Only thing working is headlights
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 144
Likes: 17
Only thing working is headlights
I need help. I have an 81' Corvette with a 383 running no ecu/ecm always not had one couldn't be the issue (stating that now). But the only thing working is the headlights. I turn the key and nothing happens and i mean nothing it's like I have no battery in at all. I've tried jumping it, i've pulled every fuse and checked them and I just can't find the issue. As i stated only thing that works is the headlights, no brake lights, no interior lights that come on when you open a door, no fuel pump when key is turned, nothing. I was out on a car show night driving home when all of a sudden it just died, I barely managed to get into the end of a turn lane and out of the highway. So I am at a very big loss here and I have no idea what could be the problem. Any help is appreciated, Thanks.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 144
Likes: 17
The battery is brand new and I used a multi-meter on both and it’s reading 12v from battery as well as alternator. But if battery was the bad headlights wouldn’t work I’m assuming
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 1,334
Likes: 225
OK Then do you have 12 volts to the battery cable connection at the starter? There are a couple of fusible links at that terminal too. Check to see if they are burned, If all checks out, then make sure you have 12 volts to the ignition switch, Also. make sure the ignition switch is adjusted properly. One other item to check is the power junction connector in the battery compartment.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 144
Likes: 17
OK Then do you have 12 volts to the battery cable connection at the starter? There are a couple of fusible links at that terminal too. Check to see if they are burned, If all checks out, then make sure you have 12 volts to the ignition switch, Also. make sure the ignition switch is adjusted properly. One other item to check is the power junction connector in the battery compartment.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 1,334
Likes: 225
A bad starter would not cause your car to cut off. Fusible links have been around for like 50 years. Just look for any burned or discolored wire insulation on any of the wires coming off of the starter terminal. Also make sure that nut is tight,
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,410
Likes: 1,547
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Two of your fusible links are down by the starter and one more at the alternator.
http://www.keystonestatecorvetteclub...tte%201981.pdf
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 144
Likes: 17
We solved it men. There was a wire by the starter that was all corroded and you couldn’t tell from looking at whenever I felt it, it came right off. So I fixed that and now she’s running again. Thanks for the help!
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski