Technical 1979 Fiat 124 Spider 2000 Having Electrical / Ignition Issues

[bugsymike]

Good news!

 

[VinnyL]

To you wonderful in-putters on FF who have been so thoughtful in taking an interest to my plight. I just posted this note on another site, the sentiment goes double for what I've encountered on this site. To wit:

Hi Folks... I may not be allowed back on this site after this revelation, notwithstanding that I'm an absolute novice in all things mechanical (I'll include HVAC in this as I've been dealing with some Trane issues)... that said, after switching out the battery that exploded, confirming too much voltage was going to the car, replacing voltage regulator, checking resistance at the ignition coil, checking magnetic pick up coil, replacing ignition swith, etc. I discovered, only by chance that the "three" wires that need to be attached to the alternator, were only "two" (including the ground). Keep in mind I had checked the connecting alternator bold several times earlier. I had assumed that two wires were part of the connecting wire/lug attached to the alternator bolt. When I did a re-look from a buddies insistence last night, I discovered there was a hidden wire lug connector hidden in the rubber sleeve that typically covers the bolt and the two connectors.

Presto! Instrument lights were on, brake light on, interior light on, etc. I had a good sense, she was going to fire up and did!

Appreciate the inputs, the thoughtful considerations and putting up with such a novice. I learned much though!

Gratefully,

Phil

I'm so grateful to have stumbled on this thread, I'm having very similar issues, and like you, replaced many many parts trying to resolve it.

Firstly, I'm happy to hear you figured it out, until reading this, I never would have guessed wires to my alternator could be the reason for my no spark...I have been getting power to my coil, but no spark, changed out everything, still no spark...lights on the dash would also go out (oil light, brake, gas sensor, fuel gauge...leaving me to believe I have serious electrical issues). Now I have a potential lead and will be removing and inspecting my alternator and wires next!

Great community we have hear!