SUDDEN EGINE STOP AND FLASHING DASH LIGHTS

[EOLIVER]

I have 1 1987 4spd automatic that my son drives. A few days ago the engine began to die while he was driving (without any prior warning or sysmptoms like rough idle) and all the lights (dash, exterior etc) would flash out of control. Upon trying to restart, sometimes it is as if the entire eletrical system is completely dead (no starter click, lights, nothing). Additionally, upon trying to restart it might take several turns of the ignition key to start, or it would run for a few seconds and then die (sometimes I actually had to pump the accelrator pedal for it to start). For the past two days I have been checking all the grounding points and straps, and I have found the positive battery cable ground point to be rusted so I cleaned it up. Secondly the Positive battery terminal block was pretty rusty so I have ordered another one. I plan on reading the for codes once I install the new battery block. The main thing that concerns me is that the dash cluster goes totally wacky (all the lights flash on and off and continue to flash upon engine start) and results in a no power situation is this a ECM problem?

 

[1984C4]

Sounds to me like it is a ground or power problem possibly in the ignition switch. By your description it is like you are turning the key on and off. Maybe an intermittent contact or a loose ground. Does the switch feel solid or sloppy?

 

[LT4man]

What you are doing already is great. That power supply block could be the entire problem.

Continue to check power junctions and ground cables. Everything needs to be clean, rust and corrosion free, and tight.

Save The Wave!

 

[vette-dude]

You might want to have the battery checked and possibly the alternator also. Just a thought while you are in there.

Randy

 

[EOLIVER]

Well got the car back on the road this morning after cleaning all the grounding points and changing the positive battery cable block out with a new one from Davies Corvette parts ($9.00 and great service) . Anyone know of any spray on chemical that could be used to provide weather protection for exposed electrical connection points.