I have a 1988, 300zx, turbo, and this car has always had some type of electrical gremlin. When it rains the car will either not start or quit running. I just finished installing a new engine (the old engine did the same thing) I had to install a new engine from bent valves when it jumped timing. Anyway, last night while driving the car on it's first trip with the new engine after about 8 or 10 miles of freeway driving, I noticed the dash lights, headlights begin to go dim as I was driving. The battery light on the dash came on and the car acted as if it was running on the battery, loss of power, small backfire, then the car quit and would not start. The car started with a jump from another vehicle but would not stay running as soon as I pulled the jumper cables off. The car has a new alternator (6 or 8 months old) and the battery is less then a year old. I have no idea where to begin when it comes to this problem. Can anyone help me?

Thanks,
GDubya

 

i had this exact same problem. in my case if the batt light is on that means the batt is not recieving a charge. most likely the alternator. my issue was the at autozone they told me the wrong wiring for it. so make sure thats all wired correctly and stuff and go get it bench tested same w/the batt. also check your fuses some of them may be burnt now. i got a new alt, batt, and a couple of fuses to fix my issue. hope that helps

 

Could it be a bad ground causing all the trouble from my engine block to the frame? Any thoughts....

 

i doubt it. just make sure all the wiring is right and if it is take the alternator and batt out and get them tested.

 

That's the plan. Hope this is it. Very frustrating....

 

yes poor grounding to the frame will cause you lots of problems. the cable should go from the battery terminal to a ground on the frame and then to the starter. grounding thru the tranny/starter is not reliable for the electronics. the original cable had a copper piece with a hole in it crimped to the ground cable see pic this was the reliable and proper ground. If PO replaced with cable direct to starter this could be your problem.

 

I benched the alternator and it only passed once out of 3 times tested so it was intermittent with the alternator. Replaced alternator and the charging light is now gone. Checked grounding wire and it is exactly as shown in previous post photo's.

Thanks to all for the suggestions and for the help.