Club 80-90 Forums

a couple of back fires, some fizzing behind the dash and cut out, then nothing when i turn the key! any ideas?

sounds like a bad earth.check around ignition barrel.

Disconnect the battery immediately and don't reconnect it until you have found the fault.
If it was enough to cut the ignition then it is probably on the unfused side of the battery circuit.
Did you notice if any dashboard lights were still on when it all cut out?
If not then I suggest tracing all wiring from the ignition barrel switch to wherever the leads run.
Sounds like you have had a short circuit in the wiring, possibly near the steering column as this is where most movement occurs.
Before reconnecting the battery, make sure you have found the fault. If you are not sure you have found it and want to reconnect the battery, make sure you have a fire extinguisher handy, just in case.
Also, don't tighten battery terminals when testing, you may need to get them off quickly!

woodmonkey wrote:a couple of back fires, some fizzing behind the dash and cut out, then nothing when i turn the key! any ideas?

Oh dear, don't sound good Im about later on today and tomorrow mate

could it have been water getting in behind the dash that caused it?

it could have been water, but it is better to be safe than sorry.....
get it checked properly if you dont feel at ease with doing it yourself.
please

well i went with a mate to tow it home, and it started ok, and i drove it home (only about 5 min) so i haven't killed it.

Have a close look at the ignition switch itself. Could have been arcing inside and caused your problem. Not easy to spot but a good contender I reckon!