1980 Nissan 200SX car starts no internal electrics

BOOROCKET

MEMBER
1980 NISSAN 200SX
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
90,000 MILES

It just recently started snowing and I went to go start my engine to warm the car up to drive home, everything electric works with the engine off and the key turned heater radio and all that jazz. But when I turn the engine on everything doesnt want to work anymore, the only thing I can get to come on is the head lamps. Could it be the battery is cold? The car sat for 3 hours in the snow before I started it again.

and another note my fuel gauge doesnt read, I know I have a full tank of gas but it still reads Empty

please help

3 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Lets get that battery load tested and double check connection then report back

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Monday, November 9th, 2009 AT 10:53 AM

BOOROCKET

MEMBER
2 POSTS

The problem fixed itself somehow and replaced itself with another problem
the car will idle for five to ten minutes then die. When I try to crank it back up it tries to turn over then starts clicking it will fail to start for about ten minutes I was told by a friend that it might be my MAF sensor would that be the cause?

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Monday, November 9th, 2009 AT 7:37 PM

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

To rule out a weak fuel pump hook up a fuel pressure gauge and monitor it within that time frame-also when it dies out-do below immediatley to catch it if its a fuel or spark problem

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine -have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, coil's resistances, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it

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Monday, November 9th, 2009 AT 7:45 PM