PT422 Electrical Issue

MCGN · Jul 13, 2008

Hi Everyone,

This is my second time posting on this board - you were all incredibly helpful with my last fuel problem. Although I read the forum regularily, unfortunately, I don't really know enough to help anyone as I am still trying to learn about my PT. My PT422 is 1 year old with around 60 hours.

That said, my current problem I believe is something electrical. I used the PT yesterday for 2-3 hours with no problems. Today it starts fine and then just shuts down. When I try to turn on the lights there is nothing. I have tightened the bolts on the battery and engine. It then started, ran for 1-2 minutes and then shut down - same problem with the lights (which I am just using as a proxy to see if there is any juice in the system). This pattern went on for 3-4 times with the same result.

Is there some other connection that may be lose which could be causing this problem.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Marks481 · Jul 13, 2008

I am guessing that you have a problem with you ignition switch or the power lead going to your ignition switch.

Since the lights go off, and they also turn off when your ignition switch turns off, then the fault is either the switch or upstream to the battery. Take the plate off the front of the PT so you can get to the connections on the ignition switch (which are all installed with VERY cheap single crimp connections) and wiggle the harness when the engine is running and see what happens.

BobRip · Jul 13, 2008

Turn the key on and the lights on. Start wiggling connections, fuses etc. while having someone watch the lights. I suggest the fuse holder coming off the starter as a start. When the light starts to flicker or come on, you are near.