Dead Maverick ......

[Teaman]

Hello again,
I went shopping this morning and all was well with the Maverick. Got into her to come home, pulled out of the parking space and she just chugged to a stop.
Tried to start her but she wouldn't start. The engine turns over but won't start. I noticed there are no lights on the dash and the electric windows won't operate either. :nenau
Any suggestions as to what may be the cause so I can look for it and try to fix the problem - please.:bow

 

[solarman216]

Sounds like the engine management fuse under drivers side dash, Rick

 

[Teaman]

Thanks for that Rick, I will investigate tomorrow.

 

[Teaman]

You were quite right Rick, thank you so much for your knowledge. Have a good weekend - what is left of it. Thanks again, Paul

 

[solarman216]

No problem, but keep a couple of spares with you as something popped it in the first place and could do it again, assuming it was the correctly rated fuse in the beginning, Rick

 

[terranosaurusdoug]

Good shout Rick :thumb2

 

[Teaman]

Rick
Went to the shop again this morning, did 5 kms and the 'computer' fuse popped.
I have had my Maverick for 11 years with very few problems. The 'computer' fuse had a 10amp fuse originally so I changed it for another 10amp. It popped almost immediately so I changed it for a 15 amp which again popped this morning. I replaced it with another 15amp just to get me home.
Should I try a higher amp - though I know I really need to find out what the cause of the problem is. Here in France auto-electricians are as rare as hens teeth (possibly rarer) and the repair garages are over 50 kms from my rural location. If you have any suggestions re possible causes I would greatly appreciate them.

Paul

 

[solarman216]

Yes thought it might come to this, before the days of computers in cars we used to stick a much higher fuse or even a bolt a have several people round the car looking for the smoke, but!!!!! it might be better to try isolating other things first, like what other items also do not work when this fuse blows? think you mentioned the electric windows, they will not be fused directly through that fuse but the control system for them will be so locate the relay for the windows and pull it to see if that helps, in fact I would be pulling many relays out, things like glow plug relay, air bag, lighting and any others that only work with the ignition on, if the fuse stops blowing replace them one at a time and hopefully the errant on will show itself, Rick

 

[Teaman]

Rick
I did as you suggested and the problem seemed to come down to the rear window. It stopped working a month ago, it would open but not close, so manual closure was required if it was inadvertently opened. I have disconnected it completely now so will see today if the problem has been resolved. I will report back.
Thank you again for your help Rick, it is so good to know you are available with your invaluable knowledge, info and suggestions. Paul
ps: 2 ft deep mud is quite frequent here, combination of tractors and rain! Some ruts are so deep you would probably 'bottom out'.

 

[Banshee]

Rick
I did as you suggested and the problem seemed to come down to the rear window. It stopped working a month ago, it would open but not close, so manual closure was required if it was inadvertently opened. I have disconnected it completely now so will see today if the problem has been resolved. I will report back.
Thank you again for your help Rick, it is so good to know you are available with your invaluable knowledge, info and suggestions. Paul
ps: 2 ft deep mud is quite frequent here, combination of tractors and rain! Some ruts are so deep you would probably 'bottom out'.

That sounds delightful fun

Glad you're making progress with it Teaman.

That's made me fancy a brew now saying that out loud

 

[Teaman]

Oh no not again ......

Well here I am one year and 12 days on from this last post and my lovely Maverick did it again yesterday. Fortunately I was on the lane to home after a shopping trip so with the help of a very kind french neighbour pushing from behind I managed to get home - and with the aid of the downhill gradient.
It was absolutely hammering down with rain yesterday so I am now going out to try the previous methods of elimination and hopefully I will report back that the problem has been resolved.
Watch this space .....

Replaced the dash panel fuse and now mobile again.