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C3 Wiring Problems

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Old Feb 10, 2021 | 06:01 PM
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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,

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Old Feb 10, 2021 | 06:10 PM
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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.
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Old Feb 11, 2021 | 07:31 AM
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Thanks. New to forums. Fixed and updated. Think it will take a while to learn to navigate site.
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Old Feb 11, 2021 | 09:36 AM
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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..........
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Old Feb 11, 2021 | 10:14 PM
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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?)
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Old Feb 12, 2021 | 05:23 AM
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From: Stuart, Fl
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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.
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Old Feb 12, 2021 | 09:18 AM
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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.
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Old Feb 13, 2021 | 09:43 AM
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From: Stuart, Fl
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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?
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Old Feb 14, 2021 | 01:24 PM
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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.
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Old Feb 15, 2021 | 10:09 AM
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From: Stuart, Fl
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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.
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