Electrical Meltdown ..... HELP!!

[nocrow]

First Let me wish all DSM'ers a Happy New Year!. I was driving home the other day when my 1990 Laser NT began it's meltdown. My radio went first, then headlights,parking lights and everything in between. My car died a block from my house for this I am lucky. Anyhoo, my first thoughts were the ECU since I already replaced the capacitors the year before. I bought a ECU off Ebay same MD number 128624 a week ago and just thought I would change it out. It made no difference?? The car won't crank. battery is at 10.50V, Yes, I know it's low. There is a clicking coming from passenger side area of of the rear seat. Anyone know what this could be or if this could be the problem? My haynes manual doesn't show anything. Thoughts or ideas would be appreciated. Peace

 

[blue92laser]

I am almost 100% that its your alternator or alternator fuse, its an 80AMP fuse on the tranny side of the engine bay, by the caster plate for the strut. Check them out, see whats up and get back to the boards. I would like to know what your problem is.

 

[nocrow]

Thanks for the tip. I will check that first thing tomorrow. I'll let you know what I find out.

 

[CarTrader29]

I am almost 100% that its your alternator or alternator fuse, its an 80AMP fuse on the tranny side of the engine bay, by the caster plate for the strut. Check them out, see whats up and get back to the boards. I would like to know what your problem is.

My thoughts too

 

[2.4 turbo Hyped]

Did your voltage regulator on your alternator go out? I had this happen once and the alternator was putting out 24+ volts. It melted crap just as you described including the 80 amp fusible link.

 

[2.4 turbo Hyped]

Did your voltage regulator on your alternator go out? I had this happen once and the alternator was putting out 24+ volts. It melted crap just as you described including the 80 amp fusible link.

 

[nocrow]

I checked the fuse looks fine? Could it be the alternator relay (little black thing in fuse compartment)? Can they check alternators off the vehicle? What the heck is all this clicking when I rec-connect battery cable. I open the door click..click...click...I turn the key click....click....click. I know I have alot of questions...but I been reading these forums for awhile and know alot of folks have/had the same problems... so thanks again. I hope it's the alternator...don't I?

 

[R3dR]

take the altenator to a repair shop mine only cost 55.00 to have it rebuilt and i had same issue you had.

 

[2.4 turbo Hyped]

I checked the fuse looks fine? Could it be the alternator relay (little black thing in fuse compartment)? Can they check alternators off the vehicle? What the heck is all this clicking when I rec-connect battery cable. I open the door click..click...click...I turn the key click....click....click. I know I have alot of questions...but I been reading these forums for awhile and know alot of folks have/had the same problems... so thanks again. I hope it's the alternator...don't I?

Can you hunt down the source of the clicking? Im sure that will lead you to some more answers.

 

[nocrow]

If it was the alternator wouldn't you be able to jump start the car? I tried jumping and nothing. The car won't begin to turn over and as I wrote earlier the battery is low (10.5V) but shouldn't this be enough to at least crank it?

 

[psychlow]

No. 10.5V will hardly ever start a car, especially if it's at all cold out.

The clicking you're hearing is probably your 12V relays activating and deactivating. One of them is probably for the seatbelt motor. The relay has just enough juice to activate, but then in completing the connection the voltage drops, so it deactivates. When it deactivates, the load goes back down and the available current rises, so it can activate again, and repeat.

 

[nocrow]

Thanks everybody, I guess I'll be taking out the alternator to get it checked. I'll post the results.

 

[2.4 turbo Hyped]

If it was the alternator wouldn't you be able to jump start the car? I tried jumping and nothing. The car won't begin to turn over and as I wrote earlier the battery is low (10.5V) but shouldn't this be enough to at least crank it?

Can you crank it over by hand?? Its not seized is it?

 

[nocrow]

You were right on the money. The alternator was shot. I really appreciate all the help. You guys are the best. Peace

 

[R3dR]

Glad we could help