HELP 88 Cutlass Wiring Woes

[BenD]

Couple months back started having serious trouble with my power supply. Lights extremely almost undriveably dim at night, no radio, sluggish acceleration, wipers and windows moving in slow motion. Then it wouldn't start. Starter was replaced and it turns over but all other issues have persisted.

Before me the vehicle was sitting in a lot for years, I purchased it for cheap and intend it as an around town car and fixer upper to acquaint myself with basic car repair so I have no problem replacing parts to troubleshoot as they need it anyway.

So far the battery, alternator, battery connectors, battery cables and starter have all been replaced. Results have been positive. Successively better performance in all problem areas with each replaced component.

Lights are now bright enough to safely drive at night, windows/wipers moving at acceptable speeds, radio is getting power while driving if the headlights are off, better acceleration. Much improved across the board but still not 100%. Sometimes everything will be going 100% for a minute out of nowhere and then I hit a bump in the road and the problems start again as if something being knocked loose is causing it.

What should my next move be? New wiring harness? Ground points I need to check?

 

[pagrunt]

The age old responce is grounds. Make sure everything is tight plus look for chewed wires as you said it sat for awhile. With the chewed wires that will have you rechecking everything else cause those little bastards can get into everywhere the wires run.

 

[olds307 and 403]

My 88 was a nightmare, so many cut and burnt wires, count yourself lucky. As said, there are multiple grounds, start going through them, checking for corrosion and tightness. Make sure both battery cables are also secure, they can come loose. Good luck.

 

[BenD]

The age old responce is grounds. Make sure everything is tight plus look for chewed wires as you said it sat for awhile. With the chewed wires that will have you rechecking everything else cause those little bastards can get into everywhere the wires run.

So far chewed hasnt been an issue. It was sitting in a busy commercial parking lot shared with an apartment complex. The battery cables were corroded tip to tip though so I fear I may need to redo all the wiring originating from the starter. iirc the previous owner redid all the easily accessible wiring but was waiting on the starter until he had lifts. I'm a total newbie to working on cars so if securing the grounds doesn't do it I should be researching how to replace the wiring harness correct? Or do I have the wrong name for the mass of wires taped together that attaches to the starter with the battery cable?

 

[pagrunt]

With you stating the last owner did some wire work, that could of been a reason for the issues. Sometimes one may think they're doing the right thing with redoing the wiring but end up doing more harm than good. Inspect all that work to look for wrapped & taped splices, poorly crimped connections & any Scotchlok connections.

 

[Tony1968]

As stated check your grounds. I'll say it again. Check grounds. Yeah it's that important. Not only that but it's pretty easy to add a few. You should be able to get ground straps at any auto parts store in various lengths. Engine to frame. Frame to body at firewall and rear under the trunk. Can't have too many!

 

[Tony1968]

After reading BenD other thread I wanted to say securing grounds is more than just making sure they are tight. Clean off all dirt, grease, and grime and get down to bare metal. Then clean again and install ground wire/straps. I don't know how much corrosion his frame has but sounds like it's bad. Also checking continuity and ohms resistance would be next

 

[BenD]

With you stating the last owner did some wire work, that could of been a reason for the issues. Sometimes one may think they're doing the right thing with redoing the wiring but end up doing more harm than good. Inspect all that work to look for wrapped & taped splices, poorly crimped connections & any Scotchlok connections.

It's possible but I think unlikely. Wouldnt those issues have presented earlier? Ive had the car for almost a year and a half with no power issues until the last few months. Took it for its first extended drive to get a quote on a paint job and the problems started on the way back.

 

[g0thiac]

It's possible but I think unlikely. Wouldnt those issues have presented earlier? Ive had the car for almost a year and a half with no power issues until the last few months. Took it for its first extended drive to get a quote on a paint job and the problems started on the way back.

Depends, if it REALLY is a wiring issue, ground or not it’s not unheard of for a wire to pop off or have the insulation weakened.

 

[Tony1968]

It's possible but I think unlikely. Wouldnt those issues have presented earlier? Ive had the car for almost a year and a half with no power issues until the last few months. Took it for its first extended drive to get a quote on a paint job and the problems started on the way back.

Describe how you fixed your grounds.