Electrical problem
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 5
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Electrical problem
I just bought a 85 C4 corvette off of Facebook marketplace. That means I'm not the first owner of this car. I'm trying to get it started again after sitting for about a year. The first problem I'm tackling is the electrical. I bought a new battery today and the only things working are the car door lights, that's it. Nothing else works. Nothing. I checked the fuses their were one or two blown and a couple not in the right places. But that won't shut everything off. Do you think it could be the circuit breakers? The big 30 amp 12v ones.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 5
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Battery Positive Terminal
So turns out didnt know it affected it, but the positive terminal has green corrosion on it so I think that's why some of the electronics don't work. And sometimes loses connection all together.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,894
Likes: 592
From: New Port Richey FL
When key is turned does it feel like the switch at the base of the column is moving, with key turned do you get check engine light or any of the door open, brake light that normally light up with a turned key and No Start
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 5
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Green posts don't help, fusible links for 84 & 85 I believe are off the starter hot lead.
When key is turned does it feel like the switch at the base of the column is moving, with key turned do you get check engine light or any of the door open, brake light that normally light up with a turned key and No Start
When key is turned does it feel like the switch at the base of the column is moving, with key turned do you get check engine light or any of the door open, brake light that normally light up with a turned key and No Start
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,500
Likes: 879
From: Saratoga Springs NY
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I don't know about the steering column, but when I plug in the battery the car door lights come on, and then when I turn the key I don't get anything else, and the car door lights turn off. But when I take the key out and press on the positive terminal wire the lights turn back on. So idk if it's fusible links or corrosion not letting enough electricity through.
Clean the battery terminals 1st. Both sides. Then go from there.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,394
Likes: 2,741
Besides fuses, there are fusible links. You really need the service manual. This link will get you a copy of the '87 manual which is 95% the same. Better than guessing.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,894
Likes: 592
From: New Port Richey FL
It's common that if the battery connections are Shakey that you can get the minimal things to work and the minute you try for more things go click and darkness until things are cleaned or tightened
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Oct 2023
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I'm cleaning the cable right now i really hope the problem is that simple and not a fusible link
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Oct 2023
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Fixed for the most part
I cleaned the battery positive cable from corrosion, my power windows work, they both go down only one comes up. And the pop up head lights work, again one only goes up but they both turn on, the only thing I noticed that doesn't seem to turn on is the cluster, and the digital gauges. I had just replaced that fuse to in the fuse box but idk. I'll keep it updated.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,894
Likes: 592
From: New Port Richey FL