hello, new to this place,,,,and frustrated with my car!
Originally was having problems with it starting, thought it was my viper alarm system, so we removed it. than 2 weeks ago, with the car running perfectly it decided it wasnt going to start...checked all fuses....one was severely blown..replaced it....and it still did not start, we had no electricity to or from the fuse box, so had it towed home....the head lights still worked, so i knew my battery was good.....

ok, the car sat dead for a week, waiting for my husband to look at it....i had to move it so put the key in to unlock the steering column...and thought to just try and fire it up...well it started like it had never been a dead car!.....so thinking my husband got to the issue...took it to town...ran perfect all day untill i drove back down my bumpy road...and the thing totally went deader than a door nail!...so here i am just wondering about any ideas anyone may have....?....we did check the connection wires going to the starter and all the fuses...

thank you much!

 

Hi LaVena:

To me it sounds like you've got a loose electrical connection someplace.

My 2 most likely places would be the pos and neg connections at the battery.......and then also at the starter.

Take a look at them and make sure they are corrosion-free, and snug.

I'm new to C3's, and somebody else with more specific info will probably chime in, but that's where I'd start looking.

Good Luck, and post more info as you get it! These people will help ya!

 

Thank you...literally went out to try a couple ideas threw my way and tried firing it up prior to doing anything to it...well....once again...fired right up after sitting dead for over a week! just like last time,,,,,,thinking the car has a mind of its own will double check those connection! thanks! LaVena

 

Yes, you could have an ignition switch problem...It is not a common problem, but it can do exactly as you are describing if it is not working properly.


This is the ignition switch from an '82. It is actually a sliding type switch that is connected to the key switch by a rod that runs down the top of the column. The two halves of the switch are held together by metal "fingers" that clamp the switch together. It is not uncommon for the clamping "fingers" to loosen. When this happens the switch will intermittently lose continuity. This can lead to problems like you are experiencing where the ignition shuts off or will not start. If this is the problem, often it can be corrected by simply retightening the clamps with a pair of needle nose pliers.

I would check all of the easy things first before attacking the switch.

You can reach the switch by sliding your hand down the top of the column until you come to the ignition harness plug. You can check to see if it is mounted tight to the column (it's held on by a couple of small sheet metal screws). The switch has elongated holes to allow for fine adjustment. It needs to be tight to the column to work properly.

If you need to remove it to check it out, just unplug the harness, remove the screws and unhook it from the rod. Once you have it out where you can examine it you can check to see if the clamps are holding the switch securely together. If this is a problem it should be readily apparent at this point.

Good luck... GUSTO

 

thank you so very much! will check it tommorrow...have not drove it outta the drive way, but keep trying to start it and get it to do the problem again!

thanks!
LaVena