1984 RX 7 GS loses electrical power while driving. Car will start right back up. This happens every so often, ignition coils are new, battery cables are tight. What can be the cause of this.

 

Maybe a faulty ignition switch.

 

Hmm, does everything electrically die/turn off? Like the car just dies with no power?

 

Failing alternator?

 

Yes everything shuts down, dash goes dark, radio, etc., Car after about 2 cranks starts back up and everything comes back on.

 

Battery tests very strong, headlights are fine.

 

Possibly a bad ground. I'd look at the strut tower ground to make sure there isn't any corrosion there. I've run into something similar myself and had to replace the cables from corrosion.

 

Thanks I will look into this over the weekend, as it would be a simple fix.

 

Could also be the internal voltage regulator within the Alternator going bad. Have the Alternator tested to see if that's it. Is there a regular duration of time or distance that this occurs?

Also, check your Fusible Links at the DS strut tower by the battery. It could be one of them is weak and when it gets hot under hood, the resistance goes up. These are usually a good or not problem. It seems odd that the car restarts immediately afterward...

 

they are definitely worth a look ....

 

This happens randomly, going to check the links, ground and the alternator this weekend. Yesterday it happened after driving about 3 miles, all electrical power lost, first crank of engine power came back but cut off a few seconds later, 2nd crank car started and powered up and all was fines.

Dave

 

Yes car dies no electrical power, but starts back up.

 

Generally when there is a gremlin like this, the "thing" won't work until whatever condition caused it has healed itself. For example, a loose ground is wiggled enough to make connection again. A failing ignitor cools down.

What I'm getting at is that if it was the ignition switch, the act of moving it fixes it again. Next time it happens, DO NOT touch the ignition switch and check some voltages are are only controlled by the ignition in the run model. If you get zero volts, cycle the key and check again.

 

Thanks all, seems to have been a slipping fan belt. Changed the belt and all has be fine for the last week or so.

Thanks again,

Dave

 

Highly unlikely to be the fan belt.

The car will start and run without a fan belt installed... Good luck, and drive in the right lane!

 

Yes, but with a slipping or no fan belt battery will not properly charge and cause electrical issues.