Engine cut out

[macca]

Just died on me, no warning so suspect a fuse. No electrics, anyone know which one it might be? Chimaera 500 1998

[scruggs]

Happened to ours a few weeks back. Sounds like the 80 amp fuse in the passenger foot well above the fuse block. Same sort of plastic box holder as the 100 amp under the car.

We had a loose wire from the +ve terminal lying behind the battery where it had melted and departed from the plastic box.

It connects the battery to the entire car so everything dies, even the clock.

see http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Edited by scruggs on Monday 19th August 20:25

[macca]

Zero electrics, so definitely thinking fuse. No tools with me and too dark to see anything but have RAC on way - hopefully they can sort it. Thanks

[scruggs]

Sometimes easier to trace it from the battery +ve terminal upwards behind the heater pipes. If it has gone previously it may have been left to join the rest of the rats nest of cables rather than up where it is fiddly.

My RAC guy was surprised to find he had an 80 amp blade fuse on board. I think he said it was a VW van spare part.

But before starting the search check for 12v across the battery in case the 100 amp had let go many miles previously and the battery is flat. (Doubtful)

[macca]

No warning that it was about to go and battery sounded like it had plenty of umph on start up. My money is on 80amps

[QBee]

100 amp won't lose you all the electrics. I have had mine go twice.
80 amp will be the culprit. Pull all the spaghetti on top of the battery towards you. It's in a thick brown cable in a black pastic fuse holder.

Or your battery leads have come off......

[macca]

Twas the 80 amp. RAC sorted it and now back home. Casing showing signs of having melted but no smell before it went - cable ties suggest it has happened before. Shall get a new casing.

Any particular reason why it goes?

[macca]

PS
Many thanks guys, your info sent the RAC man straight to the problem. Cheers

[QBee]

"It's a feature, Sir"

[scruggs]

See my previous link re reasons.

Corrosion, vibration and old age seem to be the reason. They go high resistance, overheat and melt.

Same as the 100 amp but somewhat later as they are protected from the outside elements.
.
I would put them on an annual inspection