HELP Please - Electrical Problem Escort Cosworth

[cossiechris]

Ive got a small turbo Escort Cosworth that has been standing without use for 6 weeks. When I managed to start it (battery pack) it ticked over but had the following problems which Im hoping someone can point me in the right direction to fix it. Cheers for any help lads/lasses. Car started and ticked over but when turned off, the battery was dead. Recharged (then bought new) battery, same again, something drained the battery. Other symptoms : 1) No dials working except boost gauge (presumably because its fed by a vacuum hose and not electrical) but when I turn the lights on, the illumination works ! 2) When ignition turned on, there are no lights (ABS, handbrake, oil light, no rev counter etc) it appears the dash is dead. 3) The headlights come on (very dim) with no main beam. Ive checked the main earth strap, it appears to be fine and am lost now. Somebody please help and Ill send several pints of beer, recorded delivery to anyone involved in rectifying this fault, I NEED to get me car back on the road fast. cheeRS

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[dave green]

Make sure the alternator isent draining the battery.

put a good battery on the car leave it for an hour then touch the alernator
it should be cold if its warm the alternator has a fault.

Got to start somewear,

[cossiechris]

All fixed ! Thanks for the help lads, problem fixed. Had a look at the fusebox, it's in good nick (for a Mk 5 !) and the voltage was charging when tested across the battery. People who had the car for the last 6 weeks blew a fuse and replaced it with a duff one, it looked to be fine but i suppose i should have replaced them all as a matter of course. Just out of interest, the fuse for the brake lights also provides the feed for the dash lights and power to the gauges and warning lights. Apparently the warning light circuit for the battery is used by the alternator to provide a small charge which is used to monitor battery state and operate the charging function on the alternator. But because the warning lights weren't working (duff fuse!), the alternator decides not to charge. Suppose i'll shut up now i've waffled on a bit.

Thanks again guys

cossie

[python9]

i have the same problem on my sierra saph cossie i turn the key no dash abs light no ignison lights the car starts okay i also have no rev counter or temp gauge but my fuel gauge works i turn on the lights the dash lights up what can be the problem can ayone help me