Car stalled after switching on lights

[Todd Staples]

I started up my1986 944, was running fine until I switched on the headlights, then it died and turns over, but won't start. I haven't had time to check it out, but would the DME relay be a good place to start?
Thanks,
Todd

[mikepellegrini]

I wonder if it's your alternator? If it's running okay then you switch the lights on and it dies, that suggests there wasn't enough current to run both the lights and the ignition.

Was the alternator light on?

You say the car turns over now - fast, or sluggishly?

If it's sluggish, that's a clear sign.

You might try putting the battery on a charger for a bit, then trying to start it. If it does start, measure the voltage at the battery when running.

If the alternator is working correctly, it oughta be reading somewhere around 13 volts.

If the battery is all charged up and the alternator is working correctly, then maybe it's just a coincidence. Clark's has a good troubleshooting section: http://www.clarks-garage.com/shop-manual/ts-01.htm