembly=816591&ukey_make=1084&modelYear=1993&ukey_model=15841

He has a 92 TBI car according to his sig. They do not have the junction box with the zinc post.

Fred Kiehl wrote:

JoeT wrote:

And make sure the junction block is in good condition; clean, tight and no corrosion.
If it isn't the brass version, replace it.
It's located on the passenger wheelhouse inner.
Part #50 in this diagram:
http://www.tonkinonlineparts.com/showAssembly.aspx?ukey_assembly=816591&ukey_make=1084&modelYear=1993&ukey_model=15841

He has a 92 TBI car according to his sig. They do not have the junction box with the zinc post.

Thanks Fred. I thought 92 had the zinc post.
Joe

JoeT wrote:

Fred Kiehl wrote:

JoeT wrote:

And make sure the junction block is in good condition; clean, tight and no corrosion.
If it isn't the brass version, replace it.
It's located on the passenger wheelhouse inner.
Part #50 in this diagram:
http://www.tonkinonlineparts.com/showAssembly.aspx?ukey_assembly=816591&ukey_make=1084&modelYear=1993&ukey_model=15841

He has a 92 TBI car according to his sig. They do not have the junction box with the zinc post.

Thanks Fred. I thought 92 had the zinc post.
Joe

I believe only the 94s had them. They were only on LT1 cars.

Well that was easy.

Turns out the negative battery bolt was from the 20th century and worn out, causing a wobbly negative connection. New bolt, in tight but not too tight, and we are good to go.

It is always a treat when the problem is at the first place you look.

I appreciate the advice.

Glad to help, and more happy that it was something easy and inexpensive.

Free fixes are always the best ones.