Winter Beater Problem

[MLimpert]

I just got 93 Lebaron sedan w/ 3. 0 V6 I have been driving unless I need my truck.



This beast has done something wierd starting the last couple evenings. I have driven it home from work and gotten it fully warmed up. (No problems starting in the morning or leaving work) When I have been getting ready to leave again about 2 hours after hot shutoff, the first turn of the key gets a click from the starter and then everything goes dead - dash lights, dome light etc. I turn the key off and back on and it will start right up.



Do you guys have any suggestions of things to check? The battery connections were ever so slightly loose, and I cleaned and tightened them. The battery load tested fine at auto zone. Everything else seems to work fine - including a cold start this morning at 1 degree outside.

 

[MFalkinham]

My first guess would be the loose battery connections. If it continues, perhaps the ignition switch is worn out and not making good contact at times? Try jiggling the key in the ignition while starting to see if you can produce the problem. It definitely sounds like a poor power connection somewhere with losing all of the lights.

 

[MLimpert]

It hasn't done it today yet... We'll see! The ground terminal on the battery was just loose enough I could twist it with some pretty good arm. Hopefully that took care of it! Thanks



BTW the ignition switch seems nice and tight and its 55. 00 at the dealer, so I'm hoping thats ok.

 

[MFalkinham]

I think you solved it. I remember having the same problem during the drive home when I bought my '92 Ram Cummins. Intermitant no start for no obvious reason. The battery connectors looked tight, but upon checking they weren't. That Mitsubishi 3. 0L V6 is a pretty good engine. I've owned a couple of them and never had any problems.

By the way, I get to Fort Wayne every so often on business. Have they finished the road construction on I-69 near Hwy 30 yet? It was kind of a pain driving through there last summer. I'm coming back again next summer and am hoping it's done soon.

 

[MLimpert]

Yup, all of the mess on the highway is done. They were repaving south of town on 69 before it got really cold... I think thats done til spring. 69 through town is open with 3 lanes for your driving pleasure.

 

[EBottema]

Those Labarons are a big POS. Get rid of it before it costs you an arm an a leg. Get a 1986 chevy sprint 3cyl 55 mpg

 

[MLimpert]

Hey now... I have standards