vehicle not grounding properly

[str8up720]

Trying to get some help and ideas for my 72 Plymouth satellite. I recently started having electrical issues I have never had to deal with before. Here is what is going on... I tried connecting my battery to start my car, putting on the + cable on first followed by the -. As soon as I connected the - it spark at the battery post and actually started cranking my starter. I un-hooked the - cable but left + on and using my power probe, noticed that the engine, chassis, fenders are all running 12 volts thru them. Any ideas where to go from here?

 

[Rick62]

This is a long shot, do you have a ground strap between the motor and the body? Was the key in the on position? Check to wiring on your starter relay.

http://www.auto-wiring-diagram.com/...diagram-of-1972-dodge-charger-and-coronet.jpg

 

[Cranky]

Check the connectors where they are mounted to the starter. If that area is bad, that can happen.

 

[black64]

Most likely the starter is engaged from the relay (stuck or engaged), check it with start relay unplugged. your power probe is showing current draw from starter engaged.

 

[67 coronet]

remove the small wire at the starter and touch the ground cable again.if it engages the starter,then prob is starter.if not,then starter relay is more then likely the prob.

 

[69a100]

remove the small wire at the starter and touch the ground cable again.if it engages the starter,then prob is starter.if not,then starter relay is more then likely the prob.

That and make sure that the 2 wires at the starter aren't touching each other as this will short out and cause the problem in question.

 

[cr8crshr]

That and make sure that the 2 wires at the starter aren't touching each other as this will short out and cause the problem in question.

Yep!!!DAMIHK or rather "we" know this right Bro????

 

[str8up720]

Good stuff everyone! Will get on it tomorrow morning and give it a shot.

 

[dodge68charger]

Let us know what you find. Kinda curious. Thanks

 

[str8up720]

so here is what i found...i figured the issue seemed to be in the starter relay or starter itself. played around with the relay and it seemed to have checked out. I then proceeded to check out the starter connections and they checked out fine with no contact being made. I thought about what was going on and I then decided to give the solenoid a couple of taps to see if the contacts inside were fused somehow. That seemed to have solved the issue! somehow something in the solenoid must have been stuck and making contact allowing 12volts thru-out the vehicle. Fired the car right up with no issues. I want to thank everyone for the help and suggestions!

 

[67 coronet]

so here is what i found...i figured the issue seemed to be in the starter relay or starter itself. played around with the relay and it seemed to have checked out. I then proceeded to check out the starter connections and they checked out fine with no contact being made. I thought about what was going on and I then decided to give the solenoid a couple of taps to see if the contacts inside were fused somehow. That seemed to have solved the issue! somehow something in the solenoid must have been stuck and making contact allowing 12volts thru-out the vehicle. Fired the car right up with no issues. I want to thank everyone for the help and suggestions!

make sure you replace it.once burnt it will stick again.if it does when the car is running it can cause some good damage to not only the starter,but the fly wheel as well.