Leccy probs and sills....

I'm trying to get the old girl (200tdi 3dr) ready for next years MAC4X4 and have hit a couple of problems, so some advice would be appreciated.

I've started tackling the sills and stripped off one side. Whilst trying to move the disco to strip the other side off it died on me. The battery is showing 12.8V but nothing when I turn the key. I cleaned the two earthing points on the negative lead off the battery and cleaned both battery terminals... still nothing. I dont have any power to anything else eg headlights, horn etc. The only power I seem to have is to the interior light. The only other thing I noticed is that when I turn the ignition key to try and start it the interior light dims considerably?? I'm no expert when it comes to electrics is it possible to have 12.8V on the voltmeter but the battery is actually nackered?

The sill I have stripped down doesnt look too bad, compared to some of the photos I've seen when I've searched the forum for info on replacing sills. It has basically got a 7inch long hole on the bottom of the outer sill mid way between the A & B pillars which both look sound apart from some surface rust. I've be looking at the "easy on" repair sections which look straight forward but I noticed in one of the articles that came up on the searches that people wernt that keen on them. Can someone explain why please.

I appreciated the elec problem is a bit vague and could be a number of things but a few pointers to look at would be helpful.

cheers

Easy on sill repairs don't cover most of of the holes normally, better off buying complete section from yrm and cut what you need. Or just fab your own bits.

Also, check fusible links (search) and/or try a battery from another car or a jump start.

Cheers

Hi there

Have you been welding on it yet?

Check the main fuses and all the other fuses and relays under the dash.

Quite a few issues can happen here have you checked and cleaned the earth straps up to the starter from the battery as this can be an issue.

Hope it helps


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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=52.443606,-0.812488

hi i had same problem with electrics thought it was the alarm ecu
turnd out to be three of the fuseable links
on the drivers side iner wing had corroded
only suplying power two a few parts
it comes from the batt as one wire splits in to 4 then back into 3
hope this helps there in side some gause like cloth