C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

C3 Wiring Problems

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 10, 2021 | 06:01 PM
  #1  
Toones's Avatar
Toones
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 65
Likes: 2
From: Stuart, Fl
Default C3 Wiring Problems

After reinstalling wiring harness; interior lights remain on and starter solenoid not receiving power. Any suggestions on where to start? In process of complete restoration and not alot of prior knowledge as to previous working condition.

Thanks,

Reply
Old Feb 10, 2021 | 06:10 PM
  #2  
4-vettes's Avatar
4-vettes
Race Director
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,068
Likes: 7,681
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Default

I looked at your profile. Nothing in there as to even a clue which C3 your working on. Hard to help without so much as a year, Auto or manual. etc. Help us help you. you wont have a clutch switch if you have an Auto. an 82 is wired completely different from a 68.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2021 | 07:31 AM
  #3  
Toones's Avatar
Toones
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 65
Likes: 2
From: Stuart, Fl
Default

Thanks. New to forums. Fixed and updated. Think it will take a while to learn to navigate site.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2021 | 09:36 AM
  #4  
kansas123's Avatar
kansas123
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,795
Likes: 466
From: Wichita Kansas
Default

And there is nothing wrong with starting your thread by saying 'On my 19**.....' Let's people know right away what you are dealing with..........
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2021 | 10:14 PM
  #5  
barkingrats's Avatar
barkingrats
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Supporting Gold
 
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 8,893
Likes: 4,074
From: US-PNW
Default

Originally Posted by Toones
After reinstalling wiring harness; interior lights remain on and starter solenoid not receiving power. Any suggestions on where to start? In process of complete restoration and not alot of prior knowledge as to previous working condition.

Thanks,
As for your interior lights, are you sure the switch **** is not turned all the way counter-clockwise (?) past the detent so that they stay on all the time?

Which harness did you replace? (Main engine harness? Dash harness?)
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2021 | 05:23 AM
  #6  
Toones's Avatar
Toones
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 65
Likes: 2
From: Stuart, Fl
Default

Yes, the interior problem was in the switch and was as you suggested. Had the rheostat too far counterclockwise and did not realize there was a 30 sec delay. The starter issue is a little more irritating as it worked fine before the harness was removed and no mods were performed. All other electrical works fine after discovering three blown 20A fuses and an assortment of bad bulbs. I used the original harness and I found a great link on this site that I will look at later today. For some reason, not getting power to the solenoid. I did check for continuity at the clutch switch (which was not touched) and worked fine. I'm concentrating on a bad plug or connection in between now. I see that the leads from the clutch switch are purple and yellow. I believe the leads to the starter solenoid and power return are brown (?) and have what appear to be fusable links close to the starter. At least it's a place to start.

Thanks for input. Will post findings later.
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2021 | 09:18 AM
  #7  
bruiser's Avatar
bruiser
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Active Streak: 60 Days
Active Streak: 120 Days
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 268
From: S.E. MI
St. Jude Donor '15
Default

You should have power at the clutch switch when starting. You can determine if your problem is before or after the switch by checking there.
Reply
Old Feb 13, 2021 | 09:43 AM
  #8  
Toones's Avatar
Toones
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 65
Likes: 2
From: Stuart, Fl
Default

Discovered that there is a starter interrupt relay that I believe may be related to an alarm system (?), which was not reconnected. After connection, starter solenoid getting power.
Now, off to next problem. So far have discovered two plugs under the console on this 81'. One grey male, 4 prong and the other 5 prong female. black. Don't know if they used to go to the now missing computer or what. Wondering if the wiring harness may have had some options that were never ordered but included in the harness? In fact, wondering where the computer would have been originally?
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Feb 14, 2021 | 01:24 PM
  #9  
kanvasman's Avatar
kanvasman
Safety Car
10 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,753
Likes: 1,661
From: Summerville SC
Default

You might want to get yourself one of the laminated wiring diagrams for your specific car. They are a great help in starting your wiring problem solving in the right direction.
Reply
Old Feb 15, 2021 | 10:09 AM
  #10  
Toones's Avatar
Toones
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 65
Likes: 2
From: Stuart, Fl
Default

Thanks. Should have already done so. I did find several wiring diagrams on this forum specific to the 81' and I was able to track down all but one connector which I think may have been to an unordered option?
So far everything functional but have not checked the instrument cluster/tach. Next is the vacuum system.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To C3 Wiring Problems





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:41 AM.

story-0
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-1
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-20 17:58:41


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-3
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

Slideshow: 10 things C8 Corvette owners hate, but won't tell you.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-01 18:36:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

Slideshow: Should you add one of these incredible Corvettes to your garage?

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-01 18:14:05


VIEW MORE
story-7
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

Slideshow: Every Corvette Grand Sport explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-26 07:13:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

Slideshow: Breaking down the 2027 Grand Sport, Grand Sport X, Stingray, and LS6 V8.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-26 13:48:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

Slideshow: 5 reasons bad drivers crash sports cars & 5 ways to avoid a costly shame!

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-25 16:32:55


VIEW MORE