HJ61 No Electrical Power!

[Huisson]

I have a re-occuring issue with my 88 HJ61 24v draining my batteries. A few times now, I've had no electrical power whatsoever, I opened the hood and starting tapping relays and looking for loose wires. Sometimes it works and there's power, sometimes nothing. Currently both batteries are fully charged and when I turn the key, there is no power getting through the vehicle (no lights, beeps, clock, nothing..). I have a Solar Converter installed and I'm currently going through the system to learn about it's function. I do occasionally lose my batteries if the truck sits for too long, so I'm wondering if the Solar Converter is hooked up correctly.
Why do I have no power? Is there a battery relay or ignition relay I should be looking for. I'm going to test the ignition switch tonight.

 

[Huisson]

I stand corrected, I have power to my domelight and horn. Nothing else works...

 

[Tim-HJ61]

I stand corrected, I have power to my domelight and horn. Nothing else works...

just close to the +24v battery connection there are a bunch of cables coming off there. Two of them contain fusible links, which can both corrode over time and blow due to excessive load.
Check them. The connections for one end of them are contained in a small black joiner about 75mm, 3 inches, from the high battery positive terminal. Mine corroded on the ends and burnt out. I bought replacements at an autoelectricians but to get you on the road again a standard fuse could be used. Try 30A for starters as a replacement.

If they are okay, check the power box. This box is mounted on the fender, and is a black box that you can undo the top off. Inside are four connection points, being for always live, earth, ign and acc. Check them as part of your problem solving.

I find a device with a light works well as a probe. I have one with a lead I connect to earth, and it has a sharp probe that you push into the cable, through the insulation and into the copper, to see if there is power there. It also spears your skin very easily, so be careful

Also probe your fuse box to see what is working and what is not.

Addressing annoying things like this are all part of the learning curve that will stand you in good stead into the future.



Tim

 

[Huisson]

That's exactly what it was. One of the wires off the battery had come loose in the back of one of the fusibile links, rigged it up temporarily and sure enough it worked. I think this has been the cause of a "ghost" in system. I'm buying a new link today at Napa.
For a 23 year old truck, I'm expecting a few more of these "ghosts" like this one, but good learning experience nonetheless. Thanks again Tim.

 

[Tim-HJ61]

That's exactly what it was. One of the wires off the battery had come loose in the back of one of the fusibile links, rigged it up temporarily and sure enough it worked. I think this has been the cause of a "ghost" in system. I'm buying a new link today at Napa.
For a 23 year old truck, I'm expecting a few more of these "ghosts" like this one, but good learning experience nonetheless. Thanks again Tim.

Good outcome then.

 

[Huisson]

Very, now I just need to nail down my Solar Converter and I'll be in good shape.