Not cranking, weird startup issues

[cp[mike]]

that is not a ground. both are positives!!! one is the battery in, the other is the alternator positive in, after the 80amp fuse.

main grounds are from battery terminal to the fender right next to it, as well as the big cable from the battery terminal to the front of the transmission.

also the harness ground @ thermostat, but thats more for the engine/ignition.

did you blow the 50amp ignition fuse?

[gloryaccordy]

that is not a ground. both are positives!!! one is the battery in, the other is the alternator positive in, after the 80amp fuse.

main grounds are from battery terminal to the fender right next to it, as well as the big cable from the battery terminal to the front of the transmission.

also the harness ground @ thermostat, but thats more for the engine/ignition.

did you blow the 50amp ignition fuse?

Ohhhh where is this 50 amp ignition fuse? I think that might be it, if that would cause the whole car not to light up. I remember the last time I cranked, the starter started to click out, and then it didn't crank anymore, which is symptomatic of a fuse slowly blowing.

LMK before Pepboys closes!

[bruno8747]

Ohhhh where is this 50 amp ignition fuse? I think that might be it, if that would cause the whole car not to light up. I remember the last time I cranked, the starter started to click out, and then it didn't crank anymore, which is symptomatic of a fuse slowly blowing.

LMK before Pepboys closes!

Its in the fuse box under the hood, Its the fuse with the 2 screws holding it down.

[gloryaccordy]

OK after looking at the wiring diagram it looks more and more like a bad ground. But I jumped the battery ground to the tranny and nothing happened. Plus, I looked at the diagrams and a burnt ignition fuse wouldn't keep the car from starting. Also, the dome light worked before I put the key in, but when I turned it to II the dome light stopped working. I'm guessing I fried something related to the key.

My parents are kinda pissed about me going in and out to fix the "worthless car" so I'm done for tonight...but I think the culprit is either a bad ground somewhere or a busted ignition switch (whatever controls the car once the key is turned). Beyond that I am stumped.

[gloryaccordy]

I worked on it some more today...the ignition switch is definitely good. All clues lead to some kind of short. I'm gonna pull some relays tomorrow and see what works and what doesn't...but if that doesn't work I'll just let a mechanic fix it. This sucks.