I have a 1984 Firebird, 2.8 SE. Everything has been fine. I took it to my local car show, like I do every Wednesday, then drove it around a bit before coming home. The next day, I tried to start it, and it had no power...no headlights, horn, courtesy light, power door locks... nothing! New battery, but I checked it with my voltmeter. Got a good 12.59 at the battery, alternator, and starter, passed the fuse link. Did continuity test to fuses, all tested good, but no voltage to them. Tested grounds and it tested fine.
Covered car and went to bed. Two days later I was going to take a fresh look. I absentmindedly hit the remote to unlock the door and I heard a click...
Now everything works again! Even stranger, the remote works upside down. That is, the top button used to open the lock, and the bottom would lock the doors. Now it is the opposite!
Any ideas? I'm afraid to take this anywhere now because it might happen again.

Thanks!
Chris

 

Definitely check your fusible links and/or C100. This sounds like a prime candidate for an intermittent connection. It is not common but very possible since you have power on the starter but not the fuses under the dash. The fusible links and C100 are the only two obstacles in the way.

Let us know what you find.
Lou

P.S.: Btw, good troubleshooting.

 

Lou,
Thanks for the response. I have a question, actually 2. If the problem was one of the fusible links, wouldn't they stay "open" until they are replaced? Or do they act like a thermostat and close when they cool down?
Second question, what is a C100?
Thanks again, buddy!!

Chris

 

OK, I discovered what the C-100 is, but I'm not sure exactly where it is, and what it does. Is it just a routing block or does it have some other function?

Chris

 

Hi Chris,

the C100 is the main bulkhead connector between the engine bay and the passenger compartment. It is located on the firewall in the corner next to and below the brake booster. Often it is found under a pile of leaves, rags etc since it is a dead-end corner.

The fusible links are just like slow fuses. Once they blow, they are done and must be replaced. However, they can be broken and have an intermittent contact, you never know.

Lou

 

Thanks, Lou! (my middle name, BTW!)
I'll check the C100. Do you have a picture of it? How do I test it? Is there a cover that comes off to expose the terminals? Do the terminals just unplug. I can't find anything in my manuals about it, but I'll look again.
As for the links, I have only located one, and that's the one to the starter. That tested good. I'm not sure where the others are.
Chris

 

Hi Chris (MY middle name for a change!!)

I did a quick search and found this picture of the C100:
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...6374324009.jpg

It is not an easily accessible connector with easily accessible wires. It has a cap on it and a 7mm (IIRC) bolt that holds the connections together. Just find the think red wires on it and probe them to test for power. If no power there, I would blame the fusible links.

Not sure about the fusible links on your year/model (I am not that familiar with earlier-year thirdgens). There could be more going straight from the battery or maybe a distribution block. Sorry I cannot help more.

Lou

 

Lou,
Really, your middle name is Chris? Awesome!
Thanks again for everything and that picture gives me an idea what to look for. I was hoping there was a relay or something else that could have stuck, which would explain why it came back to life as suddenly as it died. It's hard to trace it now that it's working again. I'll check the C100 and see if anything turns up.
I appreciate your help.

Chris

 

OK, thanks Lou for trying to help me.
This happened again about a week ago. I checked the battery at the terminals and was getting only about 11.59 Volts. When I checked it at the starter, it was down to 4V. I checked continuity on the wire to the starter and it tested fine. So I pulled the battery and returned it for a new one. Since it was only 3 months old, it didn't cost me anything. Then I took it to my mechanic who put in a new starter and checked my electrical system. Everything checked out fine, and now the car starts up better than new. Even my problem of a hard, slow start when the engine was warmed up is gone.

ChrisO