No power?

[aod92]

Took my 70 deville for a drive today. The car ran great. got home shut it off and when I went to start it again it wouldn't crank. Thought the battery was dead, but it was fine. I have power all the way to the starter after that nothing. No power in the interior, or anywhere else. What could be the problem? Bad starter?

[Glen]

Sounds like a fusible link went out.  It looks just like a wire but is really a fuse.  There are three fusible links coming off the starter terminal, two 16 gauge black and one 18 gauge dark green (at least I think it is green, hard to tell from the diagram).  A short ways away from the starter terminal they change to 10 gauge red, 14 gauge yellow and the third wire connects to two wires a 12 gauge orange and a 10 gauge black/red. 

I believe most auto parts stores carry fusible links. 

The big question is why did the link blow? 

[TJ Hopland]

Not sure if 70 had it but a 73 had a connector for those wires and the connector coming apart would be one explanation how they all went at the same time.   All 3 wires go to a single big lug that is on the same stud as the battery lead.  The connector has 5 wires in it.  As mentioned above 3 are link wires and the other two go to the solenoid.   One is the cranking signal from the key other is to the ignition coil for starting bypass power.  One link wire goes to the headlight switch.  One to the half of the fuse box that is always on.  Other goes to the key which then powers the rest of the stuff in the fuse box that comes on with the key.   That harness wraps around the exhaust so its possible that in the process of doing other repair work in that area things did not get put back correctly so the wires could have rubbed or melted into the exhaust.   The connector is right close to the exhaust too.  The fusible link wires are in the starter to plug section.  As mentioned above the raw link wire is available at parts stores.  Its sized by gauge and possibly color.

[aod92]

Thanks guys. This helps a lot.

[76eldo]

I had a problem like that on a 76 Fleetwood and found that the wire on the starter was just loose.  I guess you checked that by now though.

Brian

[cadillacmike68]

First clean the battery terminals. I have had a similar problem on my 1968. Check all connections at the end of the battery cables to the starter / frame / other and ensure they are clean and tight. The cable connections can build up an insulating layer of whatever and this cuts off power. Check all your ground straps as well.

[aod92]

Loose wire on the starter. Everything looked tight, but when I put a socket on it the nut tightened up. Thanks for the help guys.

[76eldo]

It's nice when its a simple fix with no parts required.

Glad you tracked it down.