sudden starter trouble

[metalguru]

I've been working with this M109a3 Deuce shop van
it's been runnign great, just drove it 800 miles from Virginia to Boston, I got it registered and insured. I've been trying to figure out the electrical. none of the lights work except some of the blackout lights.
but now today, it wont start.
when I push the start button, there's nothing.
If anyone has any ideas about what I might want to try it would be great.
the manual says the starter is directly linked to the 24 volt system. but is it also powered by compression?
thanks for any help or suggestions!
Ryan

 

[Westech]

well try the relay. Jump it with a screw driver. if she turns over you know you might have a relay problem.. also look at the push button switch.. mine took a dump and I had to replace it.

 

[shepsjeep]

Ryan,

One of our members had a problem similiar to that. First, check the canon plug at the turn indicator. Check all the wires there and be sure the insulation is not frayed or broken. If this plug or wires short, all sorts of things can go wrong. Some of these deuces were parked outside and this plug was very susceptible to water and corrosion. The deuce will start on compression but it requires towing it or a very steep hill!! I don't mean to sound too simple, but check the connections at the batteries for corrosion clean them and recharge them fully. A short can drain the batteries. Check your ground too!! If all of this is good, then I would look at the multi-switch for the lights. Do a search for it on this site and they will tell you how to clean it.

Hope this helps!

Rick

 

[bassetdeuce]

Check your grounds too.

Ooops, already mentioned above.

 

[metalguru]

Well, I should of known to put the multimeter to the battery first thing!
I think it was the pressure of a looming parking ticket that made me expect the worst.
I just threw the 24 volt battery system in a shopping cart and brought it home, borrowed a friends battery charger and got it started today, so now I can begin to think about the rest of the electrical system. ... possibly a short draining the battery.
much thanks for the info
Ryan

 

[cranetruck]

Pretty confusing to say the least....