I have no idea...no power

[profcucchi]

Good afternoon everyone.

The cars been driving really well all month.

My start up is this: courtesy light tells me there's
electricity, pump pedal once, turn key, see the gas gauge move, and the car starts.

Yesterday, it drove no issue. Returning, the courtesy light and gas gauge did their thing, but when I turned the key for ignition, everything died. No power to anything, courtesy light, too.

I've had issue with the battery so I checked that. It was at 12.4, so I boosted it and it went to 13.2 no problem. However, it didn't help. The courtesy light never came on. I checked the number 9 fuse "I" and it was burnt. Easy swap. But, that doesn't explain the lack of power. Or does it?

When I turn the key, there is a slight charge that moves the fuel gauge needle for a millisecond, but then, nothing.

Any help or direction is appreciated!

[bluecivicguy]

WOW wish I could help. My car just did the exact same thing today and I'm in Toronto.
I am having the starter and alternator checked tomorrow.
So strange
I hope someone can help us.

[bluecivicguy]

http://www.fiatspider.com/f15/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=37090

[profcucchi]

http://www.fiatspider.com/f15/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=37090

Thanks for the link. I don't have smoke anywhere so I'm guessing it'll be something elementary.

I'm headed to the mechanic later today to ask questions. Towing is free, but if it's just a control modulator or a coil, I'd hate to pay labour for it.

[spider2081]

I'm guessing there is a battery related connection issue. I am assuming when you connected the battery booster you made the connection at the battery cables. That should bring battery voltage to the ignition switch on the black wire. This wire originates at the alternator output post. It passes through the firewall to power fuse 10. Fuse 10 is jumped to fuse 9 internally in the fuse box to power it. The black wire then goes to the ignition switch connector
The alternator output posts gets battery voltage from a second black wire that connects the alternator to the starter solenoid batter terminal.
A visual/physical inspection of these connections might pinpoint the problem.

Its always good to check the primary ground cable that connects the bell housing to the car chassis under the drivers floor.

[profcucchi]

I'm guessing there is a battery related connection issue. I am assuming when you connected the battery booster you made the connection at the battery cables. That should bring battery voltage to the ignition switch on the black wire. This wire originates at the alternator output post. It passes through the firewall to power fuse 10. Fuse 10 is jumped to fuse 9 internally in the fuse box to power it. The black wire then goes to the ignition switch connector
The alternator output posts gets battery voltage from a second black wire that connects the alternator to the starter solenoid batter terminal.
A visual/physical inspection of these connections might pinpoint the problem.

Its always good to check the primary ground cable that connects the bell housing to the car chassis under the drivers floor.

As always spider2081, you provide excellent answers. I'll check later today and update.

Thank you!

[profcucchi]

Oh my...I'm happily embarrassed?

Everything was tight and clean, so I took out some frustration on the battery wires. Some dirt moved and I cleaned the poles and the terminals and it worked better than before.

I promise to ask better questions next time.

[piperstan10]

Sounds like you need to do some more checks, even though it is working.

Disconnect neg lead from battery

Clean ground lead where it attaches to Body.

Check/ clean connections at solenoid/ starter leas and alternator leads.

Is the battery surface clear of acid? Clean with bathing soda/water

Also I would remove battery, remove rubber tray and wash battery compartment with bakingsoda and water.

Install and connect battery leads.

Do a test connect volt meter it battery- should be 12 volts or greater.

While watching volt meter note voltage while you crank engine should not drop below 12VDC