Where's the power? - Chevy Message Forum (2024)

Have engine back in car and was putting starter on and I find no power wires down there? Been a while since I had it apart. I have the solenoid wires but nothing that goes on the big post. I've looked every where and see none.

Where does the car get its power from?

1970 Caprice, 350, auto.

I feel stupid!

Regards, Jeff

The solenoid is a magnetic switch. When you turn the starter switch you're sending power to the solenoid so that it activates & allows power to go directly from the positive post of the battery directly to the starter motor, that's why the positive cable is so thick.

67 Impala 4Dr Hardtop.

I didn't word that correctly. I have a battery cable on the big post and it is the only thing on the big post.

Where does the rest of the car get the power from? I need power to ignition switch.

On any other Chevy there is a set of wires that go on the big post also that sends power to the rest of the car.

Regards, Jeff

On my 67 Impala the ignition switch power is coming through the firewall via a GM multiplug near the Fuse Box.

If you look at the permanent threads shown above where this thread appears in the 67-70 section you'll see a wiring diagram for 67's, unfortunately nothing listed for 70, but it may give you a basic outline of what GM did.

May even be worth reading through the 71-76 section & see if any wiring diagrams are listed.

67 Impala 4Dr Hardtop.

Where does the power come from at the firewall?

I’ll try again, the only power from the battery is via the battery cable to the big post on the starter. This will not power anything else on the car because the starter is the only thing with 12v going to it. There has to be a main power source from the battery or starter post to get power to the fuse block.

Just seen your edited post I’ll look around. Thank you!

Regards, Jeff

Perhaps there's extra wiring that you've omitted from reconnecting to the +ve battery post/terminal/lug.

There should also be a connection from the generator to the +ve terminal.

67 Impala 4Dr Hardtop.

FWIW, on my '65, there is a hot wire from the + terminal that goes to a junction block on the horn relay. (the guts of the relay have nothing to do with it, just a convenient place to tie in) The under hood harness attaches there nd the fuse block gets power through that.

Bob
'65 Impala SS 396 Convertible
Member, National Impala Association

Same on my 67 and when I had a 69 camaro.

1967 Belair - LM7 5.3, Autogear M23Z, Global West, C5 brakes and rims.

Thank you all!

I have been away for a few days and got back at it today. Found my wire it was tucked under the pass side fender. Probably put it there when I had the inner fender out.

Pypes exhaust suppose to be here tomorrow. I’m excited and worried about the fit.

Regards, Jeff

The 2 wires come out of harness that the distributor is out of

Bill H.
67 SS