liam461

While changing an after market radio on my 1989 Corvette, I committed a major crime. I FAILED to disconnect the battery in my hast.
Then, of course, the yellow power wire touched metal and short circuited.
The car starts, the dash instrument panel lights up and works. The headlights also work.
So far, from what I can tell, the interior lights DO NOT work, the under hood lights DO NOT work and there is no power to the radio wires. Obviously.
All the fuses in the box are fine.
I read where it may be a Fusible Link Issue.
I've removed the battery to reveal the relay but I'm u able to detect any possible damaged wires. There seems to be 3 sets of wires, pigtailing to 3 additional wires, plus the Positive battery connection.
Also, near the battery terminal connection, there is what appears to be a fuse holder but it is just a clip in wire connection (no fuse inside)

ANY ADVISE OR HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

THANKS
BILL

liam461

liam461

liam461

Problem has been corrected.

thank you anyway.

PatternDayTrader

What was it ?

383vett

This is like a joke without the punchline. Had to be a fuse.

liam461

Yes. Was a fuse but not the radio fuse, instrument panel.
I'm not a serious mechanic like most on here. Obviously

ctmccloskey

Hello Liam461,
I too had issues with the lack of power inside the 1988 C4 coupe I have. It turned out that the fusible links connections to 12 Vdc was seriously corroded. That little post is where the fusible links get their power from is actually a stud that gives 12 Vdc to the fusible links who then feed the cars interior. On my car there was a voltage drop from the corrosion so I wire brushed all the terminals and coated everything with grease after I finished. As you noticed there is a red wire that comes from the battery directly to the little stud. To test the Fusible links you need to use something that will pierce the outer jacket of the wire, do this on both sides and verify that they are still working by checking their resistance.

The C4's have a huge need for good solid electrical connections. You might have found by now that they also have several ground straps that need to be kept up and functional or again large parts of the car will start acting up. Be absolutely sure that your engine is grounded properly. If it isn't the sensors will give erroneous data and the main computer will have a fit.

We are glad you were able to get your car fixed quickly without too much help. We really like it when a person posts what the solution was for your car, this way we all learn. Good job!

liam461

Thanks for share your experience.
You never know when it might come in handy.