Fried Computer or Electrical Problem???
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,566
Likes: 4
From: Mt Laurel NJ
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
Fried Computer or Electrical Problem???
Hi Everyone,
I have a friend with an ’85 vette. He was working on it, replacing the thermostat, and while trying to remove a hose, the screwdriver he was using slipped, and hit something near the throttle body, causing a spark. When he got in the car, he could smell something burning. The car will not start, and he has no dash lights, the windows and the radio will not work. I think he fried the computer, but I am not sure. Any advice would be appreciated.
BTW, I told him to disconnect the battery before he worked on the car, but he did not listen to me.
Thanks for your help,
Randy
I have a friend with an ’85 vette. He was working on it, replacing the thermostat, and while trying to remove a hose, the screwdriver he was using slipped, and hit something near the throttle body, causing a spark. When he got in the car, he could smell something burning. The car will not start, and he has no dash lights, the windows and the radio will not work. I think he fried the computer, but I am not sure. Any advice would be appreciated.
BTW, I told him to disconnect the battery before he worked on the car, but he did not listen to me.
Thanks for your help,
Randy
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
classic case of the old harness coming unglued. I would bet money the insulation where he hit had pulled back.
I am trying to think what would be hot with the key off.... and short of something on the alternator, I am at a loss.
This will require the FSM to fix. Plus a good DVM. May I suggest a Fluke? Either that or a tow to the nearest expensive Corvette shop.
I am trying to think what would be hot with the key off.... and short of something on the alternator, I am at a loss.
This will require the FSM to fix. Plus a good DVM. May I suggest a Fluke? Either that or a tow to the nearest expensive Corvette shop.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,566
Likes: 4
From: Mt Laurel NJ
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
I have a FSM for my '90, but he does not have one for his '85. Would the circuits be the same? Any ideas on were the fusible link is located?
The biggest problem is that the car is in New Jersey, and I live in Maryland. Oh well, I guess a road trip is in order.
Thanks, Randy
The biggest problem is that the car is in New Jersey, and I live in Maryland. Oh well, I guess a road trip is in order.
Thanks, Randy
Last edited by RandyJ75; Jan 29, 2007 at 12:00 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 2,240
Likes: 41
From: Baltimore, MD USA
Tell your buddy to disconnect the negative battery terminal then look at the wire the screwdriver shorted out. Repair any wires with insulation damage by using electrical tape.
Remove the driver side gill/fender panel and behind/below the battery you'll see a bunch of Orange colored wires going to a stud with a nut holding them together. That's the battery jump start junction block. Make sure the negative battery terminal is disconnected before messing with the fusible links.
Your friend needs to verify if any of the fusible links are blown/melted. (Insulation on the fusible link will be discolored or melted).
If you look at the jump start junction block on your 90 it looks similar to the 85.
Remove the driver side gill/fender panel and behind/below the battery you'll see a bunch of Orange colored wires going to a stud with a nut holding them together. That's the battery jump start junction block. Make sure the negative battery terminal is disconnected before messing with the fusible links.
Your friend needs to verify if any of the fusible links are blown/melted. (Insulation on the fusible link will be discolored or melted).
If you look at the jump start junction block on your 90 it looks similar to the 85.
Last edited by Hooked on Vettes; Jan 28, 2007 at 10:50 PM.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,566
Likes: 4
From: Mt Laurel NJ
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
Tell your buddy to disconnect the negative battery terminal then look at the wire the screwdriver shorted out. Repair any wires with insulation damage by using electrical tape.
Remove the driver side gill/fender panel and behind/below the battery you'll see a bunch of Orange colored wires going to a stud with a nut holding them together. That's the battery jump start junction block. Make sure the negative battery terminal is disconnected before messing with the fusible links.
Your friend needs to verify if any of the fusible links are blown/melted. (Insulation on the fusible link will be discolored or melted).
If you look at the jump start junction block on your 90 it looks similar to the 85.
Remove the driver side gill/fender panel and behind/below the battery you'll see a bunch of Orange colored wires going to a stud with a nut holding them together. That's the battery jump start junction block. Make sure the negative battery terminal is disconnected before messing with the fusible links.
Your friend needs to verify if any of the fusible links are blown/melted. (Insulation on the fusible link will be discolored or melted).
If you look at the jump start junction block on your 90 it looks similar to the 85.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
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
