Need help on 1980 interior electricals
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,253
Likes: 768
From: Waterford WI
Need help on 1980 interior electricals
This is a 48k-mile 1980 I just bought. It sat for about 12 years, but now is running, driving, and has brakes. Nice tight car with no underhood modifications. In fact, the only non-stock item on the car is the replacement power antenna.
My issue is electrical: the following don't work:
-power door locks
-horns
-clock (of course)
-courtesy lights
-cigarette lighter
According to my service manual, all these are fused through the same fuse. The 20-amp one that is labeled CTSY CLK
When I put a new fuse in, it immediately blows, so there is clearly a short of some sort somewhere.
My problem is--HOW DO I DETERMINE WHERE THE SHORT IS?
I'm open to your help--electrical is certainly not my strength in working on cars.
Thanks in advance for any/all help!!!
My issue is electrical: the following don't work:
-power door locks
-horns
-clock (of course)
-courtesy lights
-cigarette lighter
According to my service manual, all these are fused through the same fuse. The 20-amp one that is labeled CTSY CLK
When I put a new fuse in, it immediately blows, so there is clearly a short of some sort somewhere.
My problem is--HOW DO I DETERMINE WHERE THE SHORT IS?
I'm open to your help--electrical is certainly not my strength in working on cars.
Thanks in advance for any/all help!!!
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,953
Likes: 4,508
From: Virginia
Start with a wiring diagram!
http://wordpress.keystonestatecorvet...m/?page_id=118
or PM @papawana
or find the Electrical Troubleshooting Manual on eBay
Then isolate sections of the circuit. Low hanging fruit is to disconnect some of those items, though the short might be in the wire leading to it.
Use an adjustable power supply, or at least a (lower than 20 amp) circuit breaker, to keep from blowing fuses, and stressing the circuit.
http://wordpress.keystonestatecorvet...m/?page_id=118
or PM @papawana
or find the Electrical Troubleshooting Manual on eBay
Then isolate sections of the circuit. Low hanging fruit is to disconnect some of those items, though the short might be in the wire leading to it.
Use an adjustable power supply, or at least a (lower than 20 amp) circuit breaker, to keep from blowing fuses, and stressing the circuit.
Just another Corvette guy
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,518
Likes: 3,865
From: Palm Springs, CA.
Look in the cigarette lighter socket and see if there is anything in there that doesn't belong.
Numerous times I have found a foil gum wrapper in these sockets causing fuses to blow.
You just might get lucky....
Numerous times I have found a foil gum wrapper in these sockets causing fuses to blow.
You just might get lucky....
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,253
Likes: 768
From: Waterford WI
Start with a wiring diagram!
http://wordpress.keystonestatecorvet...m/?page_id=118
or PM @papawana
or find the Electrical Troubleshooting Manual on eBay
Then isolate sections of the circuit. Low hanging fruit is to disconnect some of those items, though the short might be in the wire leading to it.
Use an adjustable power supply, or at least a (lower than 20 amp) circuit breaker, to keep from blowing fuses, and stressing the circuit.
http://wordpress.keystonestatecorvet...m/?page_id=118
or PM @papawana
or find the Electrical Troubleshooting Manual on eBay
Then isolate sections of the circuit. Low hanging fruit is to disconnect some of those items, though the short might be in the wire leading to it.
Use an adjustable power supply, or at least a (lower than 20 amp) circuit breaker, to keep from blowing fuses, and stressing the circuit.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,953
Likes: 4,508
From: Virginia
You might be able to measure the resistance of each component to figure out which is at fault. It is entirely possible that both are at fault, so don't just test one.
