Flashing headlights makes engine cut out -FIXED

Post by **Louey** » 14 Jan 2007, 22:39

The engine cut out this evening when I flashed my headlights to someone

Didn't realise it was that at first, I went and check the engine earth and battery earth (both on same point) and then check the connections under the steering column shroud in case one was loose.

I had a bit of grief putting the shroud back on and pulled the full beam stalk a few times and tested that the indicator stalk would move - so when I came to start up the engine there was silence!! I turned the ignition on and pressed in the button I use for the glow plugs and all the dash lights went out (the two red ones).

After checking the head lights worked, then the indicators and then full beam (not sure why I tried all of these) I tried the engine again and it fired up no problem - then I tried the indicators and heard a starnge buzzing noise from the direction of the fuse box. When I flashed the headlights the enigne cut out. Any ideas??

Post by **Andy syncro-nutz** » 15 Jan 2007, 01:36

Mmmm doggy Ign switch or summit shorting in the fuse box?

Post by **Mocki** » 15 Jan 2007, 08:00

battery pos connection or ing switch i'd say.

Post by **Louey** » 15 Jan 2007, 14:00

I'll give it a look at this evening - thanks guys

Post by **Louey** » 15 Jan 2007, 17:59

Been out and had a look. Strange things these vans

Swopped the flasher relay as that was the relay making strange noises last night. Started the engine and it was all working fine. Swopped it back and all is working fine - work that one out

Post by **lone gunman** » 15 Jan 2007, 18:31

Gremlins

Post by **jed the spread** » 15 Jan 2007, 18:51

Mocki wrote: ing switch i'd say.

i had some right wierd things going on when mine went on the blink

jed

Post by **Andy syncro-nutz** » 15 Jan 2007, 23:33

I think 99% of elec faults are in those fuse boxes! Even more so with all the wet weather lately!

Post by **KarlT** » 16 Jan 2007, 11:00

Reminds be of the time my old Bay done the same kind of tricks.

Only thing was I couldn't do anything electical, that meant brakes (lights), indicators, side/main/high lights, or the engine would cut out.

Discovered this while overtaking a truck on the motorway!!!!

!!! & then some more!!!!!!

!!!!!

Drove another 160 miles trying not to touch brakes or indicators, just using handbrake.

Had to slam the brakes on once at a very busy 'A' road roundabout.

Just remembering trying to hot wire start it (straight from battery to starter motor) in the middle of the carriageway I can feel my stress levels going up!!!!!

Turned out to be ignition switch!

Post by **Louey** » 16 Jan 2007, 11:24

Any idea how I check the ignition switch - I'm still a numpty when it comes to electrics

Post by **Louey** » 24 Jan 2007, 17:02

bugger,

went out this morning and started the van up fine. Went and removed the cover off heather's car and got back in the van. Switched the headlights on and bugger, the engine cut out!!!

I tried to get it to turn over but no joy - I have a switch to turn on/off the fuel cut off solenoid (its a diesel) and if I turned it on then I had no ignition lights.

Would it be best to trace the wires off the switch and check it for earth and connections??

Post by **Louey** » 24 Jan 2007, 20:34

its running again but I'm sure there still some gremlins in the works. Lets I hope get to work and back home tomorrow

Post by **Andy syncro-nutz** » 26 Jan 2007, 01:05

Bear with me! Is your van petrol or diesel?

Post by **HarryMann** » 26 Jan 2007, 01:29

Diesel

Post by **Mocki** » 26 Jan 2007, 07:53

its a bad connection, the only way is to check them all...... it'll be near the battery, or the isolator