Car quit working

[Babyboomerboy]

Got a problem that I hope some of you can help me with. Yesterday I turned on the key of my 1950 Ford Tudor V8, and pressed the button and the car cranked until it started. I just installed a new choke cable and I wanted to make sure it worked properly. Today I go out to start the car and nothing, nada. I not only could not get any response to turning on the key and pressing the button, my lights don’t work any longer. I put the battery charger on the battery and it read 6.3, so the battery is not the problem. What could cause a sudden loss of power? Thank you

[marko39]

Could be a few things but start by checking your grounds. If they are good start troubleshooting from starter and work towards ignition switch. Apply power directly to starter to see if it cranks, check voltage at the same time .

[tubman]

The first thing I would do is take the cables off of the battery, make sure they are good and clean (as well as the battery posts), reinstall them tightly and try again. Sometimes they get loose and corrode a bit.

Do you have one of those special (round) wire brushes made especially for battery posts/terminals? If not, get one; they are available just about everywhere.

If that doesn't work, then check all of the other connections.

[Babyboomerboy]

Thanks, I'll start there

[Babyboomerboy]

Originally Posted by marko39

Could be a few things but start by checking your grounds. If they are good start troubleshooting from starter and work towards ignition switch. Apply power directly to starter to see if it cranks, check voltage at the same time .

Originally Posted by tubman

The first thing I would do is take the cables off of the battery, make sure they are good and clean (as well as the battery posts), reinstall them tightly and try again. Sometimes they get loose and corrode a bit.

Do you have one of those special (round) wire brushes made especially for battery posts/terminals? If not, get one; they are available just about everywhere.

If that doesn't work, then check all of the other connections.

Thank you guys very much I took off both cables and cleaned both ends. Put them back on and the car fired up as normal. Thanks again

[tubman]

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This happens a lot on older cars.

[slowforty]

You should see what happens to the Older Owners.

[deuce_roadster]

All electrical trouble shooting begins at the battery (and its cables).