Car Starts But Nothing Electrical Works

[goodreau]

Here is a good one!

The only things electrical that work are the starter, interior light, door chime, trunk light and door idiot light.

Nothing else -- totally dead!

Any idea? Would you take it to a dealer or an electrical repair shop?

[goodreau]

OK so you guys don't know. Well don't let your power steering pump leak oil on your alternator that heats up and frys your alternator and wire harness almost catching fire. It might cost you 2,000.00!

[SKperformance]

so was the problem the alternator?

or just a random thought?

[Rich Sweitzer]

Any particular year/model?

I would start by checking all of the fusable links (located in the engine compartment just behind the battery in my '91 LS-400). If one of the links is open you need to figure out why (big short somewhere).

Otherwise it could be a bad ignition switch or a connector somewhere (between the fusible link box and the ignition switch?) has come un-connected (or partially so).

Good luck.