I have a 1988 IROC that has devolped a strange problem. You can be driving along (usually at idle) and the car just shuts off. Then when I go to try and start it again. I turn the key forward and abouselty nothing happens, Its like there is no power to the ignition circuit. Then if i keep trying all of a sudden it while start like normal. Any idea what could cause this? Also, will happen if I drive it, then shut it off and try to restart. I have lights and radio functions when it happens and have checked the battery voltage it is good. Volt meter on the car always reads 13.5.

I took a look at the wiring near on the starter and noticed that one of the wires coming off the starter was slightly burned by the headers. The wire is brown and then connects with a little black plastic thing to two red wires coming out of the black plastic thing. What is that wire and black plastic thing? The black plastic thing got slightly melted. It has been like that for a couple of years but could it cause this problem?

Help, I am desperate my car has become totally unreilable because of this. Where do I start?


https://home.comcast.net/~brians133/

Sounds like you need a new alternator. Either that or a new battery. Might be wise to get them checked out and replaced. Possibly and ignition coil aswell. I would start there.

(Good idea to get that starter wire away from the headers, or replace that wire altogether).

I checked the battery voltage and the alternator both show as good. The problem is also intermitent

I would start with the wire at the starter solenoid. Fusible link "B" that comes off it goes to the ignition switch. I don't know how alternator or battery comes into play here since he has good voltage at the battery and shows 13.5 volts on the gauge in the car.