How do you get the engine to turn when there seems to be an electrical problem with the dash board and ignition?

Answer 1

I had that same issue with my 85 fifth ave. Just fix your electrical problem. If the car is a 1982-89 it's easy. It's a blown fusible link right near the positive battery terminal. (This most likely applies to the 90s models, but I'm not as familiar with those.)There are three leeds at the positive terminal; one to the starter, one to the headlights/interior lights (85s have a white connector on it), and the last one powers everything else (85s have a black connector followed by a single fusible link then a fusible link bunch). When the first fusible link on that last leed goes bad you will still have interior lights, the door chime, and all front running lights and headlights, but nothing else. Disconnect both terminals on the battery, negative first. Cut out the fusible link, about two inchs after the black connector and one inch after the inline connector. (Note that the black connector separates, but the inline connector is solid. These inline connectors follow all fusible links.) Replace that gap with fusible link wire in the same gauge as the fusible link (the color of the wire tells you the gauge, orange=20ga. on the 85). Soder the connections if you can, then cover them with electrical tape. Once the fuse is replaced, the ignition system will be functional again. For a chart of fusible link color codes it is best to refer to a manual such as Haynes.