No power unless car is running

[Waffles]

Well i've seen a couple threads about this topic but none that I could find were resolved.

The symptoms are pretty simple, no power to any systems in the car (door locks, windows, radio, fans...) besides the dash lights and ignition when the car is off. Even with key in the on position. When the car is running on the other hand everything turns on, but there is a very noticeable power drop when anything is turned on, as I can tell by the headlights almost turning off, then returning to normal after the alternator picks up the slack..

I checked ALL the fuses, and it is a brand new alt, rebuilt by a shop, and a reasonably new battery, so I have no idea what the problem is. Any help would be much appreciated as i JUST got the damn thing running after a week in the garage...

 

[whitetsi95]

Your ignition switch could be messed up. Or something loose in the colum.

 

[dadsgsx]

thats sound pretty messed up. maybe a bad ignition switch? the door locks and lights should have a constant source of energy. pull the plug off your headlights and stick a meter on on there to see if you have any voltage going to the lights with the switch on for the lights and the key in the off postiion. if not your going to have to start trouble shooting. start at the headlights working your way back until you find energy. how does your battery hold up? is it getting drained when the car is off? theres only two options and open or a short. The lights should dim until the engine see's rpms then alternator kicks in. however if your getting more the usual dimness then i would suspect that theres extra load on the circuit creating a drain. how about interior lights, brake lights and door chime do these work at all when the car is off?

 

[RayBan GST]

your ignition switch could be the problem, do you have any Turbo Timer? check your battery cables if they are loose.

 

[toybreaker]

Have you checked the alternator fuse with a voltmeter on both sides?

You can just put the positive probe of a voltmeter on the the 6mm bolt (with a ten 10mm head ) at the base of the fuse.

Both sides should be hot.

 

[akbubba47]

i had the same problem, with the exception that the headlights would turn on when i turn off the car. u have a false ground somewhere. check the wires that go to the batt terminals. i had to change mine because the wires melted because of loose connections causing the batt to arc and burn up the wires. also, check the alternator to see what it is charging at. it should be less than 14volts.

 

[zroth05talon]

I have the same problem. I replaced the ignition switch, and still nothing. Everything works the way it should while the car is running but as soon as the car shuts off, all that works is the guages, wipers, turn signals(but no hazards) and cig. lighter. I checked the alt. fuse and has energy going to it. Pulled the alt. and its running fine. I have no clue whats the matter.