SinfulC3

Decided to take the C3 for a ride to work while the weather was still nice

Start going down the road and notice that the wipers don't work (little dust on the windshield from sitting in the garage for too long. Shame on me for this one). Meh, check on it later. Fuse maybe?

Little further down the road and I notice that my radio isn't lit up. Honestly you can't really hear the radio between the exhaust and the windows rolled down. Press the power button and nothing.
Radio is one of those aftermarket made to look like the original. Never a problem before.

So I get to work and crawl under the dash to check the fuses and I don't see any that are blown.

So now I'm at a bit of a loss.
What can make both of these items stop working at the same time (or I noticed them at the same time anyway) and NOT be a fuse? I've not taken the dash apart in over a year and have not messed with the electrical for any reason since then.
1976 l48 - 4sp

Any tips or tricks would be appreciated. I have the AIM.
All other gauges/clock/lights are working on the car.

Easy Mike

Did you pull fuses, or only look at them in the fuse block? I've seen them look good until pulling them and getting a better look in better light.

SinfulC3

Pulled one that looked iffy, it broke in half. replaced it with new and still no go.

Only gave the others the eyeball test until I get back to the garage where I have more fuses for any others that decide being a two piece part is what they prefer.

Was just looking for any other suggestions that might be escaping my little mind before I make it back home after work.

course I do have a multi meter here at work.. suppose I could test them that way for the best possible answer. I'll do that at lunch and report back some findings.

71VetteLover

Many of the fuses are powered by the ignition switch in the ON position so it's very possible simply replacing the ignition switch would solve your problems AND prevent future problems. Only about $15 and readily available because many G.M. models used the same switch.

SinfulC3

all fuses tested positive via the multi meter. all showed 11.9V to each side of the fuse with the key in the on position.

crap....

Hammerhead Fred

Verify your center console is grounded.

SinfulC3

How exactly does one verify that the center console is grounded?

Hammerhead Fred

Ohm meter
or
you can test by attaching a wire to the negative post of the battery and touching the other end to a bare spot on the center console (right at the wiper switch). If the wipers work the you know the console ground needs attention.

SinfulC3

Hot damn, thanks for the tip. I had no idea.

NewbVetteGuy

Guys, doesn't one of the factory fuseable links go to the dash somewhere???!?


Adam