88 Firebird- no start-HELP!

Tiny
DRAGGINWAGGIN
  • MEMBER
  • 1988 PONTIAC FIREBIRD
My 88 Firebird (with 250,000 mi) 305 TBI, Engine was rebuilt @ about 200,000 was running OK. Started to run rough like a wet distributor. So new cap, rotor, wires etc. Went in- got alittle better. Then, it was a dark and stormy night driving along and BAM! Everything electrical went dead! No lights, no engine, no wipers, nothing. The only thing that did work, was the horn which hasn't worked in three years. It went off & I had to physically disconnect the wires to turn it off. I've tried a new battery but nothing changes. The dome light comes on, but nothing else. I'm thinking possibly ignition switch or neutral saftey switch. Ignition sw. Is REALLY worn out after this many miles & years. Anybody know how to test this? Or any other suggestions? Really love to drive this car, but right now it's a lawn ornament.
Tuesday, January 10th, 2006 AT 12:40 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Check all grounds and the fusible links at the starter
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Tuesday, January 10th, 2006 AT 1:41 PM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
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If the entire car is dead, get a test light and check for power through the fusible links st the starter. If they are all ok, then it could very well be the ignition switch. It is mounted on top of the steering column, lower the column and use a test light to verify power into the switch and that it is powering through the switch when the key is turned. Get back to me with what you find
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Monday, August 20th, 2007 AT 7:37 AM

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