MORE 84 Start/Electrical Conundrum
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
From: Central Florida
MORE 84 Start/Electrical Conundrum
Was it me?
I have an 84 with a mildly built naturally aspirated SBC. Has started, run, etc., fine for years. Over the winter I put new LED dash lights in since a couple of the factory bulbs were out. I also replaced the incandescent headlights with LED. I have direct wired a pair of fans to assist with cooling on their own switch.
Throughout all of my tinkering with lights, everything was fine, working, lighting, etc.
Yesterday I fired it up, started almost immediately even after not running for over 3 months (battery disconnected). Took the car for a 15 minute ride, a few rips, and back home. Parked it, left fans on for a few minutes (literally) turned off fans, tried to start it and nothing-- no fash lights, no starter engagement, no headlights. Direct wire fans still turn on.
Battery reads 12.4v. I hooked up jump box, and after climbing in car, nothing. THEN I decided to pull the steering wheel down, the dash lit up, I turned the key, the starter hit once then all went dark again.
Is there anything in the dash wiring that affects starting?
Help.....
Thanks!
I have an 84 with a mildly built naturally aspirated SBC. Has started, run, etc., fine for years. Over the winter I put new LED dash lights in since a couple of the factory bulbs were out. I also replaced the incandescent headlights with LED. I have direct wired a pair of fans to assist with cooling on their own switch.
Throughout all of my tinkering with lights, everything was fine, working, lighting, etc.
Yesterday I fired it up, started almost immediately even after not running for over 3 months (battery disconnected). Took the car for a 15 minute ride, a few rips, and back home. Parked it, left fans on for a few minutes (literally) turned off fans, tried to start it and nothing-- no fash lights, no starter engagement, no headlights. Direct wire fans still turn on.
Battery reads 12.4v. I hooked up jump box, and after climbing in car, nothing. THEN I decided to pull the steering wheel down, the dash lit up, I turned the key, the starter hit once then all went dark again.
Is there anything in the dash wiring that affects starting?
Help.....
Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 6,944
Likes: 1,490
From: New Jersey
That would almost sound like an ignition wiring issue if moving the column made it come back. But also, just because I've had it happen a few times... make sure the side post connections are actually tight/clean. It presented itself similarly, sporadic electrical issues. Start simple.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,263
Likes: 188
From: Wabasha Mn
That would almost sound like an ignition wiring issue if moving the column made it come back. But also, just because I've had it happen a few times... make sure the side post connections are actually tight/clean. It presented itself similarly, sporadic electrical issues. Start simple.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
From: Central Florida
Thanks for the suggestions. I have checked all the fuses, replaced one bad one, no change. Next step (until I get a remote start switch) is to start working my wat through the relays an DC fusable links. I'll keep updating as I go, sure seems like it will be something really simple.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,413
Likes: 2,745
The last place you worked was 'the dash' so if moving the column gave you 'CRANK' I'd think your issue is maybe found. I get the suggested 'remote start' but I'd likely first confirm all column related to ignition switch, rack rod etc. In any 'tilt' location do you get 'Key On' results? If you dropped column for cluster work you likely need to confirm switch attachment to mast jacket, and both connections to the switch.
