'73 Charger: Won't Crank When Ignition Key Turned

[Capt._Chaos]

I have a '73 Charger S/E & just replaced the dash, lighting, and engine wiring harnesses & the ignition switch in the steering column a few years ago. Last time I drove it, I tried to start the car & ended up having to "jump" it with a screwdriver at the starter relay on the firewall by the brake booster.

I suspect the problem may be with the new ignition switch in the steering column. Is there any way to verify this with a continuity tester before I go ripping the steering column apart? If so, which two wires in the steering column harness should I check with it?

I was in a "time crunch" & pulled the steering column to have an auto repair shop replace the ignition switch while I was working on installing the dash harness. Besides, I don't have much knowledge about the steering columns. If I end up having to take it apart to replace the ignition switch, is it easier than I may believe to get it apart without destroying anything?

Thanks in advance!

[70charger_boy]

Did you check the neutral safety switch?

[Capt._Chaos]

Did you check the neutral safety switch?

As obvious as that would be to check, no I didn't!  

Thanks for pointing that out. I will look at that next!

[BMOTOXSTAR]

Run a wire from the NSS to the ground on your battery. If it starts then it is the NSS.
Nacho has taught  me well.

[John_Kunkel]

On the starter relay you will find two spade terminals, one is stamped "I" and the other "G".

The "I" terminal (usually a yellow wire) should have battery voltage when the key is in the START position, the "G" terminal (usually a brown wire) should show ground when the shifter is in the Park or Neutral position. If jumpering the "G" terminal to ground will allow normal starter operation, the problem is in the NSS or the shift linkage.

In many cases worn or missing plastic bushings in the shift linkage will prevent proper operation of the NSS in Park and/or Neutral.

[Nacho-RT74]

Run a wire from the NSS to the ground on your battery. If it starts then it is the NSS.
Nacho has taught  me well.

Or just the brown wire broken... they broke at NSS plug with heat and oil.

Maybe plug just loosen.

Or linkage out of adjustment

Or yellow wire loosen on any point ( down the column, bulkhead, Starter relay )