'97 auto VS won't turn over anymore and possible electric problems

[Jazzaaa]

Hey guys, just thought I'd jump on here as it's got all my mates stumped as to what it could be, and I'm none the wiser either.

I bought a 96 VS auto executive about 4 months ago, parked it up in my front yard and started to work on it as it had no interior and there was a problem with the dash as all the lights were wrong: half of them don't work, indicate left and the fuel light flashes, pull the handbrake and the oil light comes on..

Every week or so I'd let it idle for 10 minutes, then one day it decided not to start at all. Tried jump starting it, new batteries, checked every single fuse but they were all good. Obviously the alternator is shot cause it eats batteries like their going out of fashion, but now it won't even do anything when it's turned on to accesories, even wth a new battery or while being jumpstarted by another car. I have a scary feeling it's the wiring loom, but one of my mates whos been through his share of commies thinks the computer could've drowned, that'd explain the dash problem as well.

You lot are a hell of a lot smarter then I could ever be so I'm hoping you could give me some ideas to what I could try next.
O2 sensors, MAF sensor, fuel system, check codes, ecu, wiring loom? Where do I start?
Just want it to run like it did when I bought it. Used to give my mates manual VT a run for its money


Edit: Just made the biggest rookie mistake and hit 7 instead of 6. It's a 96 VS.

 

[Brett_jjj]

Checking for any logged error codes is a good starting place.

 

[jgtoranalc]

Check the Trouble codes first
Use this guide
https://forums.justcommodores.com.au/threads/checking-error-codes-vr-vs-revised.22307

Ignition Module (Located on passenger side of engine bay)
If you have a mate with same engine and commodore then swap Ignition module and see if it starts
(Once ignition module is faulty then engine doesn't crank) these can be around $200 for new one

Ignition Coil -
Check the resistance on the primary and secondary side using the multimeter on the Ohm settings (I removed mine from the vehicle to test to make life easier)

Is it V6 or V8?

 

[aussie4life]

If i read the OP right, it sounds like its progressivly gotten worse and now ACC wont even do anything. If this is the case then the error code ideas would be pointless until he can turn it to ON.

OP, i suggest that you check your earths, mainly the one next to the battery bolted onto the chassis. If its been getting progressively worse then i would think a dodgie earth could be the culprit. If you have a set of jumper leads, try hooking the negative up to the battery and a clean section somewhere under the bonnet. just not the engine lol as this wont earth out the body. If its been sitting outside for a while, moisture could be getting in anywhere and be the cause of the problem.

 

[BlackVXGTS]

Is it V6 or V8?

Should have been your first question! On this site always assume V6 unless the post indicates otherwise.

 

[Jazzaaa]

Checking for any logged error codes is a good starting place.

Check the Trouble codes first Is it V6 or V8?

Cheers will do that on the weekend, got a mate that can help me out.

Is it V6 or V8?

V6, sorry about that everyone.

OP, i suggest that you check your earths, mainly the one next to the battery bolted onto the chassis. If its been getting progressively worse then i would think a dodgie earth could be the culprit.

Checked that one and it wasn't even finger tight. I let a mate borrow the main engine fuse to get home the other day as his VP fried his, so he could've gave it a hand coming off.

Thanks everyone for the help, she runs again now though of course I've found more problems. The engine runs fine idling, and also if you slowly ease it up to the redline, but if you give it a stab it piss arses around for a bit, coughs, spits out a bit of white/grey smoke then goes like it should. I've put it down to something in the fuel system, clogged filter or dodgy pump, would I be right in saying that?
And secondly my dash still isn't working, none of the gauges work nor the warning lights. Would it be easier to get an auto sparky round and shout him a carton to tell me whats wrong with it?