ON my way to lunch today i noticed my tach dropped to zero, clock dimmed out, headlights are super dim, no turn signals, I dont know if I have brake lights or not, No radio. The car runs but wont start without dumping it in gear but still has the same symptoms.

Its a 90 dx converted to MPFi and auto to manual swap. Ran perfect for 10,000 miles until today. Has a brand new main fuel relay and battery. Im stuck at work, an hour and a half from home.

Could this be an alternator or distributor problem? Once the car is started the motor runs fine but I have no electrical power

 

sounds like an alternator taking a dump

 

i think it may be a ground issue, about a month ago i realized if i turn off the car, remove the key, the dash lights stay on very dim until i put the key back in, turn to on and then turn it back off. It only happened twice within a month and I didnt think much of it.

I dont know how the alt can be linked to turn signals, radio and clock not working but if someone has some insight it would be great

 

well i only experienced that once but when my alt went out on my hf it killed everything but the motor ....how ever on the key issue youre having does sound like bad grounds clean them up and try it .... thats free at least

 

Check your t-stat and tranny grounds. Also check fuse 14 (I believe, it's been too long), the alternator purge or w/e it is under the dash.