Really Angry Car!?

[1980c10]

I'm sorry but every time I see this thread I think it says, really angry Carl. That is all.

[Mike_O]

I'm sorry but every time I see this thread I think it says, really angry Carl. That is all.

Thanks for the help.

[Mike_O]

Thanks for the help.

So, my mechanic replaced the 10A fuse with a 15A fuse and the lights now work. Kind of.

What I mean is that when I get into the car and turn the key on, the lights light up fine (and the chime even dings). I'll start the cat, drive for a bit, then turn the engine off. Now, the gas gauge needle will slowly sink to the lowest point on the dial. IF I turn the key to "on" before it's below "E", the low fuel lamp an seat belt lamp will fail to light up (but the engine light will come on along with the AMP light). If I wait for the gauge needle to fall below "E", then turn the lamp on, the lights will all work fine.

Friggin' bizarre.

Also, after letting the car sit for 12 hours, I turned the key to "on" and the fuel lamp, seatbelt lamp and AMP lamp lit up but not the engine lamp. More bizarre.


I suspect that it's the fuel sender thinger or something equally alien.

[1980c10]

Thanks for the help.

Not a problem. Any time you need some help, just ask.

[Mike_O]

Not a problem. Any time you need some help, just ask.

I have been, asshole.

[86VickyLX]

So, my mechanic replaced the 10A fuse with a 15A fuse and the lights now work. Kind of.

What I mean is that when I get into the car and turn the key on, the lights light up fine (and the chime even dings). I'll start the cat, drive for a bit, then turn the engine off. Now, the gas gauge needle will slowly sink to the lowest point on the dial. IF I turn the key to "on" before it's below "E", the low fuel lamp an seat belt lamp will fail to light up (but the engine light will come on along with the AMP light). If I wait for the gauge needle to fall below "E", then turn the lamp on, the lights will all work fine.

Friggin' bizarre.

Also, after letting the car sit for 12 hours, I turned the key to "on" and the fuel lamp, seatbelt lamp and AMP lamp lit up but not the engine lamp. More bizarre.


I suspect that it's the fuel sender thinger or something equally alien.

You want my advice, ditch that Mechanic, if he was so worried about the electrical system melting down, he would fix the problem instead of ignoring it by putting in a higher amperage fuse.

[sly]

You want my advice, ditch that Mechanic, if he was so worried about the electrical system melting down, he would fix the problem instead of ignoring it by putting in a higher amperage fuse.

This!

it's also a good way to fry wires.

[85crownHPP]

and how much did he charge you to change a fuse? did you try un-plugging the choke heater like I suggested?

[1980c10]

I have been, asshole.

What's got your panties in such a bunch, it was a joke. Relax a little.

[Mike_O]

Well today I'm off to go see him and see what progress he's made.

I'll mention the choke heater to him.

Also, the 15A fuse seems to enable the engine light regardless of the recent issue (i.e. the fuel gauge needle). So I'm going to have him put the 10A fuse back in and see if that still trips or not.

[86VickyLX]

Choke heater (at least the factory one) is on a fuse link on solenoid, it has nothing to do with the Fuse #18.
There is a Float bowl vent solenoid wiring. That may be rubbing against something (since I'm sure that that's not hooked up to the non VV carb. Also Thermactor control wiring is also hooked into that, which might also be non existant anymore. That's on a wire on the drivers side fender, behind the ignition module, it's a red wire with yellow hashes. If that is now powering a different choke heater or something, that may be your issue right there. If nothing is hooked up to it, remove that wire from the connector.

Also, looking at the wiring diagram, does your car have autolamps?

[Mike_O]

It has autolamps, yes. They turn the lights on during the day AND night.