Strange electrical problem '85
 

Aus delivered '85 s3, originally came with carb 12a. Running 13bt and microtech but original wiring in place for everything else.

Ok so with no warning whatsoever, and after starting it this morning to take off and it stalled while i was shutting the gate (this is normal) it started doing this;

1) Turn key to ign, everything that comes on with ignition comes on, turn key to start, no starter. Try again, everything dead except a couple leds light up for a second then fade. Try again, leds much weaker for much less time. Try again, dead.

2)Walk away, come back test voltage at batt (fine, 12.5v) check fuses and wiring, nothing stupid is apparent.

3)Try step 1) again exactly the same thing, every thing comes on with ign like its supposed to but no starter. Try again everything dead.

Any thoughts?

Quick update, tried the key again, nothing. Tried the headlights, they work - they popped up but wont pop back down, no horn, no hazards, no brake light no sign of life but the headlights do work.

What kind of battery,how old? Take cables off battery,inspect,clean them. Have another battery to put in and try? Car still have oe fuselinks? Test them,test light,voltmeter. Check main ground cable connections. Do the headlights go out if you try to start car?

Poor connections at one of the fusible links.

There is a fusible link at the starter also.

Thanks guys, yes it turned out to be a weak connection at the main fusible link. It was kind of hidden under a bunch of backyard fuses and wiring and I/C pipe so in my hung-over state it was all a little bit difficult for me to simple put the test light on that and find the weak (but not dead) connection.
Many, many thanks. I am a fuckin muppet sometimes.

lol