Ignition switch and (almost) nothing happens...

[JScherbik]

I had just changed the spark plugs on my 68 Road Runner, and took her out for a ride. Coming off a stop sign, she sputtered and died. I tried to restart but the starter motor would not turn. The ignition switch did light up the oil light on the gauge panel, but did not start the car. Just nothing.

I went under the hood and found a light gage white wire running from the ignition coil to the firewall. At the firewall, it passes through a grommet as a lone wire. A small run of the insulation was melted to the cylinder head. I must not have notice that it fell into a hot area. The insulation looks as if it is melted but the wire looks like it should be intact. I am not sure what this wire is, or if it is the cause, but it's the only thing I can find that looks wrong.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Thanks,

Jay

 

[kiwigtx]

I suspect that wire in your hand goes to the Tachometer. If it has shorted to ground, it is possible to kill the ignition....only because it connects to the coil. :thinker:

 

[383man]

I agree as I was going to say it looks like someone added a tach and thats what the white wire is for. And if it shorts to ground it can kill the ign. It should still crank so I would check the starter system out to see why it wont crank. It may have blown a fuse link but that white wire would most likely be melted alot if a fuse link blew. There is a fuse link to the ign switch that feeds the ballast and coil but I dont think it blew that. Jump the starter at the starter relay and see if it cranks. Ron

 

[JScherbik]

Thanks, Guys. Electrical work is a bit more than I usually handle, so I appreciate the advice!

 

[JScherbik]

OK, I've jumpered the starter relay and it cranked. I then jumped out the Transmission Safety Switch and it started!

I have looked for instructions to adjust the linkage going to the safety switch, but can't find anything that is clear enough to work from.

I know it could be wiring, the switch itself or linkage adjustment. I wanted to try to get on the road today, if possible.

This really sucks, because I am missing the Mopar Southern Nationals in Adel, GA.

I was going to enter the show this morning.

Any help on the adjustment would be appreciated.

THANKS!

Jay

 

[dieseldazzle]

Hook the wire back up to your starter relay and move the shifter up and down with your foot on the brake while cranking. My nss is a little finicky at times too. Console shift??

 

[Dennis H]

Not to go off topic but, the bulkhead connector should be cleaned up soon to prevent electrical problems. Take each bank off carefully without breaking any ears off. Then spray the crap out of it till it runs clear with electrical cleaner. Reassemble.

 

[JScherbik]

Dieseldazzle- Tried that on your suggestion and nothing happened. That told me it wasn't a shifter adjustment.

I put her up on ramps and crawled under. The transmission safety switch (3 prongs) was sitting there all alone. The wire had simply fallen off. I pinched down on the terminal to tightener it up a bit and put it on the center pin. Works great now, THANKS!


Dennis H, I'll be working that bulkhead connector block tomorrow. Good suggestion!

 

[dieseldazzle]

Dieseldazzle- Tried that on your suggestion and nothing happened. That told me it wasn't a shifter adjustment.

I put her up on ramps and crawled under. The transmission safety switch (3 prongs) was sitting there all alone. The wire had simply fallen off. I pinched down on the terminal to tightener it up a bit and put it on the center pin. Works great now, THANKS!


Dennis H, I'll be working that bulkhead connector block tomorrow. Good suggestion!

Yes, DennisH has motivated me to clean mine as well as preventative maintenance.............plus I hate getting stranded on the side of the road