Car went completely dead while driving...

[87gninpa]

Was driving down a dark stretch or road, wen to switch my brights on and the second I pulled the lever back, the car died. No lights, hazards, interior lights, nothing. Pushed it off the road and got it towed home. opened the door and the interior light went on. I then went to test the headlights and light went off, nothing again. Tested the battery and it is fine, what could be going on here? Really dont know where to check. If the car sists long enough, I get a little bit of life but thats it. And the battery is fine. Tow truck driver said it was the alternator, but that doesnt make much sense. If anyone has any clue about this, I would really appreciate the help. TIA

 

[jkennedy]

Sounds like a fuse link burnt out at the starter to me. I think there are two at starter and they power the cab. Hope this helps one fuse link went bad on my car and the cooling fan quit working.

 

[87gninpa]

Thanks, Im going to check them when I get home. Question is, if it was a fusible link, would I still be able to get a tiny bit of power after the car sits for a while? I checked on the car this morning, opened the door and the interior light was on, put the key in and turned it and the chime came on but as soon as i pushed the headlight button, everything died again. I would assume that if it were a fusible link, it would just not work at all ever, but I may be wrong. I will check them when I get home.

 

[azbob]

Check your cables and connections. This sounds like a bad connection that lost continuity with the added load of the bright lights. Remember, the grounds are as important as the power lead.

 

[87gninpa]

Yea, Im starting to think it may be a bad ground. Im going to pick up new battery cables and fusible links on the way home and see what happens. I did check the positive cable to the starter this morning and part of the insulation was melted a bit but it was not through to the wire.