1. Loose or Corroded Connections:
* Battery Terminals: Check both battery terminals (positive and negative) for corrosion. Clean them thoroughly with a wire brush and baking soda and water paste. Make sure the connections are tight. Loose connections are a very common cause of no-power issues.
* Battery Cables: Inspect the cables running from the battery to the starter and alternator for damage, breaks, or loose connections at both ends.
2. Starter Motor:
* The Starter is the Most Likely Culprit: A faulty starter motor can prevent the engine from cranking even with a charged battery. You may hear a clicking sound when you turn the key, or nothing at all. Testing the starter involves some electrical knowledge or taking it to a mechanic.
3. Alternator:
* Charging System Failure: While the battery is currently charged, a bad alternator won't recharge it. This means you might have power now, but it won't last long. A mechanic can test the alternator's output.
4. Ignition Switch:
* Faulty Switch: The ignition switch can fail, preventing power from reaching the rest of the system. This is less likely if you get *no* power at all, but possible.
5. Wiring Issues:
* Broken or Corroded Wires: Old wiring in a 1985 vehicle can be brittle and prone to breakage or corrosion. Check major wiring harnesses for damage, especially near the battery and starter. This is a much more complex diagnosis.
* Fuses and Circuit Breakers: Check your fuse box (often under the hood or inside the car) and make sure all fuses are intact and not blown. Some systems also have circuit breakers.
6. Neutral Safety Switch:
* Automatic Transmission Only: If you have an automatic transmission, the neutral safety switch prevents the car from starting unless the gear selector is in Park or Neutral. A faulty switch can prevent power from reaching the starter.
7. Solenoid:
* Part of the Starter Circuit: The solenoid is an electromagnet that engages the starter motor. A faulty solenoid will prevent the starter from engaging. You might hear a click from the solenoid when you turn the key.
Troubleshooting Steps:
1. Start with the simple stuff: Check the battery terminals and cables first. This is the easiest and most common fix.
2. Listen carefully: When you turn the key, are there any sounds? A clicking sound often indicates a problem with the starter or solenoid. No sound at all suggests a more significant power issue.
3. Visual Inspection: Examine all wiring for damage or corrosion.
4. Use a multimeter: If you have one, you can test the battery voltage, alternator output, and starter circuit continuity. This requires some electrical knowledge, otherwise, a mechanic will be needed.
5. Seek Professional Help: If you're uncomfortable with electrical work, take your El Camino to a mechanic for diagnosis and repair.
Without more information (e.g., sounds when you turn the key, lights working or not, etc.), pinpointing the exact cause is difficult. A systematic approach, starting with the simplest checks, is the best way to find the problem.
