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lose ALL electric, 1980 LS automatic, stock

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Old 05-02-13, 05:22 PM
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Trio of Black and Gold

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lose ALL electric, 1980 LS automatic, stock

With the ignition switch in the ON position everything seems to work. When I turn my key to START, I completely lose electricity to everything. When I return the key to ON, still no electrics. If I go back to OFF, the whole thing repeats. Battery load tests good, battery cables good and connections sold and clean. My guess is the plastic module at the end of the ignition switch. I haven't tried battery positive to the "S" terminal on the starter yet. I need to work outside, and it snowed today. I've also searched online for at least 7 hours. I've found similar problems, but not the exact. When it warms up, I'll try various solutions, unless someone can make a suggestion.
Old 05-02-13, 08:54 PM
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What's your battery voltage (measured across the battery terminals) do when you switch to on, then to start, the back to on, then off?

(PS if you don't have a sealed battery, check the acid levels if you know how to do so safely. Bet they are very low)
Old 05-03-13, 08:10 AM
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Waffles - hmmm good

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Yeah you need to try a direct jump to see if its somewhere up in the harness. I wouldn't be
surprised if its your ignition switch as you've surmised.
Old 05-03-13, 09:18 AM
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Could be the switch contacts sticking/failing to close, could be a battery with very low ampacity that can't withstand the load of start condition.
Old 05-09-13, 12:09 AM
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Originally Posted by DivinDriver
What's your battery voltage (measured across the battery terminals) do when you switch to on, then to start, the back to on, then off?

(PS if you don't have a sealed battery, check the acid levels if you know how to do so safely. Bet they are very low)
Always stays at 12.84 volts. I've also had the battery load tested at two FLAPS.
Thanks, Tony Hansen
Old 05-09-13, 12:12 AM
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Originally Posted by t_g_farrell
Yeah you need to try a direct jump to see if its somewhere up in the harness. I wouldn't be
surprised if its your ignition switch as you've surmised.
I'm going to try that on Sunday if my family isn't too busy with Mother's Day functions.
Thanks, Tony Hansen
Old 05-09-13, 12:18 AM
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Originally Posted by DivinDriver
Could be the switch contacts sticking/failing to close, could be a battery with very low ampacity that can't withstand the load of start condition.
If it is the switch, what is the best way to install a temporary push button starter switch? I do have a shop manual and wiring diagrams; but if anyone has done this, some tips may help.
Thank you, Tony Hansen
Old 05-09-13, 12:38 AM
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Why not just order a new switch? They are a little pricy at a little over $100 new, but still available and relatively simple to install. I've had one fail for no apparent reason and ever since have kept one in my personal "inventory" of spare parts just in case.
Old 05-09-13, 06:47 AM
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Have RX-7, will restore


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so, you have a 1980 Leather Sport that's automatic?
Old 05-09-13, 12:16 PM
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kanseirotary

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^ .. and how many folks said I didn't know what I was talking about when I said there were some autos...

Neal.
Old 05-09-13, 01:57 PM
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Have RX-7, will restore


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i've never personally seen one but i have heard that they exist
Old 05-09-13, 11:48 PM
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Happy Rotoring!

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A couple pictures of both the interior and exterior could prove pivotal here.....
Old 05-10-13, 05:26 AM
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Have RX-7, will restore


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^^^agreed. pics of said unicorn LS are vital
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