Electrical Problem Driving me nuts

[skeeter]

Bob,
The other night my car shuts off in traffic. I manage to get it to crank up and make it home. It shuts off again in my driveway. I know I am getting power to the solenoid and thru the circuit breaker on the firewall, but the only thing that works electrically is my fan and horn which apparently are on different circuits. I am getting intermittent power to the ignition switch. Tonight I turned the key and the fuel pump came on but it would not turn over. Now there is no power at the switch again. Could I have a bad ignition switch? If so, do you have a part number? Any help is appreciated. It is 75 degrees down here and here I sit in the garage.

TIA,
David

[carlo]

Dave, if it cuts out in traffic..you lost power to the coil, if certain functions work off the ignition switch except starting, you aren't getting power to the solenoid.....from the info you have provided,start at the switch( use a pointed probe type/auto store)and test for continuity at all points of contact.You will need to determine what contacts are energized for ''run'' mode and ''start'' mode on the back of the switch,{1contact should light up only when key is turned to start, another point should be on all the time when switch is in run position}go from there and remember to look for any thing loose or pinched,it will help to let switch down if theres enough wire for testing. good luck

[Bob Putnam]

David,

When you say "intermittant power to the ignition switch", do you mean that it is intermittant to the "bat" terminal? Do the headlights malfunction simultaneously? If so, check the black two-pin connector (F) that connects to the front harness (G). That's the main power feed from the fusebox buss, top-passenger side.

If you've got consistant power to the BAT terminal, the ignition switch may have failed. I can send you a new one or you can get one locally - it's a pretty common part at most parts places.

[skeeter]

Bob,
When I say intermittent, I mean that I have checked the brown wire where it attaches to the ignition switch, (this is the main feed correct?). Sometimes my probe will show power, another time nada. Headlights, signal lights, and all other electrical items do not work except the fan and horn. There is no power to the fuse banks except the 2 top fuses on the passenger side. I will try the connector you mentioned next.

Thanks,
David

[skeeter]

Bob,
I have not been able to find the 2 pin connector (F), and it is not listed on my wiring diagram. I have power thru the firewall and under the dash thru the (D) and (C) multi-connector. There is not consistent power to the Bat terminal on the ignition switch. I do have power at the ammeter though. Any ideas?

[Bob Putnam]

Dave,

It sounds like the black two-wire connector. If you can't find it (it's very close to the two twelve-pin blocks), give me a call during the day.