Complete electrical failure!

[VXdeMayo]

Dear all,
Whilst having to drive our HPE VX in the rain today, she was performing reasonably ok until just before reaching home. I had to drive through two small flooded sections of road, nothing more than 2/3 inches. On getting home (again after no noticable change) I switched off. Then for some reason wanted to re-position under the port etc, turned the key to start, and ..... nothing. No lights at all on the dash were lit, but the engine was cranking over. Does not sound like any sparking is taking place though.
Now as it was p***ing down I did not do any more apart from run inside. Now If it is dry tommorow where do I start?
I did flip the bonnet later and the engine looks dry and the dizzy cap also dry as a bone??
Any advise would be welcome.
best,
Chas and Anne,

[MattNoVAT]

Hi Chas,

I'd check all the major connections  like battery, the earth to the chassis and check the connections to the main fuse box as a starting point - see if anything is loose or wet.. It sounds like some water has crept in somewhere - as I take it it's only happened the once so far, when it's absolutely raining cats and dogs?

I would be carrying a multi-meter around with me just in case it occured again and you want to be prepared for checking where you have power and where stops.

[VXdeMayo]

Thanks Matt, I have avoided looking under the bonnet today as I have been preparing more suspension parts for plating and powdercoating. At least it will be a nice static exhibit!

Will pluck up the courage this weekend if it stops raining.
Best,
Chas,

[lanciamad]

Like Matt suggests, i'd be looking straight to the fusebox and main connectors/wiring from battery to fusebox. I've had the connector fail on the right hand side as you look at the fusebox, resulting in a lack of lights etc
Could possibly be ignition barrel failure if the contacts have worn, multimeters your best friend, green/black wire from barrel is your ignition supply after switch, from memory (might be wrong).
I know what you mean about the weather!
Marcus.

[VXdeMayo]

Thanks Matt and Marcus, I will brave the elements soon, so to speak!
Best,
Chas and Anne,

[millieman]

Hi chas hope you are well, i would go for the ignition switch if you have a spare to plug in Regards M.

[VXdeMayo]

Thanks Mark. I will do that.
Also I have those three sensors that I borrowed off you safe.
Will get them back to you when this is resolved.
Best.
Chas.

[dougdee123]

I had the same kind of problem some time ago.

I think the problem was/were the large spade connectors on the black and white power cable at the ends of the fuse box. This is the one that comes from the alternator. Mine were very slack and I ended replacing them.

Doug

[Neil-yaj396]

It's 20 years ago but I thinks something similar happened when water got into the big edge connector on the ICU on my 2000ie, Not sure if the VX has the black box though?