97 Camaro will not start

[law2866]

I have a 97 Camaro several months ago we changed the engine, (previous owner blew the old one) we installed a 2000 firebird engine, using the camaro's parts. After working out several small bugs, it has been running like a dream. No problems. Last night, as I was driving, the voltage gauge, the speedometer and the RPM gauge started jumping. I stopped the car and turned it off, hoping something would reset, then attempted to restart. That is where the problem began.

The battery is good as the interior and exterior lights all come on, but no dash lights come on. (Ie. Seatbelt lights, ABS etc.) and absolutely nothing happens when turning the key.

We have checked power from battery to starter and checked several other things, however, we are just shadetree's and need some advise. Unfortunatly, we are unable to afford to take it somewhere to have it repaired, so if anyone can give us advise as to what the problem may be or what else we could check I would appreciate it.

[wrightz28]

check all the passthrough connectors on the firewall sounds like one may be loose.

[law2866]

We checked all the connections and wiring throughout and up to the key. Cant find anything.?

[wrightz28]

is there power at the fuse panel fo rthe dash?

[law2866]

Will have to check to see if there is power there, but checked all fuses etc. Will check that, any other ideas.

[wrightz28]

Well, i'm saying check that because if you don't have power at the fuse panel then you have a common problem and explains alot, either no power or no ground on a common circuit. Other wise you'll be like me and chasing multiple problems around.

[law2866]

Thank you, we will check that then let you know. Thank you so much for your time.

[law2866]

Spoke to my husband, he is checking the power. He says power is showing to everything. He was looking at a schematic from the Haynes manuel he is asking about a body control module or the vats. We are not sure which one this model has and where it is so he could check that.

[wrightz28]

Originally Posted by law2866

The battery is good as the interior and exterior lights all come on, but no dash lights come on. (Ie. Seatbelt lights, ABS etc.) and absolutely nothing happens when turning the key.

VATS would make some sense, but by saying the above, was eleimated from the picture thinking there wasn't a "SECURITY" light illuminated. If it is constantly on, then yes it's a problem. I was saving the BCM for after eliminating the basics. People like to condemn electronics that should last a very long time, unless it was sabotoged in some way, it should be ok.

Since the power is there, now do we have ground? S/B on the back of the engine's cylinder heads.

[law2866]

You are correct, we were trying to gather information, there are no gauge lights. Unfortuatly, we are having to do this via, me at work and him at home with no computer. He will call me back after he checks the grounds. Thank you again.

[law2866]

If engine is not grounded would that not make the dash lights and turn signals not work as well, when the key goes into the on position, no instrument lights everything dies, even the buzzer quits working, but the radio plays and it wont start (per husband)(relaying messages now)

[law2866]

Okay, the best he can tell there is no power going to the gauges. He checked it by removing the 10 amp fuse going to the gauges, checked with voltage meter, no power going to the gauges, with key on or off.

[wrightz28]

So going through what you've relayed (which is going fine we just need ot be clear on what we're all relaying) there is 12+V (battery power) BOTH sides of the fuse (which is good) while sitting in the slot IGN IN "RUN" or only on one side (indicating bum fuse). If there is nothing at all then it's time to go back into the engine compartment and look up the maxi fuse for ENG ECM/BCM.

If there is power the whole way round, it's a ground issue, either no ground or short to ground.

[law2866]

There is no power going to the gauges at the inst. fuse panel with eng run or off. No power at all on that circuit. According to voltage meter

[wrightz28]

Okay, then as stated, it's back to the feed line for the circuit. in the engine bay there is a maxi fuse that's probably blown out that has the ECM/BCM on it taht blown ot a broken wire.