Electrical Problems(86)...HELP!
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,270
Likes: 3
From: Seattle Area WA
Electrical Problems(86)...HELP!
Alright, I just recently acquired this 86 Vette coupe.
I tried the cruise control by moving the switch to the on position and it didn't work. Shortly after the dirctional signal lights quit working. When I stopped the car I noticed a smell like burning electrical wires. I opened the hood and noticed that the horns had been disconnected by the previous owner. I checked the fuses for the turn signals and the cruise control and they had not blown. My other electrical items and lights are still working.
I am guessing that I have a short in the wiring in the steering column but I don't understand why the fuses didn't blow?
Any ideas if this is the likely cause and if so how I replace the wiring in the steering column? The burning smell was noticable under the hood, by the brake booster area it was the most apparent. It wasn't really present in the interior of the car. Any ideas as to other items that might have gone out and how to diagnose and repair?
Thanks in advance,
Chris
:confused:
I tried the cruise control by moving the switch to the on position and it didn't work. Shortly after the dirctional signal lights quit working. When I stopped the car I noticed a smell like burning electrical wires. I opened the hood and noticed that the horns had been disconnected by the previous owner. I checked the fuses for the turn signals and the cruise control and they had not blown. My other electrical items and lights are still working.
I am guessing that I have a short in the wiring in the steering column but I don't understand why the fuses didn't blow?
Any ideas if this is the likely cause and if so how I replace the wiring in the steering column? The burning smell was noticable under the hood, by the brake booster area it was the most apparent. It wasn't really present in the interior of the car. Any ideas as to other items that might have gone out and how to diagnose and repair?
Thanks in advance,
Chris
:confused:
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,994
Likes: 0
From: Charleston, WV
Re: Electrical Problems(86)...HELP! (November Soul)
The previous owner may have unhooked the horns due to a short in the column. Sometimes the fact that it's a tilt column messes with the wiring if it's been apart. The wiring may not be back in the original place and turning the wheel may rub through the insulation. The horns ground through the column so if the wiring wears through the horns will keep blowing. Unfortunately there are other wires in that harness. Most of them come with a replacement turn signal switch. The deal is getting the wiring run properly.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,270
Likes: 3
From: Seattle Area WA
Re: Electrical Problems(86)...HELP! (vettmech)
Yeah when I just touch the horn connects to the correct wires it sounded like it was shorting so it looks like the column will be coming off.... thanks alot for the help guys I'll get back to you on whether it worked or not.
