Car shuts off when turn lights on

1995 CHEVROLET CAPRICE
194,000 MILES • 0.8L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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MG STEEL
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
Have replaced alternator already. today putting gas in it and got ready to start it and cranked right up and went to turn lights on it shut off. crank back up and looked under hood to look at belt everything looked fine. even voltage meter showed fine. got home turn engine off and lights and tired it again no problem. I replaced temperature sensor to water pump but to change temperature switch sensors yet waiting on connector to install. could that be the problem?
Dec 12, 2019 at 9:23 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,246 POSTS
Hi,

I have to be honest. It sounds like a bad ground. When you turn the lights on, the ground can no longer support the draw. Start by making sure the battery terminals are clean and tight. Next, check any wire from the ground cable to the body and the engine block to make sure they are clean and tight.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
Dec 13, 2019 at 10:52 AM
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