me vs. electrics

[tef]

Anyone have any ideas about this?
I took the Tiv (Tuscan MK II) out on Saturday - no problems. Out again on Sunday, drove for ~15 mins, stopped where I was going, and....all the electrics went off.
Nothing...not a thing worked. Got out, poked about a bit, called the AA. Helpful chap came & checked everything (battery - ok, fuses - all fine, unplugged immobiliser). After 90 minutes, nothing is obviously wrong.
After an hour we agreed to push the car somewhere slight better, leave it overnight, and recover to a garage on Monday.
AA chap leans on kerbside front, just above the lights, to push. Daughter sits inside the car to steer. Releases handbrake - all power back on.

I drive home - fine.

Park on the drive - all electrics die as I hit 'STOP'.
I slam all doors, go in for tea & a think.
Come out 20 mins later, all electrics are back on.

Car now in (my) garage, in disgrace.

Any clues?

[so called]

Battery negative earth connection ?
I've heard of batteries also dying in a similar way ?
Also heard stories of the 100Amp fuse as well.

When you stopped, did the car cut out or did the electric disappear when you turned the engine off ? If that happened, I would be inclined towards a battery and or connection problem as when running, the alternator would be providing the electrickery.

Good luck.

[tef]

Electrics disappear when I turn the car off. But then reappear some random time later. Battery seems fine at 12.7v.

[ChazUwe]

Have you checked the 100Amp fuse that is a common problem for issues that seem like battery? I hear they sometime fracture so work sometime or cause other random issues....

[mab1]

Fuse in the passenger footwell could cause similar issues, it's directly between the battery and fuse board and if it goes you will all electrics. Perhaps it's cracked / starting to break up?

[nawarne]

Agree - what Chaz and next poster said.

Check both strip fuses:
1st - under airbox in front of starter motor. 100A, Protects alternator/charging circuit
2nd - under carpet, pass. side footwell 80A. Protects instruments and fuse relay/board (hence other circuits).

Don't just undo fuse holder cover and visually check. Undo 8mm(?) nuts and see if fuse is hairline cracked...can be really hard to see (crack) and could give rise to problems such as your experiencing.

Replace with midi type fuses which are more robust.

Nick

[tef]

Thanks all - the man in the yellow van checked out the 80A passenger footwell fuse - but I'll take it out tomorrow and replace.

[ChazUwe]

Did he also check the one under the airbox, very common failure especially with earlier engines where less likely to have been upgraded! I would check both very carefully