bk100k

Experts only:

I tried to start my car today and it wouldn't start. I put the key in the ignition and turned it and the dash lights wouldn't light up at all. I turned on the lights and they worked but, nothing else worked. I checked the starter by hitting it and the engine started turned over. I checked my battery and it was fully charged. I checked all of my fuses inside the car and checked my main fuses they were all good also. I cleaned my battery terminals they were fine. I'm stuck please help.

86gxl_fc

as far as the engine turning over, thats probably related to the terminals on the started (small wire not making good contact).
Are you sure you have the terminals on the battery correct?
if they are flipped, it'll let your starter spin the motor, but nothing else would work.

turbo10th

iTrader: (6)

I am 80% sure it is the main fuse. Had the same problem when i got my 88 turbo the headlights worked but it would not turn over or display any interior lights. And if you go to take it out DON'T PULL IT you have to remove 3 10mm screws on either side of the fuse box under two plasic covers. I have learned first hand. So does the car start? And if it does your fuse to the interior is blown or there is a bad ground.

86gxl_fc

are you getting spark/fuel?
i think you probably have a bad starter which began working when you hit it,
and your engine may be flooded if it doesnt want to start, yet it turns over.

might not be an electrical problem at all.

bk100k

I put the terminals on the right way. I don't even hear any noise or anything when you turn the key inside or out side the car

Valkyrie

What actually happens when you turn the key?

Your descriptions are really vague.

86gxl_fc

+1 on vague.

are you sure you arent flooded?
pulled the plugs?

bk100k

I'm sorry. when I turn the key theres no power only the lights. Its not flooded because it won't turn on spark plugs are good. It is a power issue

headlights work only. No power to the car at all with exception to the headlights. No lights in the dash at all.

turbo10th

iTrader: (6)

That would be the main fuse

HAILERS

I'd go with Main fuse and or the single black wire from the engine bay fuse box to the ignition switch being pulled apart.........BUT you said in the beginning, that you went out and struck the starter, and then the engine turned over????? which then kinda makes me think different because the main fuse would have to be good for that to happen. I'm confused.

bk100k

me to.

HAILERS

So the engine did spin over with the starter after you hit it. The main fuse would have had to be good at that moment for sure.

You used to get the warning lights when you turned the key to ON prior to having this problem? And now you turn the key to ON and the Warning lights do NOT come on. Is that right?

The one time the starter spum AFTER you hit the starter........do you remember if the Warning lights were on THAT time?

And your battery terminals are on good and free of crud. Headlights work good.

bk100k

thank you all for responding. I really appreciate it. Turbo 10th was 100% right it was the main fuse. When I looked at it, it was fine but I looked again and it had a little break in it. Thanks alot everyone. Turbo 10th rocks

Valkyrie

Strangely enough, I've acually had that little wire come out before.

I still don't know why it came out...

turbo10th

iTrader: (6)

No problem but you did confuse me with the starter thing

HAILERS

I still don't understand how the starter worked that one time if the Main Fuse was blown. Oh well.

papiogxl

iTrader: (6)

Possibly the impact of the hammer caused the two pieces of the blown fuse to contact each other temporarily? That's the only way I can see it happening, and it isn't too likely.