1990 complete electrical failure

[natedeezy]

Not one electrical thing inside the cabin works not even the gas release. The external lighting all seams to be working. I've been driving by this thing for two months and finally stopped, it can be had for basically nothing after sitting for months it did fire and drive though with no power steering. From my searches it looks like there are two main fuse-able links could it be as simple as that? I've wanted a 90 Q for as long as i can remember and frankly you just don't see them in Iowa, ever. If anyone could steer me straight I'd appreciate it.

Nathan

[Q451990]

It's certainly not a common issue. If you can get it for $500, it would be worth your time to spend a couple of days with it and then part her out if you can't solve the problems...

Heath

[natedeezy]

Less than $500 but it is 2 hours away and will need to be pulled on a dolly back. Is there anything I should know beforehand?

[Infinitiguy19]

Well I would need a complete list of EVERYTHING that does not work because there are fuses for many things in the car.

So pull out a circuit tester or multimeter and start checking every fuse in the car.

Make sure the car comes with its own service manual because you will need it.

[natedeezy]

A list of everything that's wrong? Whats my character limit for this forum lol. There wasn't a single thing inside that worked I cant wait to take the multimeter to it just need to get it back home first. Any suggestions on were to download a service manual or dolying it back?

[Infinitiguy19]

http://Nicoclub.com/FSM

There is no character limit that I am aware of so feel free to tell us because there are so MANY MANY things in the Q and they all can't not function as I said before.

[Q451990]

In terms of getting it home - you need to have it transported by flatbed, or at a minimum with the rear in the air. Towing it with the rear wheels on the ground will toast the transmission.

Heath

[natedeezy]

Sweet thank you is the 1994 pretty close to the 1990 I suppose. I only have access to a dolly so i had planned on towing it backwards or pulling the drive shaft if I can get to it.

Let see what doesn't work that I know of

HVAC RadioWindowslockstrunk popgas lid poppower seatI can"t think of a single switch that did work inside to be honestIt had no power steering at allI heard some noise coming from underneath the hood to find one of the belts was literally half gone. I'm trying to remember which it was but I do believe it was the one running the power steering.The positive on the battery was incredibly loose I'm sure taking fuses with it.It was a pita to put in gear but that could be user error on my part.

I Didn't want to dig to deep and find a problem with the car lot owner over me. They had no idea what the car even was when I asked about the Q45 in the front row I was met with blank stares. I was told he took it in on trade from a friend of a friend so he didn't drive it when he took it in. The previous owner sad the HVAC was intermittent, either way it was the only car in the lot surrounded by snow it clearly hadn't moved for awhile but it did fire right up.

[Infinitiguy19]

So why are you buying it again????

That car has way to many problems and unless you can get it for less than $100 I would not bother.

But make sure all the fuses are not burnt, the positive and nenitive battery cable are clean and on tight...

[natedeezy]

Its not $100 but it isn't much more, I just cant believe there could be that many things not working together, maybe a bad main fuse or grounds. It could also be my crazy want for a 90Q is blinding me. HHHmmmm my vision has been suspect lately.

[Q451990]

You'll figure it out... if it's that cheap, I've made bigger mistakes buying dinner - so there's not much downside to get it and see if you can find the problem.

Heath

[natedeezy]

Well she is home time to get out the multimeter.

[natedeezy]

Well looks like the 120 AMP main is bad now just need to find the cause.

[Infinitiguy19]

I am sorry for you in having to find the electrical problem.

[Q451990]

Just short it out with a thick wire and look for the smoke and flames - that'll be the location of the short!

[qship96]

ahhh the ole penny in the fusebox trick!

[natedeezy]

Please forgive if I don't take the diagnostic advice you guys offered.

[qship96]

come on, fuses are for sissies!!!!!!

[Q451990]

Please forgive if I don't take the diagnostic advice you guys offered.

I was almost afraid to open this thread for fear that you missed the sarcasm in my earlier post

Heath

[natedeezy]

Well the list has gotten smaller

Drivers door regulatorPower steering pump and beltsPads and rotorsHVAC display and radio but there is some chopped wiring I need to fix before I can call those deadPassenger power seat doesn't work and the moonroof makes only noise.

Can't forget about the chaine guides.

Nathan

[Q451990]

If the HVAC display is dead, but the controller functions, that's internal to the display. It's a very common issue.

zer...01403

The sunroof issue may be as simple as adjusting the motor clutch... just confirm that the cables and tracks are OK by moving the roof manually first.

http://www.nicoclub.com/archiv....html

Heath

[1991q45]

$500. hows the body on that?if the radio and HVAC did'nt work thats probably the reason the fuse blew out.

thats what i was thinking as i was reading this thread. it has to be a main fuse.

you should post up some pictures!

[natedeezy]

Thanks for everyone input so far I'll try and ask as few dumb questions as possible. Been meaning to post pics just need to get to an actual computer the body and interior are in pretty good shape (I think) for a $400 dollar car.

Nathan

[natedeezy]

may be a problem

[goody90q45]

You'll be needing that FSM Paul provided a link to.

[Infinitiguy19]

Is that the HVAC (AC/Heater controls) Connector?

[natedeezy]

Is that the HVAC (AC/Heater controls) Connector?

Yes indeed I'm gonna say that's at least part of my HVAC problem.

[Infinitiguy19]

Thats a real shame. Less than a $1000 doesn't buy what it used to in a recession, what with all the people selling there problems (car) to other unsuspecting people. Thats why I tell everyone I know to get a Carfax, service history, check the car out with your insurance company and look at any other receipts before giving the owner a dime.

I mean no disrespect but keep the above in mind next time.

And like I said check all the fuses especially the top red one (to the left or right) in the interior fuse box. That controls the air bags, passenger seat....

I remember that fuse blew in my 1991 Q45 and I couldn't figure out why my passenger seat wouldn't work and the airbag light would blink. Low and behold the fuse blew but once replace never blew again. Then Feb 12th, 2008 the air bag were put to the test when I lost the car, they worked fine that day. I remember my parents wanting to sell the car and get me another because that fuse blew.

[Q45tech]

In 20 years I've only blown 1 fuse = auxillary condenser fan fuse.

[natedeezy]

It's looks like the wires were just broken nothing a little solder and shrink wrap won't fix.