car electric trouble

[tonygeorge]

Hi
Does anyone know any good websites like this one related to car diy etc. I have an electrical fault which I need help on

Thanks

Tony

 

[breezer]

I found loads on a search engine "under car electrical."

what is wrong?

 

[tonygeorge]

Have an escort M reg, and for some reason electrics have gone heywire. No leccy windows, headlights, indicators, internal fan blower, radio deactivated (have to reinsert code) then when driving I switch the headlight switch on and hey bingo - everything working again. All fuses have been checked and are ok. Wires around battery terminal look ok and secure.

Any ideas?

Thanks

 

[MANDATE]

As you know when you re-connect a disconnected battery you have to re-insert code.
You obviously have a open circuit, most likely in the form of a loose connection that feeds all those failed items.
You need to look at the wiring diagram to see where the live feed comes from.
I don't see it being an earthing problem because the items will be earthed seperately
When in the failed condition and with ignition on you can use a 12 volt test light to follow the electrical path. For example the wire leaving the ignition switch that must feed the items mentioned may not be live
Of course a loose connection is favourate but don't rule out a worn ignition switch.
I once turned the ignition off and the engine continued to run

 

[breezer]

actually it may be an earthing problem,(unlikeley) but it is worth looking at the end of the cable that connects the negative from the battery to the car itself.

I should be inclined to think as mandate said it is a bad connection, it may be the main incoming into uyour cars fuse box.

As for an on line manual i am sorry to say that i have not found one that is of any use, when using a search engine i did find lots of refernces to wiring diagrams, but it was mostly on forums where by people were asking for a wiring diagram (no replies) or whee you can BUY a wiring diagram.

very sorry

 

[masona]

I think 'Haynes Workshop Manual' do a wiring diagram Long time since I had one,see this.

 

[Scoby_Beasley]

Masona is right, Haynes is your best bet depending on which 'M' reg you are on about.
I would personally check earth connections, battery earth +others round your car body, usually one by one of the headlights, by drivers kick panel, in boot etc.. You'll probably find all the things you are having probs with have a common earth point, it's just a matter of finding it.
Best of luck.

 

[MANDATE]

The only common earth point I'm aware of is the one from the bodywork to the battery and if that fails then every thing fails.
Most electrical components on a car are earthed through the body of the component or a short wire to the cars bodywork.
This is why I feel the problem it's more likely related to the live feed from the ignition switch onwards or the ignition switch itself