Hi, I've been working on my car, the cooling system specifically, over the course of the past few months. Anyway during this time I had the negative ground disconnected but I still needed a jump to start yesterday. The car started fine and ran for about 45 minutes before being shut off.

Today I tried to restart it. Turned on the key, dash lights come on, fuel pump is working, turn to start and everything blacks out, no power. Turn off the key and retry, same result. Decided to jump it again. Car starts right up and runs well for about 10/15 minutes then suddenly just dies - dash completely blacked out. Reconnect the jumper and the car again starts right up and runs for another 5 minutes or so then a repete the car dies with no visable indication of power, dash lights out, open door no chime, no power. I've checked the battery and have power, 13.7v. Where do I go from here? Battery has power but car is dead.

VATS? All of my key sets act the same, nothing? I would really appreciate some suggestions and I'm hoping it's something fairly simple. Thanks, Scott7

Definately not VATS, if it was , the starter would not work at all.

IF the battery is good (you should have it load tested), this really sounds like a ground problem, especially since the dash went out.

I agree that it sounds like a ground problem; the alternator may be charging, but the battery is not receiving the charge. When you check voltage across the battery terminals, it's fine, right? But, when you put a big load on (cranking), the ground connection isn't strong enough to support it.

The jump provides enough extra amperage.

Have you cleaned both ends of your battery ground cable?

The battery may have a dead cell in it from sitting. I'd suggest having it tested. But before that I would inspect all the grounds and make sure the battery cables are both secure and free of corrosion.

Matthew

Also check the power junction block behind the battery.

There are three ground points that should be checked:

1. The neg cable to the block.
2. Ground to chassis (kinda under battery tray)
3. Left kick panel ground post

I have learned from my own experiences, that the chassis can get nasty rusty under the battery. This has a detrimental effect on the grounds. I had to sand the rust off, prime and paint the frame in that area.

Many thanks to BillH, Lunytnz, Matthew and Andy for your suggestion. Check out the grounding. As you can imagine my lady and I have spent a lot of time discussing what we're experiencing with the car. Get up and continue looking over manuals, go for our walk (2 miles daily)and off to the gym for a workout, all the time thinking about the car.

Go out to the car and began the process of uncovering the battery. I'm starting to check the ground wires and heard a click when I moved the wire. Weird - there was no power last night anywhere. Decided to check the battery further, at least pull it and have it tested as everyone suggested. The positive connection was barely finger tight. I think I've solved my issue. I guess it's my turn to say "Duh". But I really appreicate your responses and willingness to help. Thanks, I'll be making more calls for help as I move forward with taking care of my care myself. More about that later.

Again Thanks,
Scott7

C4 grounding locations.

Could you give a little more detail on the left kick panel ground post? Above the panel? Behind the panel? I'm planning on doing a ground check on my 90 and I want to check them all. The chassis ground under the battery tray. Can it be accessed from underneath or do you have to pull the battery and tray? I'm just trying to do it right the first time without wasting time or steps.

Scott -- don't feel bad....you're not the first, nor the last to do that exact same thing. That's why I suggested it Just glad it was something simple. There are guys that spend weeks and tons of money tracking down problems like that.

Matthew

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There are 27 points, IIRC... The Helm manual has them all.

That's great news, Scott! Simple is good! And cheap!!

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Roger!