No power

[69clone]

Hey guys I went to take my car to work and it isn't getting power! Worked fine lastnight anyways I'm guess it's the ballast resistor? I turned the key half way and the radio/ heat started up but then when I got seatbelted in and started it I heard the starter turn over but then nothing happen! Now I have nothing no lights radio or starter when I turn the key. Does this sound like the ballast resistor? If not what could it be?
Btw I checked the battery just in case and it was 14.9amp so it's not that...
Thanks alot!
Nick

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

Diagnostics 101,start by checking battery and connections.Then check starter relay on firewall for proper voltage and report back:icon_salut:

 

[Propwash]

Diagnostics 101,start by checking battery and connections.Then check starter relay on firewall for proper voltage and report back:icon_salut:

Yup.......Make sure your terminals are clean and tight and the ground is secured properly to the engine on the other end

 

[69clone]

Diagnostics 101,start by checking battery and connections.Then check starter relay on firewall for proper voltage and report back:icon_salut:

Thanks, I already checked the battery and tried to jump it but it said it was fullly charged. Doubt it could be a grounding problem since it ran fine 12 hours earlier unless someone messed with over night... but I will check.

 

[68sportsatelliteragtop]

If it cranks over but won't fire it might be the ballast resistor, but from what you are saying it won't crank now. The resistor has nothing to do with the cranking only ignition. I'm with the others, sounds like a bad connection @ the battery,or ground connection @ block or the connection on the starter relay(firewall). Just because it worked last night don't mean the gremlins weren't at work! Remember it is a 40+ year old car.One good thing though is it is a simple system to troubleshoot, not like modern cars that have multiple systems/sensors that could stop your car dead, why do you think they all have free roadside towing?

 

[Propwash]

If you got no luck with that....Unplug the engine harness clip at your bulkhead connector. Check the male brass tab on the Dark Blue wire with fusible link that runs from your starter relay for damage/shorting/melting. Check for power at that connection

 

[74Satellite]

You have no power at all right now? no radio or anything? If thats the case, Im with everyone here, could be corrosion on the battery terminals, or even a bad cable itself. If there is no power period....sounds like a battery issue.....

an out of the box idea is the ignition switch could have failed and the car doesnt know its in the on position anymore.....just a thought

 

[72Satellite440]

I know prop mentioned the fusable link but id also check all the fuses-
Check anything thats loose or looks broken
This would happen to my 65 plymouth and turned out it was the negative @ the battery... learned my lesson and kept one of those post cleaners in the trunk.

 

[69clone]

Thanks for the help guys I'll go mess with everything in alittle bit and report back. This is what happened yesterday, I turned the key it ticked twice and stopped, the radio and heater then turned on I turned the key to the off position and tried again this time I don't recall it even trying to start, but my cd player restarted as if I disconnected the battery, turned the key off then back on again this time i got nothing and haven't again. I cleaned the battery post and cable with a wire brush the positive did have alittle corrostion but I didn't think it was too bad but maybe it needs a good cleaning...

 

[MRHWS]

Just had the same problem with my '74 a couple weeks ago. Burnt wire and bulkhead connector(starter relay to ammeter). Short in heater/ac wire passing thru firewall was source. Was cause of previous owner problem and never corrected and I found by mistake. If you jump terminals on starter relay with a screw driver, you will probably find you have power to that point. As said previous, check and clean the bulkhead connector terminals.

 

[69clone]

Just had the same problem with my '74 a couple weeks ago. Burnt wire and bulkhead connector(starter relay to ammeter). Short in heater/ac wire passing thru firewall was source. Was cause of previous owner problem and never corrected and I found by mistake. If you jump terminals on starter relay with a screw driver, you will probably find you have power to that point. As said previous, check and clean the bulkhead connector terminals.

Thanks that's got me wondering because the previous owner of mine rigged the heater also, and last night was the first time in a few weeks that I turned it on.