Just bought a 1982-Only starts when jumped

[spiderman1]

I am really excited-I bought a 1982 after looking for well over a year.It is in good shape to restore. I know nothing about electical systems. The owners son while trying to be helpful disconnected some things behind the dash and the car only starts when jumped.- Starts right up, but never without being jumped. No brake lights or interior lights or turn signals.Running lights and headlights do work and the car drives fine as long as it doesnt cut off.

I have no idea where to start running down the connection issues-Not even sure how to read a wiring diagram

Also I have read about a larger alternator-Can someone tell me about that?

[azruss]

the 82 should have a plenty big alternator unless you are planning on adding big driving lights or a megawatt stereo. Don't do anything until you get the starting issue worked out. Sounds like you have a low volt issue from the battery. take the battery to a parts store and have it load tested. then start cleaning the battery terminals and cables. clean the battery ground, engine ground ( between the starter and the body). Should also clean the big cables going to the starter and the alternator. Also pull and clean all the fuses and contacts and squeeze the contacts together for a tighter fit. See if this fixes the start issue.

[spider2081]

First I would download " Spider 2000 electrical Diagnostic Manual 1980-81" The wiring for an 82 is very very close to the 81. This book is the best resource for anyone working on Fiats of any year that have electrical problems.

Here is a link to the Manual: http://www.njfiats.org/images/stories/s ... manual.pdf

With out hands on trouble shooting everything is a guess and little is actually learned. Problems might get fixed but one doesn't truly know why. I suggest reading the manual a couple times.

[spiderman1]

Thanks this is going to be very helpful. What electrical testing tools do you reccomend Are ther diagnostic tools that I can use to tell if a wire is gettting juice or not?-This is so awesome to get started

[spiderman1]

also what is the cleaner that is reccomended and on the dremmel is it just wire brush or polisher cleaner?

[DieselSpider]

If it starts when jumped at the battery then the problem is with the battery in that it is dead or the terminals are dirty. You do not need a power tool to clean them.

This is the old tried and true simple tool for cleaning them:


http://www.harborfreight.com/battery-te ... 94450.html

[spiderman1]

Replaced battery and a few connections-Havent got to them all but the car started right up. I am still not sure if there will be a pull on the battery because of something else not working that it may eventually drain the battery.
I guess if it starts and runs a while, the alternator must be working or it would eventually just stop?

[azruss]

I wouldn't expect a drain on the battery. If you want to check the alternator, use a volt meter and check DC volts across the battery terminals with the car running. Should measure something in the 13.5 to 14 volt range.

[DieselSpider]

Replaced battery and a few connections-Havent got to them all but the car started right up. I am still not sure if there will be a pull on the battery because of something else not working that it may eventually drain the battery.
I guess if it starts and runs a while, the alternator must be working or it would eventually just stop?

Most Advance or Oreilly parts stores will at no cost to you put a charging system analyzer on your car and tell you if its charging the battery as it should or needs attention. You can buy some fuel system cleaner or even a soft drink while your there and they will even price match the local Walmart or other discount stores prices on oil, coolant and such.

[bradartigue]

The only drain on a stock 1982 Spider is the clock. Over time the clocks start to have some corrosion and work hard to keep running (you can hear some of them running when this condition is bad), and they'll drain the battery when the car sits for a while.

Of course that's a stock 82 - no radio - and things work correctly. A modern radio draws a little power for the memory features, and owner modifications to otherwise stock items can mess with things too.