Total power loss

[66MonacoWagon]

Hey all,
Forgive me for not doing a proper search first. I’m at work and using my phone...
I drove my 66 Monaco wagon to work today, and got a total power loss when I parked it. No power to anything. Where do I start?
Thanks
Joe

 

[Zymurgy]

More info. If no headlights start with battery connection.

 

[Ross Wooldridge]

Check the battery cables and the terminals. They have a tendency to loosen over time, and then they get a near invisible layer of corrosion that kills power transfer. Used to happen to me. If I give them a quick twist by hand it usually gets me home and then I remove the cables, cleam the terminals with a wire brush and reinstall.

If that doesn't solve the issue then your fusible link at the firewall may be the culprit, and that's indicative of a bigger problem, as it's designed to protect the car in the case of a major short.

 

[66MonacoWagon]

More info.
I messed with the battery connections, no issue or corrosion. Nothing at all has power. I had the heater on this morning, can’t remember if it was on or off when I shut it down. I actually parked the car, decided to move it a fe more feet, restarted and moved, shut down. Realized the power window was still down, got back in, turned the key backwards for power, got no juice.

 

[twostick]

If absolutely nothing works, even the dome lights, oil pressure light, nothing, my money is on the bulkhead connector if the battery isn't dead.

Give it a shake and see what happens.

Kevin

 

[cbarge]

Just to get the car home and then later find out what happened..do this..

Run a wire from the battery stud back of alternator (black wire,7/16" nut) to the battery stud at starter relay (red wire 1/2" nut) make sure you use a fusuble link or inline fuse!
This WILL GET YOU HOME!
As Ross mentioned,suspect fusible link or a shorted out ammeter gauge.
Hope this helps

 

[Zymurgy]

Something else to check my voltage regulator has gone out and basically you're running on the battery. Since you had the the heater on the blower would have been running. And my case I was jumped leaving the cable hooked up for a good 5 minutes probably 10 miles no electric running in my car I was able to get it home.

 

[Ross Wooldridge]

Word to the wise - with any old car, it's advisable to carry a fire extinguisher with you in case things go bad. Our C bodies have a known fire risk in the bulkhead/ammeter design. If things down there are still original and the MAD conversion and other safety improvements haven't been done, it's a fire waiting to happen. That and a quick disconnect terminal on the negative side of the battery to cut power quickly as well. These two things can save your bacon from getting cooked. I always carry a fire extinguisher and my batteries are equipped with the quick disonnect.

https://www.amazon.com/Ampper-Inter...SK01DDTEFCS&psc=1&refRID=CV7A3MMZ6SK01DDTEFCS

https://www.amazon.com/Kidde-466112...71&sprefix=automotive+fire+ex,aps,200&sr=8-23

 

[Ironwolf]

I had a similar intermittent on my 69 Sport Fury vert many many years ago and it ended up being a corroded and burnt connection at my bulkhead connector. I hope this helps .....

 

[66MonacoWagon]

Figured it out! Whatever the secondary wire that connects to the positive terminal popped out. Back on the road. Thanks to all!

 

[cbarge]

Figured it out! Whatever the secondary wire that connects to the positive terminal popped out. Back on the road. Thanks to all!

Glad you found it..something simple,something stupid,LOL!!
The secondary wire powers EVERYTHING!
Main wire feeds the starter motor.
I would still install the wire I recommmended--it takes 50% of the load away from the ammeter gauge and will keep you on the road.

 

[Ross Wooldridge]

If it's what I am thinking of, that controls the starter relay I believe. Ultimately, what he said above!

 

[cbarge]

If it's what I am thinking of, that controls the starter relay I believe.

Yes and from there power goes into the car via bulkhead....
and so on,ans so on

 

[66MonacoWagon]

Got me to lunch...

 

[The Goose]

Man I was rooting for you. All electrical issues suck and should be banned from happening to old cars Lol!!!

If that was new you’d be at the dealer...

Gotta love the oldies !!!! Good for you!

 

[mrfury68]

Good job on the fix and that is a really nice wagon.

 

[mopar440]

Glad you found it..something simple,something stupid,LOL!!
The secondary wire powers EVERYTHING!
Main wire feeds the starter motor.
I would still install the wire I recommmended--it takes 50% of the load away from the ammeter gauge and will keep you on the road.

Is this the alternative to bypassing the alt meter? I'm always worried about it, but want it to work

 

[cbarge]

Is this the alternative to bypassing the alt meter? I'm always worried about it, but want it to work

Yes this is the alternative and I do it to every Mopar I own and others I work on.

 

[66MonacoWagon]

Yes this is the alternative and I do it to every Mopar I own and others I work on.

cbarge- I’m a novice with electric. Can you show some pics of the mod, help with wire gauge and how best to add fusible link?
Thanks!

 

[cbarge]

cbarge- I’m a novice with electric. Can you show some pics of the mod, help with wire gauge and how best to add fusible link?
Thanks!

Funny I done this sooo many times I have no pics on file.
It will have to be this weekend when I am playing with the Newport and Fury,LOL!!
10 gauge wire from alternator to starter relay with 14 gauge fusible link. I install the link right at the starter relay for future easy repair.
I will also show the bulkhead bypass as well.
Cheers