Weird electrical issue, anyone have any ideas? - Page 2 - LotusTalk

knucklehead · 09-09-2008, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheViper

I am betting you have a high resistance connection somewhere. Check all connections at the battery.

I'm assuming you mean the pos/neg cable connections?

Thanks again everyone for helping out the village electrical idiot.

apk919 · 09-09-2008, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knucklehead

OK...

Signals - nothing
Hazard - one blink when I press the button then nothing
Locks - work, both from the fob and the button on center console.
Inside cabin light - working

Checked the battery cable and it seems tight. Could it be the cable themselves? I have had the battery die for no reason twice. And there is a current draw that I've never figured out, but as I said before I don't know why the alternator doesn't seem to recharge the battery well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheViper

I am betting you have a high resistance connection somewhere. Check all connections at the battery.

Good chance of that...

Quote:

Originally Posted by knucklehead

I'm assuming you mean the pos/neg cable connections?

Thanks again everyone for helping out the village electrical idiot.

Yes, check to make sure all the battery connections are clean and tight...

If that doesn't help the next step is to check voltages at the battery, the alternator, and inside the car (i.e. cigarette lighter socket).

EDIT: What makes you think you have an unexplained current draw? The battery dying twice?

knucklehead · 09-09-2008, 02:30 PM

Put a friends voltage meter to the batter cables and it read that I have a draw. I just didn't make the time to check every fuse to see where it was coming from.

apk919 · 09-09-2008, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knucklehead

Put a friends voltage meter to the batter cables and it read that I have a draw. I just didn't make the time to check every fuse to see where it was coming from.

Hmm.... I assume you were measuring voltage across the battery cables, not current through them. Measuring voltage alone doesn't prove that you have a current draw... but if the voltage is low it would indicate some kind of problem.

knucklehead · 09-09-2008, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apk919

Hmm.... I assume you were measuring voltage across the battery cables, not current through them. Measuring voltage alone doesn't prove that you have a current draw... but if the voltage is low it would indicate some kind of problem.

Did I mention the part about the village electrical idiot?

TheViper · 09-09-2008, 03:24 PM

Maybe because the high resistance battery connection that could be causing components not to operate, is also stopping the current from the alternator reaching the battery.

Quote:

Originally Posted by knucklehead

I don't know why the alternator doesn't seem to recharge the battery well.

apk919 · 09-09-2008, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knucklehead

Did I mention the part about the village electrical idiot?

Yeah, sorry if I rubbed it in

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheViper

Maybe because the high resistance battery connection that could be causing components not to operate, is also stopping the current from the alternator reaching the battery.

+1

In the schematic below, the red wires are the connections between the battery, the alternator, and the positive voltage splices. They will be large red cables in the engine compartment. The blue wires in the schematic are the ground connections for the battery and the alternator. They will be large black or bare wires connected to the chassis or engine block. If you can, check their connection points to see if they're clean and tight.

TheViper · 09-09-2008, 03:53 PM

Especially, check the additional connection in the positive lead a few inches from the battery terminal.

apk919 · 09-09-2008, 04:03 PM

And of course, it's still possible that your alternator is not providing enough voltage/current to charge the battery...

Oh, and be careful if you put a wrench or socket to any of the positive (red) connectors... if you find one that's loose, the safest thing to do is to disconnect the battery ground (black wire) before trying to tighten them... just sayin'

knucklehead · 09-09-2008, 04:05 PM

thanks again everybody.

Kris from DRS · 09-09-2008, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knucklehead

OK...

Signals - nothing
Hazard - one blink when I press the button then nothing
Locks - work, both from the fob and the button on center console.
Inside cabin light - working

Checked the battery cable and it seems tight. Could it be the cable themselves? I have had the battery die for no reason twice. And there is a current draw that I've never figured out, but as I said before I don't know why the alternator doesn't seem to recharge the battery well.

Try checking all the grounds too. Get a decent multimeter if you do not already have one as it will be a handy tool to have overall.

charliex · 09-09-2008, 11:13 PM

jacob, i put some videos up that help show you how to check stuff like this.
on this thread.
Help! Crazy Flashing Battery Light on crack.

knucklehead · 09-09-2008, 11:26 PM

thanks

knucklehead · 09-14-2008, 11:54 PM

You guys were totally spot on. I looked at your diagram and went to the car. all the connections that I could find had locking connectors. They were all attached but I used my wealth of electrical experience and jiggled them all. Tah dah blinkers, hazards and radio all working. An hour later CEL goes off.

YOU GUYS ROCK!

apk919 · 09-14-2008, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knucklehead

You guys were totally spot on. I looked at your diagram and went to the car. all the connections that I could find had locking connectors. They were all attached but I used my wealth of electrical experience and jiggled them all. Tah dah blinkers, hazards and radio all working. An hour later CEL goes off.

YOU GUYS ROCK!

dma550 · 09-20-2008, 03:21 PM

ok, though my thread hijacker's issue is all fixed, mine isn't

I replaced the top left 20A fuse (accessories - 21) and there was no change. The car:

Runs great
Headlights work (low/hi)
all signals work
brake lights work
radio, fans, etc. work

what doesn't work:
dash illumination
dimmer to change dash illumination
top "parking" light switch

I swapped the headlight switch with the park light switch and the park switch operated the Headlights properly. I also got no voltage on my meter at that 20A fuse, odd.

So, a few questions:

Do your headlights stay light with the key out? Mine do, I don't remember that.
Anyone have any ideas? I'm wondering if there is a relay somewhere that's out. Thanks

knucklehead · 09-20-2008, 04:56 PM

Uh... try jiggling wires? It worked for me.

the Highjacker

knucklehead · 09-20-2008, 04:58 PM

In all seriousness I thought your issue was fixed. Sorry.

dma550 · 09-20-2008, 05:26 PM

Lol just kidding Knucklehead

I spent a lot of time a jigglin' No dice. I guess my elise is now not only a fair weather car but a daylight car too lol.

dma550 · 09-21-2008, 07:47 AM

What was the one you jiggled Knucklehead that brought you back to life?

09-09-2008, 02:30 PM	#23 (permalink)
knucklehead Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Marina del Rey, CA Posts: 2,994	Put a friends voltage meter to the batter cables and it read that I have a draw. I just didn't make the time to check every fuse to see where it was coming from. __________________ Jacob Join Lotuscar.ning.com for LA Lotus social events 05 Exise, 2bular 6 inch exhaust. BWR double adjustable Penske shocks, Hypercoil springs, HIDs, BWR front sway bar, Light weight PC680 battery w/BWR brace, BWR Black badges and wheel centers, Custom SCC paint job, SCC OEM Exige mesh kit and Exige rear clam details, LSD, Lotus sport clutch and light weight fly wheel. Sector front splitter. Stebel horn. Multivex Mirrors. Volk CE28 wheels

09-09-2008, 03:53 PM	#28 (permalink)
TheViper Ex-Brit Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Boca Raton FL Posts: 1,814	Especially, check the additional connection in the positive lead a few inches from the battery terminal. __________________ A/C Improvement Modifications http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f3/e...ent-mod-59938/ 1) Insulate the cockpit from Solar (3M Crystalline Tint) & Convected (insulate sills) heat. 2) Replace evaporator thermostat with an upgraded electronic version to prevent freeze up. 3) Increase airflow into cockpit by removing both driver & passenger side footwell intake panels & blocking 2 outside air intakes in nose.

09-09-2008, 04:03 PM	#29 (permalink)
apk919 No Acceptable Substitutes Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: NYC & SD Posts: 2,880	And of course, it's still possible that your alternator is not providing enough voltage/current to charge the battery... Oh, and be careful if you put a wrench or socket to any of the positive (red) connectors... if you find one that's loose, the safest thing to do is to disconnect the battery ground (black wire) before trying to tighten them... just sayin' __________________ 2007 AW Lotus Exige S. Opts: Track Pack, Touring Pack, LSD Mods: Multivex mirrors, JLAudio 525/Stealthbox/Focal 130 spkrs, Alpine PDX-5 Amp, Sector111 F&R Tow Hook, Fire Ext, HID Kit, Bootie and Bling, Lotus leather/alcantara interior, Braille Battery, LED Parking/Dome/License Lights, Bane's stealth bulbs, alex's 1/4 turn kit, Stan's shifter mod, jim-c's spkr rings, codymac's 1/4 turn kit, Lotus Cup roof w/fettled clam, Schroth 6pt harness, RAC's & R888's, ChaseCam

09-09-2008, 04:05 PM	#30 (permalink)
knucklehead Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Marina del Rey, CA Posts: 2,994	thanks again everybody. __________________ Jacob Join Lotuscar.ning.com for LA Lotus social events 05 Exise, 2bular 6 inch exhaust. BWR double adjustable Penske shocks, Hypercoil springs, HIDs, BWR front sway bar, Light weight PC680 battery w/BWR brace, BWR Black badges and wheel centers, Custom SCC paint job, SCC OEM Exige mesh kit and Exige rear clam details, LSD, Lotus sport clutch and light weight fly wheel. Sector front splitter. Stebel horn. Multivex Mirrors. Volk CE28 wheels

09-09-2008, 11:13 PM	#32 (permalink)
charliex disproving HD MTBF daily Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Las Vegas , NV Posts: 8,283	jacob, i put some videos up that help show you how to check stuff like this. on this thread. Help! Crazy Flashing Battery Light on crack. __________________ Black Exige S - http://goth.am 265 Mule / Elan M100 ECU Tuning, http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39660 Arguing with an engineer is like wrestling with a pig in mud. After a while, you realise the pig is enjoying it.

09-09-2008, 11:26 PM	#33 (permalink)
knucklehead Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Marina del Rey, CA Posts: 2,994	thanks __________________ Jacob Join Lotuscar.ning.com for LA Lotus social events 05 Exise, 2bular 6 inch exhaust. BWR double adjustable Penske shocks, Hypercoil springs, HIDs, BWR front sway bar, Light weight PC680 battery w/BWR brace, BWR Black badges and wheel centers, Custom SCC paint job, SCC OEM Exige mesh kit and Exige rear clam details, LSD, Lotus sport clutch and light weight fly wheel. Sector front splitter. Stebel horn. Multivex Mirrors. Volk CE28 wheels

09-14-2008, 11:54 PM	#34 (permalink)
knucklehead Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Marina del Rey, CA Posts: 2,994	You guys were totally spot on. I looked at your diagram and went to the car. all the connections that I could find had locking connectors. They were all attached but I used my wealth of electrical experience and jiggled them all. Tah dah blinkers, hazards and radio all working. An hour later CEL goes off. YOU GUYS ROCK! __________________ Jacob Join Lotuscar.ning.com for LA Lotus social events 05 Exise, 2bular 6 inch exhaust. BWR double adjustable Penske shocks, Hypercoil springs, HIDs, BWR front sway bar, Light weight PC680 battery w/BWR brace, BWR Black badges and wheel centers, Custom SCC paint job, SCC OEM Exige mesh kit and Exige rear clam details, LSD, Lotus sport clutch and light weight fly wheel. Sector front splitter. Stebel horn. Multivex Mirrors. Volk CE28 wheels

09-20-2008, 03:21 PM	#36 (permalink)
dma550 Yahoo! Got my Rotus! Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: CT, Shoreline area Posts: 880	ok, though my thread hijacker's issue is all fixed, mine isn't I replaced the top left 20A fuse (accessories - 21) and there was no change. The car: Runs great Headlights work (low/hi) all signals work brake lights work radio, fans, etc. work what doesn't work: dash illumination dimmer to change dash illumination top "parking" light switch I swapped the headlight switch with the park light switch and the park switch operated the Headlights properly. I also got no voltage on my meter at that 20A fuse, odd. So, a few questions: Do your headlights stay light with the key out? Mine do, I don't remember that. Anyone have any ideas? I'm wondering if there is a relay somewhere that's out. Thanks __________________ David Avery 05 Lotus Elise ~ Arctic Silver ~ BWR SC ~ Gray RACs ~ Larini SE 08 BMW 135i being painted in the mother country 04 Mini Cooper S JCW ~ 210hp JCW bump up kit 07 Husqvarna TE-250 visit FocusedE, my e-business company \| visit Spyderclub

09-20-2008, 04:56 PM	#37 (permalink)
knucklehead Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Marina del Rey, CA Posts: 2,994	Uh... try jiggling wires? It worked for me. the Highjacker __________________ Jacob Join Lotuscar.ning.com for LA Lotus social events 05 Exise, 2bular 6 inch exhaust. BWR double adjustable Penske shocks, Hypercoil springs, HIDs, BWR front sway bar, Light weight PC680 battery w/BWR brace, BWR Black badges and wheel centers, Custom SCC paint job, SCC OEM Exige mesh kit and Exige rear clam details, LSD, Lotus sport clutch and light weight fly wheel. Sector front splitter. Stebel horn. Multivex Mirrors. Volk CE28 wheels

09-20-2008, 04:58 PM	#38 (permalink)
knucklehead Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Marina del Rey, CA Posts: 2,994	In all seriousness I thought your issue was fixed. Sorry. __________________ Jacob Join Lotuscar.ning.com for LA Lotus social events 05 Exise, 2bular 6 inch exhaust. BWR double adjustable Penske shocks, Hypercoil springs, HIDs, BWR front sway bar, Light weight PC680 battery w/BWR brace, BWR Black badges and wheel centers, Custom SCC paint job, SCC OEM Exige mesh kit and Exige rear clam details, LSD, Lotus sport clutch and light weight fly wheel. Sector front splitter. Stebel horn. Multivex Mirrors. Volk CE28 wheels

09-20-2008, 05:26 PM	#39 (permalink)
dma550 Yahoo! Got my Rotus! Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: CT, Shoreline area Posts: 880	Lol just kidding Knucklehead I spent a lot of time a jigglin' No dice. I guess my elise is now not only a fair weather car but a daylight car too lol. __________________ David Avery 05 Lotus Elise ~ Arctic Silver ~ BWR SC ~ Gray RACs ~ Larini SE 08 BMW 135i being painted in the mother country 04 Mini Cooper S JCW ~ 210hp JCW bump up kit 07 Husqvarna TE-250 visit FocusedE, my e-business company \| visit Spyderclub

09-21-2008, 07:47 AM	#40 (permalink)
dma550 Yahoo! Got my Rotus! Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: CT, Shoreline area Posts: 880	What was the one you jiggled Knucklehead that brought you back to life? __________________ David Avery 05 Lotus Elise ~ Arctic Silver ~ BWR SC ~ Gray RACs ~ Larini SE 08 BMW 135i being painted in the mother country 04 Mini Cooper S JCW ~ 210hp JCW bump up kit 07 Husqvarna TE-250 visit FocusedE, my e-business company \| visit Spyderclub

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