The car is a 90 350sdl.

I left the car idling with the lights on. I come back 15 minutes later and the lights don't work and everything electrical is kaput (from the radio, to the wipers, to the dome lights). nothing. The engine of course was still running since it's a diesel. After cutting it off, of course i can't restart.

Any ideas?

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Jennifer
90 350sdl

bad battery, and bad alternator. first swap in a new battery, then start car and test alternator. if you have a good battery charger, you may be able to recharge the battery, bit it will take all day.
John

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

Before you panic try something simple...

1. Is the battery good - use a voltmeter or a 12V test probe you can get at any auto parts or electrical parts store.

2. If you have voltage on the battery and not even the dome lights work you could have a loose battery connection or ground somewhere.

the battery connection was just loose. whew! thanks!

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Jennifer
90 350sdl