What's goin on, I have a few problems with my Formula, wondering if anyone has experienced similar problems ...

1.) Dash lights. My dash lights are very, very moody. Seems like they work when they want to, and more often dont work when they dont want to. There is no particular pattern that they follow, and sometimes go on/off after hitting a bump or something. I have already taken off the entire dash, checked, and cleaned all contacts, and made sure that it is getting suffient voltage when needed. The only thing that I can think of is that there is a loose ground somewhere. Is there an easy way to find the ground behind the dash? There is a huge cluster of wires behind there that i would rather not play with, if not necessary. Has anyone else experienced similar problems? I remember speaking with someone with the same 88 Formula, who had experienced the same problems. Possible common defect? ...

2.) My power locks are out. Switches are fully fuctional, when they are pressed, there is a clicking sound coming from foot area under the steering column. Is there some sort of relay that could be malfunctioning? Possibly a bad actuator? I don't know, as I am clueless in the electronics department and ...

3.) I keep blowing fuses in my Courtesy slot in the fuse box. This knocks out my Courtesy lights, horn, and radio. Fuses blow instantly whenever I put them in. I also tried holding in the switch so the car thinks that the door is shut and doesnt try to turn on the lights. Fuse still blew with a huge blue spark. I do have and aftermarket Alpine Radio, and Amp and Sub in the back, but they never were a problem before. The fuse actually blew once while I was just driving, not laying on the horn or anything. Possibly the radio? PLease, Please, Please someone help me out!!!! Thanks ...


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1988 Firebird Formula 305 TBI, T-Tops, RED.
Of course ... 5-Speed

 

For #1, have you checked the dimmer? For #3,
try pulling the lighter out, if its still in.

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1984 Silver Z28, 383 cid 4 bolt, ARP Fasteners, 2 1/2" Cowl Induction Hood, 600 cfm Performer Carburetor, Torker II Intake, Performer RPM Heads, XE268H Cam, Magnum Roller Tip Rockers, MSD6AL Ignition, Blaster2 Coil, Recurved HEI Distributor, 700R4, TransGo SK, 2.73:1 Limited Slip Dana 44, Terminator Headers, Custom 3" TIG Welded Stainless Exhaust, Flo-Pro Twister Muffler, 4 Wheel Disc Brakes, Oil Cooler

 

#1. The dimmer controls on GM cars usually suck. Next time you dash lights go out, play around with the dimmer and see what happens.

#2. Those relays under the dash are supposed to click; that's good. Either there's a fault in the wire between the relays and the doors, or both power lock solenoids (in the doors) have gone bad.

#3. Either there's an exposed connection behind the radio (like maybe some tape fell off), or you cigarette lighter itself is defective, or your lighter is missing and coins or other foreign objects have fallen into the lighter socket, causing it to short out.

 

Thanx fella's ....

Sure enough there was a penny in the Cig. Lighter. Shoulda checked that from the start. Live and Learn.



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1988 Firebird Formula 305 TBI, T-Tops, RED.
Of course ... 5-Speed

 

As for the power door locks, if the relay is clicking that usually means it is working. My power locks started acting up. Turns out the lock mechanism gets gummed up with dirt/grease over time. I took off the door panel and sprayed the lock mechanism with brake cleaner the regreased them with litium grease. Locks now work like they are brand new.

Try that before you go replacing the lock solenoids.

-Dave

 

Good Idea, Thanks Dave.

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1988 Firebird Formula 305 TBI, T-Tops, RED.
Of course ... 5-Speed

 

Search engine works wonders.

Dead radio and power locks.

Penny in the cig lighter. It got in there under a hard U turn in a mall parking lot.

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86 T/A 5.0 A4 & 2.77 gear
15.62 @ 86 mph
93 Civic 1.6L
13.5 @ 100 mph