tracking down electrical problem
 

Alright I just bought an 87TII. The battery in it is good, and the things that don't require the key in to operate are fine (headlights, hazards, all that good stuff). But when i put the key in and turn it to the on position nothing comes on, the dash doesn't light up, the power windows don't work, none of that fun stuff. How do I go about checking the key part of the ignition to find the problem?

Look in the online 88fsm and there is a section called Body Electrical, I think, and there you will find out how to check the functions of the ignition switch.

In my opinion, the more likely problem is no power feed to your ignition switch. The power comes from the engine fuse box and that same wire is spliced to the large ALTERNATOR wire. IF you have 12vdc at the alternator large wire, then it follows you should have 12vdc at the ignition switch connector.

That feed sometimes gets disconnected at the engine fuse box. There is a blade connector about a foot or so below the engine fuse box that you need to make sure is conencted together.

If that is connected, and there is 12vdc sitting at the alternator large wire, then get under the dash and find the three/four ignition switch connectors, and look for the one on the chassis harnsess side that is Black. Check it for 12vdc. IF it has 12vdc then I reckon you do indeed have a ignition switch problem.........so look in the FSM. It shows how to check the switch.

EDIT: It's page T-17 of the online, 88 FSM. INSPECTION OF THE IGNITION SWITCH

Stuff: https://www.rx7club.com/forum/attach...hmentid=143686

https://www.rx7club.com/forum/showth...igniton+switch