Oldsmobile/Buick: Wiring, buick electra, dash light

Question

I have a Buick Electra T-Type 1985.  I was driving and I smelled a wirer burning under the hood.  The car started hiccupping and losing and gaining power sometimes it stop running. I have to get a jump for it to start.  I have to get it jump every time I turn it off. There is nothing wrong with the battery.  The dash light dim and brighten.  The electric door lock will not open and seconds later they do.  The windows at times will not work then they do.  When it is in park it runs normal.

My question is which wirers can cause this?  Is there a test I can do at home?  What equipment should I use for this test?

Sincerely

HELP!


Answer
Hi Lee,
I wish there was a easy fix to your problem. You have some major electrical problems. The culprit lies anywhere in the wiring harness, pin connectors, along with it it could have damaged the voltage regulator which sounds like a bad surge fried and then shorted out, or you may have some wiring that has dry rotted, causing the short. A job left to a pro. You need to find a very reputable auto electric shop. Stay away from the dealership on this one. They may give you the run around, most dealership techs do not have the expertise. The job is time consuming. The repair can get expensive if they are unable to splice out the bad stuff. Which would require a new wiring harness. Hope this helps! Ray