check for power at fuses with test light with key in the run position

 

Ill have to get my hands on a meter tommorow. Anything else I can check without a meter/test light

 

I had a 94 with similar problems. Turned out to be a bad turn signal/dimmer switch.--------------- GeezerD

 

not really what year is it?

 

1987

 

Did you check the terminal connections at the battery? It seems odd that so many things would be inoperable but the engine isn't being effected. What DOES still work without the engine running?

 

Headlights, guage lights, dome. I had read somewhere about a ignition control switch being tied into the radio, heater and everything not Working on mine

 

And my terminals are on tight

 

I agree with some earlier posts that it sounds like a ground wire issue. If those are fine though, you should check the integrity of your connections under the hood.

Have you checked the central junction box (big fuse panel) under the hood? Also, check the wiring around it to see if anything is exposed or loose.

If it's not a fuse, it has to be a loose wire or short somewhere. I would, with the key in the run position (but dont start the engine), turn the headlights on and jiggle things around under the hood. See if your headlights go out... maybe you can track the issue that way.

 

Ill see what I can figure out by doing that, but is an ignition switch out of the question.

 

When the lights go out, do they just completely go out, or do they flicker?

 

They go completely out for a sec or 2 and come back on. Seems like it does it more on highs, but when I flip them back to lows they come back

 

Hmm.. it could very well be the ignition switch, or related wiring in the steering column. That would be my next stop: the switch is located on the top of the steering column near the dash (you'll probably need to take the dash out to access it).

Wish I could be of more help...

 

wiggle the key see if you can recreate the issue

 

Wiggle to recreate which issue? And I'm probably going to start pulling the dash tommorow after class and go That route. Atleast its only $13, just have to find the time between class and work