Driving home last night I was sitting in traffic and the car died as if the key was turned off. No warning, no indications just died. Doesn't turn over but the hazards and lights work. I haven't had time yet to start trouble shooting but I was going to start with the fuse block and then try to get eyes on the fusible link. Any thoughts?
You have been on the forum for years and years, so I assume you know how to check the ignition components. Usually when a Fiero dies like that it's the ICM, but not necessarily.
I didn't get a chance (work) to go out and start troubleshooting yet. It is weird though. I assumed when an ICM went it would still turn over but not start. This thing literally quit like someone had turned off a key. No loud bangs or anything...just shut off. Heading over now to see if lights and other things work. I am wondering about the fusible links or a ground wire. Just thought I would ask the incredibly knowledgeable before I get in there with my ten thumbs.
I had the red battery cable ground out on my exhaust manifold once. It occurred just like this. Car just stopped. The manifold melted the cover and then the bare wire touched the manifold. I tied off the new cable to the fire wall, and had to scrounge a new exhaust manifold, because mine had a nice hole in it after this.
I reread your original post, and it does sound like the infamous 1984 fusible link failure. On the 84's, there are two or three fusible links hooked up to the large terminal on the starter. They sit in a high heat environment right above the cat. If one goes bad, you'll loose power to part of the car. If the link insulation looks crispy, then it has failed. One more "84 only" deal...........
------------------ Rod Schneider, Ball Ground, Ga. "You can't have too many toys!" 1988 Fiero GT 1988 Porsche 928S4 1987 Corvette 2001 Chrysler 300M Van's RV-6 airplane
I had the red battery cable ground out on my exhaust manifold once. It occurred just like this. Car just stopped. The manifold melted the cover and then the bare wire touched the manifold. I tied off the new cable to the fire wall, and had to scrounge a new exhaust manifold, because mine had a nice hole in it after this.
Jim
I went to check it out last night and started with the whole trouble shooting process. First Bob and I went through what didn't work...light are good as are dome lights. No wipers, starter, radio, environmental controls, windows....hmmm. So we went in the engine bay and started checking connections on grounds and wires. All looked good. We checked the wiring diagram and it lead back to the ignition. But wait...it could be this wire here. Followed it back down and viola...burnt wire headed to the starter. Looks like melted over time and touched the exhaust manifold. Jumped it with a lead and car started right up. So tomorrow night we will jump it, take it to the house, and sort it out properly. Anyone know off hand what the gauge of wire is on that fusible link that leads to starter?
I went to check it out last night and started with the whole trouble shooting process. First Bob and I went through what didn't work...light are good as are dome lights. No wipers, starter, radio, environmental controls, windows....hmmm. So we went in the engine bay and started checking connections on grounds and wires. All looked good. We checked the wiring diagram and it lead back to the ignition. But wait...it could be this wire here. Followed it back down and viola...burnt wire headed to the starter. Looks like melted over time and touched the exhaust manifold. Jumped it with a lead and car started right up. So tomorrow night we will jump it, take it to the house, and sort it out properly. Anyone know off hand what the gauge of wire is on that fusible link that leads to starter?
This makes me feel good. I've helped someone instead of receiving the help for a change. Just make sure you tie off the cable so it won't happen again. Also check for a hole in your exhaust manifold. When the wire touches, it's just like a welder, and probably put a hole in it.
Jim
[This message has been edited by jimbolaya (edited 06-26-2014).]
This makes me feel good. 
