Re: The Interrmittent 56 Patrician

Posted by BH On 2012/8/4 9:20:16

Esquireman -

Ballast resistor is normally (and only) bypassed during cranking. If that circuit were open, the engine would crank and fire over, but die as soon as the ignition switch was released from the starting position. Shorted, and you'd end up with burned points.

Typically, when you turn the key to engage the starting system in any automobile, all other electrical circuits are normally disabled - EXCEPT for essentials, like exterior lamps and horn, which are purposely fed from the battery terminal of the starter solenoid. The intent is to divert as much power as possible to the starter during cranking.

If you turn the key and nothing happens, then lose power to "all" circuits when you release it, I'd first suspect an ignition switch problem.

However, that you are able to restore power simply by disconnecting and reconnecting the battery makes me wonder if some relay or solenoid might be locked up, electrically, perhaps causing problems.

I'd start looking at the condition of the connections at the starter solenoid. Then, consider the solenoid switch itself. You might find some other wiring issues, as well.

It's not easy to diagnose such problems remotely. Helps for you to have a simple 12V test light and follow the relevant circuits in the wiring diagrams to check for presence of power at various terminals. Try to take things a step at a time and report back with your observations.