Stalls out instantly and turns off all lights

Tiny
KOOKIEKOOK
  • MEMBER
  • 1963 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 30,000 MILES
My car runs great. A few weeks ago I went to put gas and got back in the car and nothing worked. No brake or headlights or interior lights. After about fifteen minutes, the lights came on and the car started right up. Ran fine for weeks. Now it has done it again. It seems like when I turn the head lights on, or hit the brakes, it wants to shut off instantly and turns off all lights. Any ideas?
Help!
Sunday, August 19th, 2018 AT 8:36 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning.

Low battery voltage is usually the issue.

I would check the battery cables to be sure they are clean and tight.

I would also check the charging system to be sure it is working correctly.

Roy

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator
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Monday, August 20th, 2018 AT 3:50 AM
Tiny
KOOKIEKOOK
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I was hoping for a more advanced answer. I suppose more details would have helped on my part. The battery and alternator are new. Battery terminals are also new. Car cranks over within two or three seconds when working. When issue occurs, car goes from running to an instant shut off. No dimming of lights or gauges, just running, and then off when lights are turned on, brakes are pressed, or car is put into drive. Battery voltage is correct before, during, and after issue. No corrosion on cables, posts, or terminals. When car actually starts, it can be started and driven for several days with no issues. Hope that helps
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Monday, August 20th, 2018 AT 7:50 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
It sounds like you are losing all electrical power.

That comes from either the battery terminals or a connection somewhere. Chevrolet used a wire that went through the firewall junction block to feed all the inside of the car. That included the ignition switch which will control the running of the motor.

Remove the junction block and make sure all the wires are clean, tight and not burned.

Roy
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+1
Monday, August 20th, 2018 AT 8:38 AM
Tiny
KOOKIEKOOK
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you for your help. I will check that and will get back with you. I appreciate your help immensely. I know it is difficult to troubleshoot from a computer and to go off limited information. So thank you again.
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Monday, August 20th, 2018 AT 8:52 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You are welcome.

Roy
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Monday, August 20th, 2018 AT 9:06 AM

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