My car (1982 245DL) has had some weird electrical flukes that in the past seemed harmless. Occasionally radio wouldn't work. Seat belt, brake warning, or oil warning lights would flash on for a moment then off (seemed to happen when braking mostly but brakes were always working fine).

Today the battery light flashed a few times when I was slowing down. On the last three corners to my home the engine cut out every time I signaled (both left and right). I was able to restart each time after switching the turn signal off and get it home. Now that I've parked it, it's not starting. The battery seems fine: no dimming of the headlights and normal cranking sound.

I'm going through the manual now to see what might be the issue but won't be working on it till daylight tomorrow. I don't have much experience working on the electrical system. If anyone has experienced anything similar or has suggestions on where to look first your input would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Check the motor mounts. If they are collapsed, the wires from alternator may be smashed between the engine and cross member. Problems when applying the brakes and turning are what lead me to suggest looking at the mounts.

I vaguely recall another post a couple years ago about turn signals causing stalls. I think it ended up being a bad ground?? It's worth investigating.

--
Mr. Shannon DeWolfe -- I've taken to using mister because my name misleads folks on the WWW. I am a 53 year old fat man. ;-)

Hi,


Check that the fuel pumps operate. Undervoltage operation may have contributed to a failure. Search the board for information about jumpering fuses.

The lights on the dash were your warning that the alternator was not charging. The stalling was a result of low battery voltage.


Goatman