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  • [Corsa C 2000-2006] Multiple electrical issues, car won't start

    Hi I'm new to this site but would really appreciate some help.


    Today whilst driving to work, the power steering went very heavy when turning into the car park.


    When going to park I noticed the ABS/Airbag lights were on and the Power steering had completely gone.


    I then tried to turn the car on again after park - Nothing, as if a flat battery.


    When going to leave the car started - everything ok. Then the same problem occurred when test driving in the car park. The steering went heavy, ABS/Airbag lights came on again and the radio and odometer turned off/on. Car was acting very strange again as if the battery was playing up, but mechanically seemed fine.

    Then again the car wouldn't start.


    Can anyone offer any explanation or insight into what this might be? Or where to start??


    Thanks

  • #2
    Sounds like a bad earth
    I would check all the connections first and get your alternator checked

    Comment


    • #3
      I agree - sounds like a main power problem in the electrics. Check both the alternator and the battery, and make sure that the belt driving the alternator isn't slipping. Look for a main connection or earth strap that is loose or showing signs of corrosion.
      1972 Viva restoration thread - http://www.thecorsa.co.uk/projects-b....html#post1534

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      • #4
        You should also have 2 thick wires In The fuse box a red and a brown these are the main power to the eps check these too the red one will have a maxi fuse should be bottom right

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        • #5
          Thanks guys - Really appreciate it. I will give this a go tomorrow after work and try and get it home, need to get something sorted before Xmas!

          The battery is fairly new and the connections are good, but how do I check the alternator?

          - - - Updated - - -

          Thanks guys - Really appreciate it. I will give this a go tomorrow after work and try and get it home, need to get something sorted before Xmas!

          The battery is fairly new and the connections are good, but how do I check the alternator?

          Comment


          • #6
            Did you check the belt?

            Comment


            • #7
              Originally posted by Vegas View Post
              Did you check the belt?
              I did and it looks and felt ok. I will check tomorrow. Thanks

              Comment


              • #8
                To check the alternator a simple test is to use a multimeter to check the battery voltage with the engine running - it should be around 14v. (Also check the battery with the engine off - it ought to be at least 12.5v.)

                However, it sounds like you have an intermittent fault, which is causing loss of power - hence the electric power steering failing and the car not starting. That's unlikely to be the alternator itself. They usually either work or don't. Make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight. Check the main earth connection from the battery negative terminal where it connects to the body - it may be secure but make sure there isn't corrosion in the joint as that will cause problems.

                I saw an issue like this a while back and it was actually the battery terminal itself had broken inside the battery and was making intermittent connection. So check everything!
                1972 Viva restoration thread - http://www.thecorsa.co.uk/projects-b....html#post1534

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                • #9
                  Hello - Thanks for the information!

                  I have worked on the car during my lunch break - the fan belt is tight and the battery terminals were all fine and the car started. (More power from being left)

                  I changed the battery though, its voltage was 12.7 when engine off which is okay.

                  When starting the voltage drops to 12.08 on idle, then at 2,000 rpm theres no change - Still 12.08V.

                  Would you think it's most likely the alternator??

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    I would say alternator as it should be around 13-14 volts at tick over

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      That makes sense - not only will a dud alternator result in a flat battery, hence the non-starting (NB a flat battery can still show 12v - it's the state of charge that's the issue) - but also since the car's electrics take their power from the alternator when running if the alternator is dicky then you'll get electronics not working properly.

                      The fun is replacing the alternator - they can be a sod to get out even from underneath. Many sore knuckles kind of job.
                      1972 Viva restoration thread - http://www.thecorsa.co.uk/projects-b....html#post1534

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Guys - Thanks for you help. Very much appreciated

                        I changed the alternator and belt yesterday, now all good! Was a bit of a pain but reading 14+ volts and seems to be in working order again.

                        Happy holidays

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