Ignition/Electrical Short - 92 GEO Automatic

[gthagard]

I had just replaced the alternator belt and all was well. Three days later the car wouldn't start. Everytime I turn the key to the ignition, something shorts and all electrical systems die. Sometimes, just turning on the headlights will do the same. I've checked all the fuses under the hood and dash. No problems there. Has anyone any experience with Geo electrical systems to help track this one down?

[Crvett69]

sounds to me like a bad battery connection or cable

[gthagard]

I'm no expert on these things but I will take a closer look at the battery cables. I did take the battery in to have it checked out. It passed all tests. If it wasn't the battery cables or connections what would be something else to check?

[unbe]

What makes you think its a short as opposed to a open or at least a large voltage drop are you blowing fuses?

[gthagard]

I used "short" only as an expression. I don't know what the problem is exactly. And no, the fuses are not being blown. I've checked them all under the hood and dash as I mention in the original post.

[gthagard]

thank you, Crvett69, it was indeed the battery connectors. i cleaned 'em up and it started right away. cheers.

[sbiddle]

Glad you fixed it. Another common problem that's often hard to diagnose is the ground circuit. It's important to make sure the ground to the engine and the body is in good shape. I had a problem like this with a Neon recently and it drove me nuts chasing it down.