Question about starter/solenoid:

Hi, I'm hoping to get a little input here - I have a 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Brougham, V8, 307, 5.0 lt., and as of this morning (it dropped to 29 degrees here in NW NJ last night) I started my engine, ran ok - I turned on my rear defrost, ok - windshield defrost, ok - but as soon as I turned the fan switch, the engine just cut out and now my ignition switch/starter/solenoid is totally dead. No clicking. I'm not getting any juice from the battery except for the open-door dinging bell and headlights, no radio or directionals. I jumped the battery to no avail, checked all fuses, they're fine. It seemed that I somehow overdrew the battery when I flicked on the fan switch - yet I don't understand how the car's ignition system can be totally inoperable. I'm guessing the problem would be the ignition switch before the starter/solenoid, but I'm not 100% sure so I'm wondering if anybody here has any advice. Is there a way of checking the ignition switch w/ a meter, or is it totally mechanical? That would help before I have to start buying parts.

Thanks in advance -

It might be your battery is failing. How old is your battery? Typical battery lasts 3 - 5 - 7 years and depending on the usage. You can do a load test on your battery with a load tester around $18 at harborfreight store or their online store.

Bring the battery to Autozone or autoparts store and have them load test your battery. If it fails, time to get a new battery or they might pro-rate your battery if you have purchased the battery from them.

Hi, thanks for your reply. I tested the battery, it's running 12 volts, not to mention I tried jumping it with a booster pack to the battery terminals, and then with another vehicle straight to the terminal wires, bypassing the battery, so there must be another issue. I'm still guessing that it's the ignition switch, but even then, I'm not sure exactly where it is located on the steering column. I see wires coming through the steering column base with 2 bolts on each side. The owner's manual did not come with this old boat...lol...

Regards -

there are 2 or three "fuseable links" that hook to the big post on teh starter. They are pieces of aluminum wire, a guage smaller than the circuit they protect. Each one protects a certain number of circuits, and when they blow, those circuits stop working. Trace the wires back until you feel a soft spot or see the insulation is burnt. Cut the burnt piece out and replace with a new one (available at any auto parts store in their HELP! section.

Yes, after replacing my ignition switch, I realized it couldn't account for other circuits being dead, especially those that should have been hot at all times - you're right, the fusible links were shot. Thanks.