Engine Fires then Shuts Off / No Power Windows

Topic: Engine Fires then Shuts Off / No Power Windows - Help Please (Read 1417 times) previous topic - next topic

Engine Fires then Shuts Off / No Power Windows - Help Please

July 16, 2010, 12:35:28 PM

Hey guys. My 85 TC (5.0 conversion) sat for about 3 months. Fired it up yesterday to dust it off and found some problems. Ran great when I parked it. It's been very hot here and the car has been outside. Other than that, there's no reason for the problems.

When I turn the key it fires right up then immediately shuts off. The power windows don't work, radio doesn't turn on, and the remote mirrors don't work. Any guidance?

Thanks,
Jon

Engine Fires then Shuts Off / No Power Windows - Help Please

Reply #1 – July 16, 2010, 01:29:44 PM

How old is the ignition switch?

Engine Fires then Shuts Off / No Power Windows - Help Please

Reply #2 – July 16, 2010, 02:06:53 PM

Get a wiring diagram for the car and see where all of the components are common. With the 5.0 conversion this may be a bit tricky but I would think it would be the most economic way to find the problem.

Darren

Engine Fires then Shuts Off / No Power Windows - Help Please

Reply #3 – July 16, 2010, 02:10:57 PM

X2 it's the ignition switch.:D

Engine Fires then Shuts Off / No Power Windows - Help Please

Reply #4 – July 16, 2010, 02:14:22 PM

OK. Cool. I'll start there. It's certainly an electrical shut off and suddenly the warning buzzer is working for the first time. Top of the steering column like my old Fords?
Thanks sirs.

Engine Fires then Shuts Off / No Power Windows - Help Please

Reply #5 – July 16, 2010, 03:29:49 PM

It's a white box near the ignition under the column.

Engine Fires then Shuts Off / No Power Windows - Help Please

Reply #6 – July 16, 2010, 03:34:33 PM

Quote from: thunderjet302;328461

It's a white box near the ignition under the column.

Thank you, will report in as I always do.

Engine Fires then Shuts Off / No Power Windows - Help Please

Reply #7 – July 16, 2010, 05:18:45 PM

Ignition switch doesn't feed power mirrors. I don't have my EVTM handy (in fact, I don't have one at all for an '85), but it seems your power accessories feed is no good. First place I'd look would be the fusible links at the starter solenoid. That being said, you probably need an ignition switch anyway, since the switches in these cars suck. Be sure to check the connector on the switch, too, as they have a habit of making poor contact and burning up or melting.

Engine Fires then Shuts Off / No Power Windows - Help Please

Reply #8 – July 16, 2010, 06:24:56 PM

X2, I just helped my buddy fix this same problem in his cavalier. He parked it in a parking lot, went to start it back up and it would start, but not run. I went through his fuse box with a volt meter and decided it had to be a fuseable link. Left him to it and he fixed it for around $10. On my old 86 car I burned them all up jumping dead battery backwards. If I remember right they were all right under the starter solenoid.

Engine Fires then Shuts Off / No Power Windows - Help Please

Reply #9 – July 16, 2010, 07:22:31 PM

They're usually bolted to the same stud on the solenoid that the battery hot cable is. In fact, it'd be a good idea to make sure they're all on the right stud, as any that are on the wrong stud will only work while cranking.

And it's a REALLY common problem with older GM's. They bolt theirs to the starter solenoid too, but their solenoid is on the starter. Right on the front bottom of the engine, where they are constantly sprayed with water, salt, etc.

Engine Fires then Shuts Off / No Power Windows - Help Please

Reply #10 – July 16, 2010, 10:45:00 PM

Thanks. Here's a shot of what fell onto the floor when I pulled the harness off the ignition switch. I assume this was meant to be integrated.

Makes sense that the overwhelming heat here in Reno may have just taken its toll on the plastic, even while sitting for 3 months.

Engine Fires then Shuts Off / No Power Windows - Help Please

Reply #11 – July 17, 2010, 10:07:36 AM

Sweet. Nice when it is that easy to find the problem.

Engine Fires then Shuts Off / No Power Windows - Help Please

Reply #12 – July 17, 2010, 10:08:23 AM

that was the first thing that came to mind when you said the windows wouldnt work.

Engine Fires then Shuts Off / No Power Windows - Help Please

Reply #13 – July 17, 2010, 12:15:43 PM

Hey guys. Have you just drilled out these rivets? See pic. Thanks.

Engine Fires then Shuts Off / No Power Windows - Help Please

Reply #14 – July 17, 2010, 03:59:31 PM

Those aren't rivets, they're anti-theft screws with the heads purposely broken off. Take a very sharp cold chisel and hammer and tap into the edge of the screw head, turning it counter clockwise. Once you've moved it a little bit it should come out easily by hand.

*EDIT* On second thought they look like they might be rivets. I've never had an '85 column apart and can't tell from the pics. I was thinking they looked like the bolts used in late 80's to early 90's Toyotas...