83 911 - Loss of all power when key is turned to crank engine

[Blue83Cab]

Hi Guys-

I pulled my 83 911 cab out for a drive today after being put away for the winter. I pulled it out of the garage with no problems, parked in front of the house and when I came back it would not start.

So in short, I inserted the key, the car has full power with the key in and turned one position, lights turn on, etc but as soon as I turn the key to crank the engine to start I loss all power to the car. I can hear one click when the key is turned to the start position, then nothing.

I have checked the battery and no issues there, I am thinking that maybe my ignition switch is bad? Maybe the battery ground is loose?

Grateful for any advice...thanks.

[proporsche]

when you say you lost power ..do the gauges go dead or you just hear click click and tha gauges stay lit??

Ivan

[Blue83Cab]

When the key is turned to start the engine I hear one click and all gauges go dead

Thaddeus

[john walker's workshop]

Clean and tighten all the battery connections. I see a lot of loose red wires on the positive clamp. They relate to the ignition switch.

[proporsche]

as John said;-)

[Blue83Cab]

Hi Guys-

So I finally got so time to clean the battery terminals and the 2 red wires. I cleaned everything including the ground. Got back in the car and still the same thing, powers up and then when i turn the key to the start position i get one loud click.

As I had the car in the garage this time I could clearly here one click from the right passenger side fender. It seems to me that power is making it to starter but then stops?

Any thoughts?

[Eagledriver]

Did you check the ground connection at the battery and the chassis?

[proporsche]

plus the ground strap at your transmission here
..remove the nut as you can see and clean all ...Ivan

[joewilkjr]

I know I'm reviving an old thread here....but I have started to have the same issue. Was the resolution the transmission ground strap?

Thanks in advance "Blue83Cab".


Joe

[john walker's workshop]

Ain't it great when solutions are not posted?

[911pcars]

Except for the starter motor, alternator and random unfused circuits (IP bulbs, floor-mount blowers, etc.), the source of electrical current from the battery to the vehicle is via the fuse box. And the ignition switch is the "master" switch that allows electrical circuits to work (or not work) with IGN. ON.

In my 911, fuse no. 1 is the source for the ignition switch. When that fuse is "wonky" (loose, dirty connection, etc.), the path to the ignition switch and car circuits can be compromised. Find and ID that source fuse and confirm the fuse and connections are tight and clean.

Since your symptoms indicate all is well when IGN ON/ENG OFF, but cuts out only during cranking, I'd look at the ign. switch and the wire connections to it. Your MY 911 is a two-piece switch.

Try a spritz of contact cleaner, then use an ohmmeter (continuity) or voltmeter (voltage) to check each wire position. Note: You should be conversant with procedures that let the smoke out of wires. A wiring diagram is helpful to ID the fused power wire and others circuits.

[r lane]

Purchase the electrical part of the ignition switch, not expensive, unhook the harness plug at the existing ignition, hook up the new switch to the harness and turn with a screw driver. That will tell you something.

[joewilkjr]

"R Lane"...thanks for the suggestion.....In my case it is a 1 year new ignition switch (Electrical part). "911 pcars", I'm going to give the fuse and connections a look. The battery is fully charged and load tested by FLAPS. The car will start when using a jump box, leading me to believe it is a ground problem, which is why I found this old thread.

[joewilkjr]

I forgot to say thank you for the response....I'll update when I get this solved.

[brad951]

Could be a bad starter, or starter solenoid. Essentially when you turn the key to 'start' it may shorting to ground in the starter, drawing all power from the battery (lights will go out). Is the starter updated?

[LM3929]

I had the same problem on my 83 and finally found it to be the woven ground strap, I replace it and haven't had the problem since.

Lorne m.

[joewilkjr]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I'll order the Ground strap and see if that works. Thanks again.

[911pcars]

Originally Posted by joewilkjr

Thanks for the responses everyone. I'll order the Ground strap and see if that works. Thanks again.

Can also use a battery jumper cable as a substitute ground wire to confirm the ground strap is the cause. If it isn’t, you end up with a backup groundstrap, then move on to the next “what can I replace next?” scenario. Let’s hope it is.

Sherwood

[joewilkjr]

Just a quick update. I took Sherwood's advice and used jumper cables to substitute for the ground strap. It did not solve the starting problem. Went back through all the connections starting at the battery. All looked ok. Red wire pigtails on the battery were connected, but not very tight (I could move them by wiggling the wire). After tightening, the car starts. I guess the jump pack clamp and extra juice overcame the loose connections. I learned my lesson....check the basics first. Thanks again everyone for all the help/suggestions.

Joe
1980 SC
Oak Green