Got a crazy Starting Issue! ........I mean nutz!
Pretty much............READ the Mad electrical article. Even if you don't do that mod, it's a good overview on primary power distribution
Start by REALLY cleaning the battery clamps/ posts, and after jumpering/ cranking the starter for say, 10-15 solid seconds, feel both ends of both cables for heat
Catalog
Pay attention to the diagram posted there.........it's a great simplified diagram of the main power in the car......
Follow along.........."functional" power path, IE not electron flow:
From battery power makes it's way to the BIG STUD on the STARTER RELAY. This is one contact of the relay but also a major junction
From there the FUSE LINK.....................CHECK IT!!!!
To the feed through terminal of the bulkhead connector (RED) CHECK IT. There is only one way....separate the connector and inspect. Inspect for ANY burn/ melt damage as shown in the article above.
Then current goes to the AMMETER (RED) and out the AMMETER BLACK
THIS IS ACTUALLY THREE MORE failure points..........the red and black wire ends and trouble in the ammeter itself. CHECK IT
The the power from the AMMETER (BLACK) goes to the WELDED SPLICE IMPORTANT!!!! This splice rarely fails but CAN AND HAS. Check everything else FIRST and if you still have problems, you will have to remove the cluster, untape the harness from the black ammeter wire to check the splice. THESE HAVE FAILED!!!
From the WELDED SPLICE power goes back out through the BULKEAD CONNECTOR (large BLACK) and back out to the ALTERNATOR
HOW TO TROUBLESHOOT:
Get the problem to "show up." Turn on and "indicator" such as key/ accessory / radio, and or headlights. Now systematically start wiggling connectors. Start out under the hood, and try to wiggle ONLY the fuse link. Try not to wiggle the bulkhead connector.
Now "jump" inside reach up and find the ammeter connections. Wiggle those. Now "jump" back out under the hood and wiggle the bulkhead connector.
Pretty much............READ the Mad electrical article. Even if you don't do that mod, it's a good overview on primary power distribution
Start by REALLY cleaning the battery clamps/ posts, and after jumpering/ cranking the starter for say, 10-15 solid seconds, feel both ends of both cables for heat
Catalog
Pay attention to the diagram posted there.........it's a great simplified diagram of the main power in the car......
Follow along.........."functional" power path, IE not electron flow:
From battery power makes it's way to the BIG STUD on the STARTER RELAY. This is one contact of the relay but also a major junction
From there the FUSE LINK.....................CHECK IT!!!!
To the feed through terminal of the bulkhead connector (RED) CHECK IT. There is only one way....separate the connector and inspect. Inspect for ANY burn/ melt damage as shown in the article above.
Then current goes to the AMMETER (RED) and out the AMMETER BLACK
THIS IS ACTUALLY THREE MORE failure points..........the red and black wire ends and trouble in the ammeter itself. CHECK IT
The the power from the AMMETER (BLACK) goes to the WELDED SPLICE IMPORTANT!!!! This splice rarely fails but CAN AND HAS. Check everything else FIRST and if you still have problems, you will have to remove the cluster, untape the harness from the black ammeter wire to check the splice. THESE HAVE FAILED!!!
From the WELDED SPLICE power goes back out through the BULKEAD CONNECTOR (large BLACK) and back out to the ALTERNATOR
HOW TO TROUBLESHOOT:
Get the problem to "show up." Turn on and "indicator" such as key/ accessory / radio, and or headlights. Now systematically start wiggling connectors. Start out under the hood, and try to wiggle ONLY the fuse link. Try not to wiggle the bulkhead connector.
Now "jump" inside reach up and find the ammeter connections. Wiggle those. Now "jump" back out under the hood and wiggle the bulkhead connector.