Looking for guidence in isolating a short on 95 240sx

[komete]

Problems: Headlights will not come on No power to the ECU No power to the dash lights( engine, brake light etc...) Car will not crank The normal relay clicks you hear when you you put the key in the on position are absent

Things that do work:

Dome light, emergency lights, dash clock, pretty much anything that works with the car off and the key out the ignition. On a side note the Dinger that reminds you take the key out the ignition does work.

Things I've done: I've checked every fuse with a fuse tester and they are all good.

I'm really looking for advice on how to proceed to find my short or busted relay. I have a volt meter just don't have a clue on how to proceed.

Please read below for the circumstances surrounding my short happening.

I just rebuilt my KA a few weeks back and have been driving it for short trips here and there building up my confidence in the car. I've maybe put 50 miles on it over the past 2 weeks. Monday was the day I was finally going to start daily driving it.

Saturday I took it to a car wash and used the power spray attachment and sprayed out the leafs around the hood and windshield wipers. I also used the power attachment to spray on and around the headlights and and front grill. Afterward the car started fine and I ran a few errands.

On my way home I flashed my high beams and the motor died. Once I let go of the high beams the motor came back on. I did it once more to confirm. Once I got home I turned on the lights and the RPMs dropped and then the motor died. I didn't try restarting it.

I've been thinking my alternator is on its way out and that is what caused my car to die. Sunday I get in my car to see if it'll crank to go drive it up to auto zone to have the alternator tested. I crank and nothing happens. The Dash lights are dead. NO engine lights or nothing but there is power to the dome lights, the clock works, the flasher works. I check the ECU and the red light on it doesn't come on either. I checked the battery and I have plenty of voltage. 12.85 last time I checked. It's like most accessories have power but all crucial systems are down. I'm really lost here.

Any advice would be appreciated...Just a guy trying to drive to workThanks, Chris

[komete]

Anyone?

[OldmanPurdy]

Are you running the stock clutch type fan or an electric fan? sometimes when those get wired in the wires aren't sealed well and cause strange issues.

[jasonsan]

[jasonsan]

This might help - just had a 93 quest that had battery voltage good, starter bench test good, would not crank - dash lights, audio unit, relays would all do funny things. Had found 2v voltage drop from batt pos terminal to engine ground at intake manifold (volt meter read 10.27v) removed battery ground cable and although didnt "look" bad - no green death - the ends were not "shinny" . i cleaned the cable ends and center connection, cleaned bolts/tapped holes. reconnected ground cable - veh started fine.

also my ka i just replaced block on is facing a lean running issue but cleaning grounds did slightly improve accel and engine performance. i believe my MAF has taken a lean shift ( iposted in 240sx tech forums - didnt know about this forum)

as far as your issue - can u provide electrical diagram link - otherwise i can check @ work on monday and try advise u later - are u still having issues???