Electrical Problems?

[turtle]

This morning I came out to the motor which had a slight covering snow and ice.

The first problems was getting into the motor, locks frozen (D-Icier locked inside!) that sorted I'm in.... key in the ignition all the normal dash light’s light-up and the radio bust into song.... turn the key and nothing (Pooh) couldn't even hear the starter clicking.

Battery problem? I remove the passenger seat (I’ve fitted Discovery seats, only way into the battery box is to take the seat out completely) only 4 13mm bolts, into the battery box, all looks normal leads everywhere I disconnect the battery and stick on the charger, all light up saying battery fully charged, not a battery problem? I re-connect the battery and try again still nothing. Then for some strange reason, I have an idea (doesn't happen often) I disconnect the leads to the winch, and try again, the car fires up and runs, all is well.......

So just to be doubly sure I reconnect the wire’s back to the winch and I get nothing, disconnect and the car fires up?

Could this be a electrical fault somewhere, the winch has a cut off switch in line, and is only turn on when the winch is needed. So no power should be going to the winch.

The other thing I noticed, might be connected might not, while driving into work the radio would turn it self off then back on again, did this about 3 times on a 4 mile journey.

Anyone got any ideas?

[Thrasher]

Ah! My Warn did this - it has a remote soleniod which was connected to the ignition circuit. It went south and my engine died - same issue. I threw it away and put in a battery isolater instead.

Sorted.

[turtle]

Cheers Neil, I investigate that angle. I knew someone would have the answer.

But what about the radio issues, I can't live without Metallica playing at full blast, to have it stop start life not worth living.  :D

[turtle]

Neil - Just thought I have already got a battery isolator in the form of a cut off switch, power only goes to the winch when the key is inserted.

Unless the switch has become faulty I can't see that this being the problem. I going to get all the connections cleaned up tonight and re-connect.  I let you know what happens.

Might just be a simple thing like Tixover Clay!!! As it seemed to get everywhere else - why not in the battery box as well.

[matthew]

If the battery has got plenty of charge, but it isn't doing anything then my first guess would be starter solenoid, or starter sticking. A couple of sharp taps with a hammer (or maglite) will sometimes free it up. Have you dunked it into muddy water recently?

Worth checking the engine earth strap as well though.

[turtle]

Have you dunked it into muddy water recently?

Dunked in Mud!!! Just a bit Tixover the other weekend, its was well dunked...

All starts fine with the winch cables disconnected, this I find strange, started fine this morning no problems, I was going to clean all connections last night but because of the weather I decide to stay in the warm, I will check the earth straps.

Cheers