#1

My daughter bought a 1988 DL station wagon. I like the wagon almost as much as she does but there are three problems (maybe four) that we have not figured out. The first day when I tried to start it nothing happened - not a sound. The second time there was a low click and it sounded as if the air conditioner was trying to engage (soft clicks). We were told by the seller that the three way switch for the AC had a short in it. he played with it and the car did eventually start (I believe this was coincidence).

 

#2

My daughter turned into a driveway and bottomed out hard. Almost all of the dash lights lit up instantly, the power steering was slightly harder to turn and the front turn signals stopped working. All other light and flasher functions worked in the back as well as the headlights (dim and bright).

 

#3

While driving back home the battery died. We got a jump, started the wagon with a screwdriver from the starter since the key only works when it wants to and barely made it back to the house.

 

I was told the battery hit the hood when my daughter bottomed out and to check the fusible links. I did and their good, positive battery cable is enshrouded in rubber casing and there is a spacer to keep battery from contacting the hood. When it stops raining I will check the altenator.

 

Does anyone have any idea what could be wrong?

 

shihan

Check the belt that runs the alternator and power steering. Maybe the belt fell off??? All the dash lights light up when the alternator dies.

maybe the bump in the driveway knocked the alternator enough to loosen the belt

The belts are tight. It was raining last night so I didn't get a chance to put a meter on the alternator.

 

Thanks

Phill

Check the belt that runs the alternator and power steering. Maybe the belt fell off??? All the dash lights light up when the alternator dies.

That bump was more like riding in a dune buggy:-). It may have been enough to push a bad alternator over the edge.

 

shihan

 

 

 

 

 

maybe the bump in the driveway knocked the alternator enough to loosen the belt