starting problem

pertyfly · Post by **pertyfly** » Thu Nov 02, 2006 4:01 pm

I just had my car redone this summer. The body and engine are both new now. I just put the engine in, and did the initial break-in, etc and it was running great. Now, after putting in the consoles and leaving it for a couple days I notice that when I put the key in and turn it, the battery and oil light and seatbelt and e-brake light will come on sometimes, and not others. If those lights are not on, it will not start, but it will crank. If they aren't on, I can turn the ign. off and on many times, and they will eventually come on and it will start. I've wiggled numerous wires under the dash, and checked some connections, etc but I can't figure out by looking at the electrical schematics what I need to check next. Also, it's strange that the 4 way flashers work, but the signals dont. And I noticed that when I went to put the signal on, the signal light flashed, and then it stalled out the engine (and those ligths didn't work until I played with the ignition again)

I'm stumped for now....any suggestions? It's a 78 124.

Thanks

Paingrin · Post by **Paingrin** » Thu Nov 02, 2006 5:25 pm

This complaint sounds familiar to me. I had the same problem with the idiot lights not coming on and the car cranking but not starting. In my case it was the ignition switch. When I replaced it all that worked fine. If you rule out the switch it could be a bad ground. A poorly grounded wire might make contact sometimes and not others. I've definitely seen this over and over.
As far as the turn signals causing the car to stall I can't think of any reason. Hopefully someone with more experience in fiat electricals can answer that. Good luck.

Jon · Post by **Jon** » Thu Nov 02, 2006 5:55 pm

With the key in the start position, does the heater fan come on? I had a similar problem recently and it turned out to be on the circuit with the heater, windshield wipers and ignition.

I can't say I've actually fixed the problem, but I know which wire is loose

pertyfly · Post by **pertyfly** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 9:52 pm

Thanks guys for helping me out. I figured it out. There were some separate issues. There was a loose wire to the ignition. That has straightened itself out temporarily. Now, at least I know which wire to push on to get it to work (though it hasn't happened since).

The signals were a problem, because pressing the brakes would blow a fuse which was the same fuse. I ran a new wire to the brakes and they now work. The signals work since the fuse was replaced because it doesn't short anymore.

Everything now works. Now, it's time to put it away for the winter.

mdrburchette · Post by **mdrburchette** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 5:53 am

Glad you got it working in time to store it.

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 9:38 am

that is always fun. Work your tail off to put it away.

I predict that next year, EVERY Fiat owner will have an electrical issue; which guaruntees me at least two issues........