HC SL Total engine bay power loss

[Dave1300GLS]

Hi folks my modern day BMW is off the road awaiting an ignition switch. So I drafted my HC into service only to be met with a very similar fault. Here goes sometimes you turn the key and nothing at all happens under the bonnet, yet we have accesory power and dash lights etc. Then turn the key and all is well the only difference to my BMW is the viva will cut out at random when being driven, with total engine bay power loss no starter no nothing. Could it be the ignition switch or the fuse box? I am taking it as read it will be a major powered item to kill all the engine bay? I have checked battery leads, earth straps etc. But the power loss is confined to the engine area and no where else, has anyone seen this type of fault before? I really need one of my cars up and running for the weekend any help please !!!
Kind Regards
Dave

[laidback]

Try checking the solenoid connections, had this with my HC SL three weeks ago. The white and red wire connection, male tab broke away as it enters the main body of the solenoid. hope this helps.
Note .I must re join the club!

[Dave1300GLS]

Thanks landmark I will add that to my checklist tomorrow.
Dave

[pbottomley]

Suspect you need to adjust the sausage angle slightly.

Cryptic yes if your not on faceache.

[pbottomley]

Ps is battery holding charge? E.g it's got volts but no amps so your neons will work but no cranking power for starter?

[Dave1300GLS]

Hi Paul the battery is new and stays on trickle charge when not in use. Besides on minute there is no power at all then power then back again, something is either loose or broke.

[bedfordbad]

I think I would start with ign switch!! Take the steering wheel switch cover off carefully so as not to disturb the soldered wires... Then look carefully to look for loose/ frayed wires on back of switch!!
Good luck
Steve

[Dave1300GLS]

Think it might be sorted? Started work on the HC today taking all the wires off the soloniod and checking them and cleaning them... no faults found! Then the same with the fuse box and the ignition switch, giving them a good shaking whilst the engine was running to see if there was a bad contact...none found. But when I was putting the soloniod wiring back in place I noticed one of the wires runs from the soloniod to the fusable link on the side of the battery stand and it was loose!! So with the engine running I slid the wire off and hey presto the engine stops with no power at all including no starter power, but the accessories and lights are un-affected. It is kind of a big fuse to protect the engine bay wiring from frying, so come to a close I cleaned the 2x fusable link prongs and closed the spade connector end with some pliers to make them a snug fit and then a 10 mile road test over bumpy country lanes and all seems well!!! So if anyone else is suffering the same problem please pass this one around and many thanks folks for your help

Kind Regards

Dave

[droopsnoot]

Always nice to actually find something, and always nice when a poster comes back and posts the solution. I had a similar issue on my Sportshatch, which I think was down to loose connections in the dash loom where it connects underneath the bulkhead connector. My solution was to sell it to its previous owner who exported it to Australia, but yours is probably better.

[1972nail]

Always good to hear a successful outcome. If you have dirty connections have a look at my citric acid trick, especially for the multiple connections in the fuse box.