Don't let the smoke out!

coupesport said:
if so this should be rectified - and we could logically say that was the culprit...
you may not even have to replace your alternator but that AL41X has juice to spare
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Oh yes, without a root cause there is no point in declaring it fixed...
 
Thanks guys, current thinking is that the starter is shorted to ground and eating all the available amps, so the dash indicator lights don't even glow. I'll get the DMM on it and see what is revealed. I think: one meter pin to B+, the other to the block. There should be no voltage between the two. I have to think about this a bit.

Looking at the wiring diagram(s), there are several ground points throughout the car for various groups of electrical consumers, but where is the main ground for the engine?
 
First, disconnect the cable that goes to the starter and tape it up to make sure it isn't grounded. Then turn on the ignition and see if you get voltage on the other circuits and that the other things are working properly.
 
Honolulu said:
Thanks guys, current thinking is that the starter is shorted to ground and eating all the available amps, so the dash indicator lights don't even glow. I'll get the DMM on it and see what is revealed. I think: one meter pin to B+, the other to the block. There should be no voltage between the two. I have to think about this a bit.

Looking at the wiring diagram(s), there are several ground points throughout the car for various groups of electrical consumers, but where is the main ground for the engine?
Click to expand...
H> I think: one meter pin to B+, the other to the block. There should be no voltage between the two.

Disconnect the battery, measure ohms between B+ and the chassis ground. If you see zero ohms then there is a short.
Else, repeat with the key moved to RUN, if no short repeat with the key moved to START.

If the short is only during START, disconnect the starter positive, reconnect the battery, and push start the car. At 6 ft 6 I bet you can push start the car as a matter of course.

My battery has a braided copper ground from the battery (-) to the engine bay. There should be another braided copper ground from the chassis to engine/tranny I heard. These can carry the AMPs. The other grounds are toys.
 
Oh, I've push started many a car and my bikes as well. I live 800 feet up a ridge behind Diamond Head. OTOH if the car doesn't start, I'll have to bug my pal for his Tacoma and tow strap.

Now all that's lacking is the mental energy to actually perform the work.
 
Honolulu said:
Oh, I've push started many a car and my bikes as well. I live 800 feet up a ridge behind Diamond Head. OTOH if the car doesn't start, I'll have to bug my pal for his Tacoma and tow strap.
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Wow, it's a small world, I used to live on Poka St., one street up from Diamond Head Rd. That was a couple of years before I bought my E9 on Maui though.
 
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