Well I learned a lot

So I had planned to work on the Alpine all day. I had my list and had packed the car the night before so off we went early - a little nervous I would admit.

Half way there I realised I'd forgotten the jack - I needed that to take the wheel off so I could bleed the brakes - I could leave that I thought until next time though.

I started with easy tasks, pumping up the tyres, then checking the water - it needed very little - then the oil - also not really enough down to bother topping up. The clutch fluid was fine, but the brake fluid needed a little.

While fishing around in the boxes I found the washer parts that Lee had lost. Ho Hum. At least he had done one door.

I put the battery back, cleaned the plugs and went to turn it over. Ah - no power, no lights either nor even ignition. I tried the jump pack but that made no difference. I checked the power in the battery and it was fine. I then checked the starter solenoid and that turned the engine over fine. So by then it was 10:30 and I was stumped. Lots of tests and nothing at least I had my electrical box.

I looked for loose wires and disconnected things. Eventually I found a few connections not used but then I spotted a blown 35 amp fuse. Ah that's not good. Lee thought it might be a short so I spent the next two hours looking for it. Nothing. Everything seemed to work if the power was connected directly to the ignition barrel. I started stripping out all the odd wires I had put in (spotlights etc.) but nothing helped.

I was getting despondent by then. So Lee had a look and checked the wiring with the multi meter - not a lot of evidence but it pointed to a stuck horn relay. Another blown fuse but then it seemed to clear.

However we still had no power at the ignition. Lee also spotted the ammeter connection was loose and one was completely off. I ridged a direct connection across it and bob was my uncle. All power back again and ignition turning over the engine fine. I connected the clock [that's the 4th time it had been out] but the power just lit all the dash lights so I had to take it out yet again !

Finally I thought I'd top up the gearbox oil but it turned out that - yes you guessed it - I needed the jack to get to the gear box filler plug too - so that job was also put on hold. By then I was glad to call it a day though. After over seven hours mostly frustrated by electrical problems.

But it is at least progress of sorts.

ION: SAAB slightly hard to start again first thing ? Odd.