Grounds

[BS9ider]

Hi, I fitted a new battery to a project car I've recently acquired. I had no ignition lights so I cleaned the ground in the trunk and got ignition lights. However when I turned the key to start all the lights went out. I've orderd a Haynes manual but until that arrives I'd appreciate advice on other areas to check. Assume theres more grounds to clean ? Many thanks.

[MattVAS]

There are a couple grounds in the engine bay and under the dash.

[BS9ider]

Thanks Matt, will check those too

[Odoyle]

There should be a ground on the passenger side engine bay on one of the the studs which mounts the coolant res. And hugely important to make sure the ground strap (in engine bay to lower left of steering box) is tightly attached to transmission bellhousing or similar spots. I found that the bolt hole on the bellhousing in my 77 was stripped, preventing proper connection. Also, check near or underneath the dash for an dodgy looking grounds. I have found a double black wire ground terminal screwed into the bottom of the foam dashboard (not a great spot). My solution, under the dash, was to install a grounding pod like I found in my 79 & 83.

[BS9ider]

Thanks Odoyle, cleaned the pods in the engine bay but still same issue. Just checked coolant res and i have some suspect wires and some kind of plastic connection, will post a pic. Appreciate any feedback.

[BS9ider]

Sorry, silly question. How do I post a pic?

[BS9ider]

Just checked the Battery connections again and the + lead connector and first couple of inches of cable are warm even though ignition is off? Still no ignition lights so I've disconnected for now.

[BS9ider]

Applied some copper grease to the battery terminals and ground. I've now got ignition and the car turns over!

[BS9ider]

Applied some copper grease to the battery terminals and ground. I've now got ignition and the car turns over!