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1983 Cadillac Coupe DeVille Won't start. dead fuel delivery and headlights problems
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SlowAndDocile
New User
Jun 11, 2013, 2:59 PM
Post #1 of 10
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1983 Cadillac Coupe DeVille Won't start. dead fuel delivery and headlights problems
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A relative of mine brought to me an 1983 Cadillac Coupe DeVille for a simple repair like fixing the headlights, because they died and only the position lights were working.
I figured out that the headlight switch on the left on the dash was dead. by the Help of a multimeter and a detailed diagram of the electrical wiring. i managed to identify the wires, especially the hot at all times wire, and the ones responsible for lighting the instrument panel, position lights and the wire that runs through the hi/low beam switch in the steering column. I also replaced one burned (white) wire that goes from the door switch to the connector that goes into the light switch. - I figured that when the switch died it somehow sizzled that wire away.
After the replacement of the wire the courtesy lights and dome lights started to work properly, I also managed to adapt an old Czechoslovakian Skoda switch to turn the lights on and off. Because it is hard to get genuine GM American car parts in Europe and especially in Poland because American cars are quite rare over here.
Now comes the fun part.
The engine won't start. The Starter turns the engine, the spark is there, but there is no fuel coming from the fuel pump, as if there was no electricity reaching it. I checked the relays, all fuses and nothing happens... I'm on the verge of nervous breakdown. 
I've spent in this car already 5 full days trying to figure it out.  I even managed to find somehow a detailed diagram of the electrical wiring.
Is there somewhere an inertia switch? or something that can affect the fuel pump?
Well... that was a whiny post.
All help is very appreciated.
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SlowAndDocile
New User
Jun 13, 2013, 3:05 AM
Post #2 of 10
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Re: 1983 Cadillac Coupe DeVille Won't start. dead fuel delivery and headlights problems
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I found the bugger, what was causing all this madness in this car.
Somehow the big square connector oxidized and lost it conductive properties, probably after using a fire extinguisher the fine powder got inside it.
I cleared it, sanded the pins and it runs perfectly.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 13, 2013, 5:59 AM
Post #4 of 10
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Re: 1983 Cadillac Coupe DeVille Won't start. dead fuel delivery and headlights problems
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Ya, its a new Kent Moore J tool. The kit consist of a thick jumper wire that you put in place of the fuse and an ABC rated fire extinguisher for when you locate the where the short is. It also comes with a set of special goggles to visually enhance the smoke.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Jun 13, 2013, 5:59 AM)
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 13, 2013, 7:03 AM
Post #5 of 10
(3836 views)
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Re: 1983 Cadillac Coupe DeVille Won't start. dead fuel delivery and headlights problems
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The upgrade kit has a capture balloon so you can capture the smoke and put it back in so nothing is lost.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 13, 2013, 9:39 AM
Post #6 of 10
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Re: 1983 Cadillac Coupe DeVille Won't start. dead fuel delivery and headlights problems
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You know leaving out that it had caught fire may have been a clue as to the problem?
Glad to see you got it resolved..
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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SlowAndDocile
New User
Jun 13, 2013, 1:57 PM
Post #7 of 10
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Re: 1983 Cadillac Coupe DeVille Won't start. dead fuel delivery and headlights problems
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It's not like it caught fire on me. My relative didn't tell me that there was a barbecue going on under the dash 3 days earlier and that he used an fire extinguisher. He cleaned his mess up, quite good.
I miss the days of Halon fire extinguishers, the powder was disappearing nearly by its own with time.
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SlowAndDocile
New User
Jun 14, 2013, 1:59 PM
Post #9 of 10
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Re: 1983 Cadillac Coupe DeVille Won't start. dead fuel delivery and headlights problems
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I got this car fixed up today. Now it works like a charm. I had to replace an 3 wire connector under the dash that goes between the hi/low beam switch in the steering column and the rest of the wiring. Cleaned everything up, sanded with a fine sandpaper all connections and sprayed everything generously with contact spray to prevent any corrosion.
I "axed" my relative what was the cause of the fire, he told that it was an light switch malfunction where an broken piece of an copper contact inside the switch caused a short. Since then it all went really fast.
Thanks for all replies, have a nice weekend.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 14, 2013, 5:24 PM
Post #10 of 10
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Re: 1983 Cadillac Coupe DeVille Won't start. dead fuel delivery and headlights problems
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Contact cleaner is good for cleaning contacts. There is a chemical that is great for de-oxidizing and enhancing those electrical connections. Radio shack sells Deoxit. There is a another good product called Stabilant 22, but it is quite pricey. I've used Deoxit on a couple of vehicles that had some connection problems in the shop, so far haven't seen any comebacks.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Jun 14, 2013, 5:25 PM)
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