not starting

[spiderron81]

Hey All,

I have an 81 Spider. When I went to start her before it kicked over all power was lost. Ironically, I was in a Fiat Dealership parking lot.

I recently noticed that the alternator seem to be making noise. Replacing it is on my to do list.

Could there be a short in the alternator?

I checked the battery connections, and the battery is good. ( then locked my keys in the trunk.

Thanks,

Ron

[baltobernie]

While the alternator was making noises, did you get any cues that the electrical system was under-performing? Weird instrument readings, unusually slow blinkers, etc.?

Do you get all the Idiot lights and other electrical items when the key is turned to ON?

Ignition switches have been known to fail. The contacts burn up because (1.) The Sipea switch is not very good, and (2.) Lots of accessories are routed through this switch.

When you get your keys back, try jiggling the ignition key while turning it.

Even though you are at a new car dealership that doesn't have any Spider parts, there's still a lot that a competent mechanic can do. If you have electrical power, the starter can be temporarily engaged with a screwdriver shorting the terminals.