Southwest64 · Apr 27, 2024

Hi all am a newbie. I recently acquired a 1987 Vogue SE auto 3.5L V8 fitted with LPG. everything was running tickety boo. Then I parked it and it would not restart. A bit of research suggested the problem is linked to the Park safety switch... I dismantled the central gear console and saw a green and two black wires running down the side of the gear console to a 'plug in' breaker. I unplugged and reconnected the breaker ... the car started and worked fine. Then I reparked and now will not start again. When I turn on ignition, battery and oil lights come on, the fuel pump can be heard and there is a clicking sound like a low battery (however the battery is charged)... any ideas out there in hive mind...

kermit_rr · Apr 27, 2024

What is the voltage of the battery while you're trying to start and it's clicking? Needs to be over 10v depending on the size of battery installed

Southwest64 · Apr 27, 2024

Thanks Kermit ..... the battery is fully charged up at 12.7v ....and the Range has a new starter motor. The points are a bits used but I have seen worse.

kermit_rr · Apr 27, 2024

Southwest64 said:
Thanks Kermit ..... the battery is fully charged up at 12.7v ....and the Range has a new starter motor. The points are a bits used but I have seen worse.

Yes but my question is what does the voltage drop to when you're trying to crank? A duff battery can read 12.7 at test then drop to 6 or 8 during cranking if it's faulty inside

Datatek · Apr 27, 2024

kermit_rr said:
What is the voltage of the battery while you're trying to start and it's clicking? Needs to be over 10v depending on the size of battery installed

10 volts? I assume you mean whilst cranking, even then that's on the low side.

kermit_rr · Apr 27, 2024

Datatek said:
10 volts? I assume you mean whilst cranking, even then that's on the low side.

Sorry if i didn't make that clear. Yes it's low but if it's a small battery then it should still crank and not just click.

Ratae · Apr 27, 2024

IF - and it's a big IF - the battery is fully charged and in good condition try connecting a jump lead directly from the battery earth terminal to a good clean metal point on the block & see what happens.
This would help to rule out a faulty earth.

norseman · Apr 28, 2024

Southwest64 said:
Thanks Kermit ..... the battery is fully charged up at 12.7v ....and the Range has a new starter motor. The points are a bits used but I have seen worse.

Points? You can't be referring to CB as the car has electronic ignition.

'Small battery' The factory spec. is 70AH & that should be quite adequate, unless you have extra power hungry equipment fitted or a defective alternator.

Southwest64 · May 12, 2024

norseman said:
Points? You can't be referring to CB as the car has electronic ignition.

'Small battery' The factory spec. is 70AH & that should be quite adequate, unless you have extra power hungry equipment fitted or a defective alternator.

Hi Norseman (and kermit) the problem turned out to be the earth ...negative on the battery....needed a good clean where it was wired to the chassis....Both places...starts fine now... also bought an 80AH battery ...bit of extra juice for the old gal...now on to the next tinkering... Thanks for your insights

Southwest64 · May 12, 2024

Was also wondering .... The Range idles at 1000 in park which seems a bit high... In neutral or drive turns over at about 600... is there an easy fix....car has EFi so cant adjust carbs

discool · May 12, 2024

Yes there is an easy fix.
Stated in the workshop manual the is idle speed is 673 to 728 rpm at normal running temp.
The idle adjustment is on the throttle side, you may find a anti tamper plug fitted.
Perhaps check at the mixture the same time
You may find a Haynes Workshop manual handy as it’s full of information.

My copy which I purchased way back in 1987.
Nice to know how the 3.5 works

norseman · May 13, 2024

Southwest64 said:
Hi Norseman (and kermit) the problem turned out to be the earth ...negative on the battery....needed a good clean where it was wired to the chassis....Both places...starts fine now... also bought an 80AH battery ...bit of extra juice for the old gal...now on to the next tinkering... Thanks for your insights

Never any harm going for a few extra AH's

Problem with the RRC is finding a larger battery that will fit the tray as it's a bit restrictive.

Glad you are sorted.

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