Complicated Headlight/gauge lights PROBLEM!

[ENICKB]

OK so my alternator bolt broke, and I did the 3/8" bolt mod (drilled out hole to 3/8" and added 10.9 bolt, due to alternator hole being "ovalled").. Soon the alternator died... So I replaced the alternator without disconnecting the battery. At one point I saw sparks... After the install I had no power. So i replaced the 80 AMP ALTERNATOR FUSE and it seemed everything was back to normal... But just driving home from work tonight, when I tried to turn on my headlights, I got nothing... And my gauge lights didnt work... I tested everything... And my hazard lights also do not work, but my turn signals individually do.. and my radio works, wipers work, etc... I checked all my fuses one by one under the dash, and I checked the four fuses under the hood. How do I get my headlights back in action?>>? once again...

what works:
radio
climate control lights
seat belts
power locks
turn signals
brake lights
etc basically everything else

what DOESNT work:
my hazard lights switch does nothing
no gauge lights
no headlights
no corner lights
no high beams
no rear running lights (woops)


please help me diagnose. My friend had a similar problem, but it was a fuse.. remember before you reply, i have indivudially swapped out EVERY fuse on the car and it didnt fix the problem. any help is appreciated. thanks!!! happy valentines day!!!

 

[DeadlyScone]

Just a question, did you check how many volts your battery is getting with the car running? I can send you some pages of my OEM Repair Manual On Troubleshooting.

 

[1983gsp]

You checked the 4 fuses under the hood? Hmmmm.....what about the other 8 fuses under the black cover on the pass side fender well?

 

[stars]

With the Key in the "ON" position and engine "OFF" recheck those fuses again. You blown more than that 80 AMP fuse. If you have the owners manual it will be very helpful to look at it while checking each fuse again. Check the index in the back of the book under "Fuses" there it will show you where the interior ones are located and what rating of each. Recheck those fuses few more times then post back......

 

[ENICKB]

Under the hood I see four fuses, some relays, and then some high amp old school style fuses(40amp +). I have manually removed every fuse in this car, EVERY SINGLE ONE and then jumped each terminal, no matter the fuse, and no difference. New battery. Voltage is 12.8.. at cruise its 13.4. This is my ninth DSM, although I have only been a member for a month, usually all of my questions have been answered without needing a membership, but now that I have countless engines and parts for sale, I decided to create an account on this wonderful site.. I even replaced headlight bulbs... Im telling you this is a weird issue. Maybe i fried a relay? I dont know.. But I will post the solution whenever I find it. Its important because I need to drive at night!

I have no owners manual... I have a haynes though. Im going to start reading...

 

[stars]

Ok, so your fuses checked out o.k. Now, your in luck because, I have a wiring diagram. With the "Ignition in the ON" position, Engine OFF find the headlight relay out under the hood, in the fuse block. Check and make sure there is power out there to it on the Green/White wire, should have battery voltage. Now, check the "Red" wire going to it (It is a fusible link). Should have battery voltage again. Those 2 wires is what powers the "Headlamp Circuit, High beams,Hazards and Gauges Circuits. The combination switch is used to ground those circuits in order for them to operate. If the power to the relay checks out "o.k" then you will either have a bad ground or your combination switch is bad.

 

[razordsm413]

With so many lights not working the problem has to be a ground

 

[stars]

The wires in those circuits are tied into the "combination switch" at the steering column . It is there what grounds those circuits. If that is bad even your "horn" won't work. I think if you check your wipers won't work either. I'd say that assembly is bad. It is not making any contact so you have to replace it unfortunately. Anything attached to that even your cruise control if you have it will not work. The column switch is the central junction for combining all those circuits into one assembly. Hence that's why it called the "combination switch" everything combines to that switch and each circuit is tied into one ground there, as well.

 

[ENICKB]

Also I forgot to mention my rear running lights were not working,
BUT WHEN I PRESS MY BRAKE PEDAL MY BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD WORK, but no rear running light, that is what lead me back to the 80 amp fuse, because half of that connection works one half of the under-hood fusebox, and the other wire, the other half (basically). And the guy I got the car from has double wired them, with an inline fuse that was hidden under the shifter cables (dont ask, I just bought her to replace my wrecked one as soon as i could). Anyway, so the verdict was an aftermarket inline fuse, in the wiring off the 80 amp fuse.
STARS, you hit it right on the nose my friend! Good ol manuals! Thanks all... Man this was frustrating. I was 10 seconds away from going to advanced for some trailer tail lights and HID foglights haha! THANKS AGAIN