Re: Electricaal issue ..41 Packard no current

Posted by TxGoat On 2023/5/9 19:30:32

You may have a discharged battery. (Or a very poor connection somewhere, probably at the battery)

A car battery can be so discharged that it won't operate a horn or starter solenoid, yet it can still give a voltmeter reading of 6 volts, IF there is no load applied to the battery.

Try connecting your voltmeter as before and if you get a reading of 6 volts, turn on the headlights and take another look at the voltmeter. You may find that it reads zero. If so, charging the battery overnight may fix the immediate problem. I would clean the battery terminal connections and look for evidence of other loose or corroded connections such as the battery ground connection. When you get the car running again, be sure to check the ammeter with the engine running at at fast idle. It should show a charge rate of several amps, and turning on the headlights with the engine at a fast idle should not cause the ammeter to show discharge. Then shut off the headlights and any other electrical load and switch off the engine. The ammeter should now show 0. Restart the car and check the ammeter again at a fast idle. It should show at least several amps charge. If not, you have a charging system issue. Be sure your battery is in good condition and fully charged. If in doubt, load test the battery, or replace it with a new one. Batteries can last for several years, but they don't always. Always thoroughly check the battery and battery cables if you are having electrical issues.