Topic: Dead Electrical system
in Forum: C4 Electrical
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Lindsborg, KS - USA
Joined: 11/15/2009
Posts: 23
Vette(s): 1989 Convert. It's HERE ! ! ! This is my first 'Vette. Most likely my last toy as I am 71 years old.
I just finished re-building my headlights and putting new front and rear emblems on my '89 Convert. So now she develops PMS... (yes she's a girl) Why else. Anyway I got into the car a day later and when I turned on the key one click and everything electrical went dead ! ! ! Now it looks like a dead battery and I have no fuse issues that I can find. Is there a fuseable link between the starter and the battery ? I'm supposed to go to KC on Tuesday to see my sister...... HELPPPPPPPP 
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The ignition switch itself does use a fusible link as a part of the circuit which powers up the starter relay and the solenoid----however if everything electrical is dead (no lights anywhere)----i'd check the battery terminals first based on your description of one 'ckick' and all went dead---GM side post batteries hide corrosion well sometimes--take them loose and be sure you have a good clean connection. If the terminals are clean and tight then have the battery tested.. Outside chance you may have a "draw' on the battery pulling it down ( I know you just did some headlamp door work)
Check the terminals and the battery first though and be sure they're OK 
Vaughn
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lanoka harbor, NJ - USA
Joined: 3/22/2009
Posts: 1363
Vette(s): 1990 L-98 white/ red/black leather interior targa top auto
1975 L48 blue/black leather interior t tops auto
vaughn has the best idea. side post batteries don't take much dirt to cause problems.
the dynamic duo
c3vr life member #97
Former Member
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Lindsborg, KS - USA
Joined: 11/15/2009
Posts: 23
Vette(s): 1989 Convert. It's HERE ! ! ! This is my first 'Vette. Most likely my last toy as I am 71 years old.
OK, the latest, I found that the battery was empty of water, I put almost a quart of water in it, distilled of course. My mechanic found a defective ign. control module in the distrebuter. Changed it out and now it starts on the first try and after shut off it will not start again until it sets for an hour or so. Shows the same symptoms as it had before the module change. Another thing, everything on the car worked before this problem and now the pass. window will no work and the 4-way flashers will not stay on. It has my mechanic stumped and he is good.....
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lanoka harbor, NJ - USA
Joined: 3/22/2009
Posts: 1363
Vette(s): 1990 L-98 white/ red/black leather interior targa top auto
1975 L48 blue/black leather interior t tops auto
as far as the car not starting after it is run, that maybe a bad coil. when you changed the module did you clean the plate good and spread an even coat of diselect grease. the grease helps dissipatate the heat.flashers and 4ways may be bad relays.
the dynamic duo
c3vr life member #97
Former Member
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Lindsborg, KS - USA
Joined: 11/15/2009
Posts: 23
Vette(s): 1989 Convert. It's HERE ! ! ! This is my first 'Vette. Most likely my last toy as I am 71 years old.
Next thing, the grease was applied, the coil is OK cause we have penty of spark. beginning to think computer, OUCH ! ! ! Any suggestions wld be appreciated........ Rehash, it starts the first time everytime, but shut it ofand it will not start. Let it sit for 3-4 hours and it starts....... 
I'm thinking of naming her either Medusa or Lucrecia........
ok I'll asume that what (from your description) initially sounded like a battery and/or cable problem has been corrected and the starter is spinning the engine when it won't start hot and I'll also assume from your last post that the spark you have is also when it won't start.
The above being true then check fuel pressure ---when it won't start--should be 36-39 psi when ign. is turned on--not in the crank position. If you have pressure then connect a noid light to one of the injector connectors it should blink/pulse when cranking the engine. if the noid light doesn't blink then you MAY have a ECM problem or a ground problem when hot. BUT AT THIS POINT hook a scanner up and check some inputs (once again when it won't start) The ECT (coolant sensor) comes to mind because if the sensor or that circuit goes open (high resistance) the ECM will dial the injector pulse width back to almost nothing and there won't be enough fuel to start(the ECM will "see" high resistance as a very very HOT engine and won't allow much fuel by the injectors. The ECT can be checked with a VOM the specs would be in your FSM/Manual the readings vary depending on actual temperature. A scanner/ a VOM and the FSM will be your and/or your mechanics best friend on this IMO. Post back with the results. BTW another way to be sure you have a GOOD spark when hot---would be when it won't start spray some throttle cleaner and/or starting fluid in the throttle body when it won't start--it should start and run for a few seconds--if it does then you have a problem on the fuel side of the system---IF it does not start then the spark may be too weak to fire inside the cylinder when the engine is hot (yes I've seen that more than once)---If you or the mechanic don't have access to the ECT specs post back and I or another forum member will be able to find them.
Vaughn
I think the scanner check is a must but let me offer an old school solution to an old GM problem. I may be all wet since I'm new to C4's but GM starters have often had issues with soakback. My old Buicks and El Camino had the problem. There are shields available to deflect exhaust heat but I've had spotty luck with those. Rebuilt startters seem to be the worst for soakback. Last time I bought a GM remanufsavtured stasrter. They use the old casre but that's about it. No soakback problem. another trick was to wire a Ford starter switch/solenoid, mounted higher in the engine compartment. That cures it but destroys the originality of the car. (I'm a bit of a purist & don't opt for that solution either)
Just a thought from an old scholl gear grabbin' granny.
Former Member
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Lindsborg, KS - USA
Joined: 11/15/2009
Posts: 23
Vette(s): 1989 Convert. It's HERE ! ! ! This is my first 'Vette. Most likely my last toy as I am 71 years old.
OK next info: Heat is not the problem 'cause it starts and runs whn I turn it OFF after one minute it will not start again. Let it set for three to four hours and it will start. It does NOT die on its own. Someone suggested that I look inti the 'TPS'. I have no idea what it is. Any suggestions here ?
Thanxxx
in Forum: C4 Electrical
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