My '98 XC Just Died On The Road Topic is solved

Post by **erikv11** » 27 Feb 2017, 17:04

Bad ignition switch can do some very strange things. And the factory units basically all fail as they come up on 20 years old, it is just just a question of when.

My take on this is that if it's never been replaced then it is probably worth it to do anyway in your position, just so you can cross it off the list of electrical gremlin sources.

DaveP189 · Post by **DaveP189** » 28 Feb 2017, 14:12

Well, wait until you get a load of this: Had one quick stumble this morning, then a bit later it quit again (I was outside of town) - before grabbing the phone to call roadside, I popped the hood and starting checking connections, starting at the battery.

The little nut that holds the "extra" hot wires to the positive terminal? It was loose - I guess loose enough to lose power. Finger tightened it and looked at the dash, numbers were back, and it started right up.

Butter my butt and call me a biscuit.

It's the simple things sometimes, no?
Thank You to everyone for their suggestions and advice, I do appreciate it.

Post by **erikv11** » 28 Feb 2017, 14:25

Those extra hot wires are the battery end of the B+ cable that feeds the fuse box you were looking at. Maybe clean up the connector surface and reseat everything when you get a chance.

A bad cable connection is much easier than so many other electrical problems, good news!

Post by **scot850** » 28 Feb 2017, 16:34

while you are in there tightening up the B+ cable, check the other end of it up in the main fuse box by in front of the brake booster (the kidney shaped one). The cable enters the front and is help in place by a nut. Check the color of the connector and nut. They should be shiny bright brass. Try looking at the cable below the connector there as they are prone to melting and shorting out. This issue seems to affect 99-00 most, but I have herd of it on 98 and oder.

Neil.

Post by **abscate** » 01 Mar 2017, 04:27

Viking horns to Erik for the cable suggestion...post (2)

Post by **850 LPT** » 01 Mar 2017, 05:47

Glad you figured it out!!

DaveP189 · Post by **DaveP189** » 01 Mar 2017, 08:01

I probably should have noticed it

, but it's a tumultuous time in my life right now.
I'll double check those other connections - getting little things done to put it on the market, to be honest. Suddenly single and have 3 cars, something's gotta go...

Post by **misha** » 01 Mar 2017, 08:31

Get rid of the Mini...keep the Volvo.

DaveP189 · Post by **DaveP189** » 01 Mar 2017, 20:05

misha wrote:Get rid of the Mini...keep the Volvo.

The MINI has been with me for 9-1/2 years. My Mistress (lol).
But I'm considering keeping both if I can sell the Spitfire

Being "Suddenly Single" I really have ZERO need for a "family truckster" though.
Decisions, decisions...