Ignition dies!!!!

Hi All,
There must be answer to this in previous notes but could not find one.
I have a series 90 1988 2.5td.
The ignition comes on fine, fully charged battery, lights etc but as soon as I turn ignition to pre heat position all power goes! Wait about half an hour then try again power back etc but samething happens as soon as I turn key to preheat position all power goes again.
Any advice appreciated, hope I can get back on the road for christmas!
Cheers
Andy.

Does it crank over? All lights/radio/wipers/extra stuff should cut out when you preheating.

Hi and thks for replying.
Doesnt even get that far! ignition lights come on but as soon as i turn the key all power just dies rather like a fuse going on a electical system except that by leaving it about half an hour seems to reset, but samething happens again.
cheers

Broken ignition switch.

Could also be the pre-heater circuit showrting out - mine did this, and the massive current draw just kills everything else due to voltage drop- but would think switch is the likely culprit

Easy way of checking is to put a multimeter accross the battery and turn the key. If the voltage drops significantly then its shorting out.

Thanks guys, I'll check this out. It is a relative new ingition switch about a year old so not so sure.
Much appriecate your advice
Cheers
Andy

Failing that check your batt leads are tight and clean . also check the wires on the starter motor ( disconect your earth off your Batt before attacking the nut with a spanner - welded spanners to the chassis due to short circuit to earth isnt a good idear ..... )
Also check your earth points too - your looking for loose / corroded connections .
If you find any - clean up the contacts and tighten nuts / bolts fully .

.

sypher said:

( disconect your earth off your Batt before attacking the nut with a spanner - welded spanners to the chassis due to short circuit to earth isnt a good idear ..... )
.

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I know somebody who has a large hole in his cab roof after he dropped a spanner onto the battery. it wedged between the terminals, heated up, expanded, bent in half a little bit until ping - it went flying upwards at a ratr fast rate - there was not much he could do by the time he reaslied what was going on apart from run!

Thanks all for help.
Did as you said sypher, and bingo back into life! Thanks.
Got so excited (cos i need it for christmas) drove off into the snow and run out of diesel opps still they say vehicles r like thier owners!!!
Yes seen what happens to using spanners has earths, so have some spanners wrapped in insulation tape does the trick!
Cheers and merry christmas
Andy

andylandyuk said:

Got so excited (cos i need it for christmas) drove off into the snow and run out of diesel opps still they say vehicles r like thier owners!!!

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LOL DOH ... but glad its running again