1985 Firebird - Electrical problems?
 

Hey folks,

1985 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
305ci H.O. V8, Carbureted

So of course only a few days before my car goes to auction and is running with zero problems whatsoever, it seems that an electrical problem has occurred.

I was pulling out of a parking lot (after having it run for 5 minutes to warm up), when the car died without warning. I *think* I may have blown a relay, and here's why I think that's it: While the car was warming up, I had the rear defroster, windshield wipers, radio, heater (on "high), and lights on, and after the rear defroster turned off and hadn't quite melted ALL the snow, I turned it back on again (I know, I was being lazy and should have just brushed off the snow).

So, I had it towed back to the house because it wouldn't even turn over. I know the battery wasn't dead, and half the electric still worked. Here's what does and does not work currently...

Works:
Headlights
Tail Lights
Trunk release
Horn
Alarm
Interior lights

Does not work:
Ignition (engine doesn't even try to crank)
Gauges
Radio
Accessory electrical
Defroster
Heater
A/C
Door locks
Windows

After testing that the battery was good, I made sure the terminals were solid and that no fuses were blown--all of this looks good. I tested for hot leads on the fuse box and the entire left side of the fuse box (see "does not work") is dead--with or without a key in the ignition and set to 'on'.

So... does this sound like a relay issue? If so, physically WHERE is this relay located? I tried looking for diagrams all over the place and can find nothing helpful.

Thanks in advance for any advice, and if I've left out an important information that may help resolve this, please let me know.

check the fuseable links that are close to the starter

this.

Thanks, chris and bonzo. I ran out of daylight for today, but I'll check on this tomorrow. Much appreciation, especially if that's the cause! :-)

your welcome i had the same prob with my 92 rs it was the fuseable link