Go buy one. Test light that is. Probably cheaper than the battery cable. Then do some tests and replace the right thing. Not like you'll never use it again. Oh and yes I believe the main fusible link should be from battery to the block. Should also be more by the horn relay.
-- Edited by jc on Wednesday 4th of April 2012 10:01:46 PM
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'68 Parisienne 2+2 Convertible Matador Red (Resale Red but not for sale).
So, I put the original battery back in the car, hooked it up and nothing. So I hooked up the charger..it showed it was fully charged...noticed that the negative cable was pretty corroded so I replaced it. Thought maybe the battery was just old so I replaced that too. Still won't start..infact there is no power getting to the car because no lights work/come on..no buzzers or anything...
It's weirtd because I drove it into the garage..unhooked the battery...and put it up on jack stands....
Do you have a test light? I'd start by checking at the other end of the red wire if you do. From there, I think I'd test for power where it leaves the horn relay and goes into the car. (I'm not a 67 guy so forgive me if the 67's aren't wired like 65-66!)
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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles
1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars
Good advice JC. Don't just start throwing parts at a problem. Spend some time, process of elimination, even if you can't nail it totally you can eliminate some options at least.
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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles
1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars
My favorite tool in cases like this is a 25' spool of 12ga, with alligator clips on either end. My money is on the main power lead too. but first check continuity between the body and the negative battery terminal.
Replaced some of the dodgy spade connectors..still nothing...so will replace the positive battery cable..see what that does...
I'm not sure if you're heading in the right direction. The positive battery cable itself only provides power to the starter. The 'other' lead from the positive terminal, is what provides power to the rest of the car (including the ignition that sends a signal through a purple wire to the solenoid to engage the starter). In my car (1970), the 'other' lead is a fusible link, which goes to a junction block behind the battery. Your car sounds like it has the same setup. It looks just like a regular wire, but is actually a fuse. I'd continue to trace the +12V along the 'other' wire to the firewall, and to the fuse block.
Also ensure you've got a good ground connection from the battery to the engine & body. Nothing can play havoc with an electrical system like a faulty / intermittent ground.
Next question, do you have a shop manual with a wiring diagram? They're invaluable when trying to diagnose an electrical problem.
We're actually thinking it is the ignition switch. The interesting thing is it is not an Impala 5 spade ignition switch. It's actually a full size Pontiac 8 spade switch...so..as you can imagine we are having a bit of a time trying to locate one....
can you get a screwdriver onto the solinoid located on the starter and short it out to see if eng turns over? big terminal to small one closest to engine
