srs244
Well-known member
what transpired: i was having a bit of of a problem with consistant power from the solenoid to the starter, so i decided to replace the solenoid. the symptoms were that the key wouldn't always activate the starter even though there was power to the solenoid through the starter switch and the neutral lockout (automatic, L48, 1978 ) and the gauges powered up as did all the other elecrical components (ie: headlights, etc). i disconnected the battery at both posts (+ and -) and proceeded to remove the battery line and the 2 wires with the fusable links attached to the solenoid before removing the starter itself. since i couldn't reach the "S" lead without removing the starter, that wire wasn't removed until the starter was actually unbolted and taken down. i removed the solenoid on my bench and replaced it with a new one, reassembled it and reinstalled it by reversing the order (attaching the "s" terminal before actually mounting the starter, then re-installing the battery and fusable link wire leads) . i reconnected the battery and now everything is absolutely dead. no guage activation, no starter activity, not even the unswitched stuff like the headlights. absolutely NOTHING.
i rechecked the engine ground (the cable is new and not deteriorated at all) and all connections are tight. i checked and i get a full 13 volts at the solenoid battery terminal. according to the wiring diagram, one of the fusable link wires seems to go to the fuse box, i can't figure out where the other goes.
the questions:
the fusable links at the solenoid do not appear to be burned or deteriorated. how do i check them??
where can i check the fusable link wires after they leave the solenoid (what wire is it at the fuse box?? where does the second fusable link wire go and where can i check it for power?? is there something like a main "breaker" or fuse that might have blown because the new solenoid might have been bad??
i replaced the original (old) solenoid and checked all the connections, but still the same result. obviously something in the "main line" is shorted or blown and prevents any power from getting to the fuse box, etc. even the unswitched stuff is inoperable. what should i check and where is it??
thanks for taking the time to read this and try to lend a hand. i'm very frustrated at this point.
steve
i rechecked the engine ground (the cable is new and not deteriorated at all) and all connections are tight. i checked and i get a full 13 volts at the solenoid battery terminal. according to the wiring diagram, one of the fusable link wires seems to go to the fuse box, i can't figure out where the other goes.
the questions:
the fusable links at the solenoid do not appear to be burned or deteriorated. how do i check them??
where can i check the fusable link wires after they leave the solenoid (what wire is it at the fuse box?? where does the second fusable link wire go and where can i check it for power?? is there something like a main "breaker" or fuse that might have blown because the new solenoid might have been bad??
i replaced the original (old) solenoid and checked all the connections, but still the same result. obviously something in the "main line" is shorted or blown and prevents any power from getting to the fuse box, etc. even the unswitched stuff is inoperable. what should i check and where is it??
thanks for taking the time to read this and try to lend a hand. i'm very frustrated at this point.
steve