engine cut out with no electrics?

[stevie b]

Hi all, need some help. my wife was driving her battered little 1987 punto when everything just died...no engine...no electrics....nout. scared the bejesus out of her. she says that on a couple of occasions recently the key code symbol has briefly lit up whilst driving, but with no cut out. now the only thing working are the hazard lights. sounds like maybe a short of some sort? battery terminals are clean and solid and as far as i know the battery is good and I think the main earth from the battery is in good nick. any ideas/hints/tips free repairs greatly recieved. Ta

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

I assume it's a 97 not an 87

Might be worth removing the steering shroud and checking the wiring harness to the ignition switch hasn't worked its way loose. This would cause these symptoms and isn't unheard of

 

[PuntoHowTo]

Start with the basics, by checking fuses and relays, ignition switch is also a very good idea to check

 

[stevie b]

I assume it's a 97 not an 87

Might be worth removing the steering shroud and checking the wiring harness to the ignition switch hasn't worked its way loose. This would cause these symptoms and isn't unheard of

ha ha yeah its a 97...my typing is as good as my mechanical knowledge lol. cheers for the reply, its quite likely. someone tried to nick the car a while back and damaged the wiring from the ignition....i managed to bodge it back together and it worked fine, so maybe my bodge needs rebodging

 

[stevie b]

cheers will do.