newb ignition wiring question

[cudadude013]

Hey guys,

I've been trying to get my '68 to run for the last six months and I'm brand new to working on cars so forgive me if I'm missing something obvious.

If I turn the key nothing happens. Absolutly nothing, no start, no click, nothing. I was told to bypass the ignition by connecting two points on the starter relay and it tries to start up. Still a long shot from running, but I was wondering if you guys could offer any advice. I'm guessing the ignition is wired up wrong so  if theres pics or diagrams out there i can find let me know. I 'll try to post some pics of my wiring mess when I get a chance.

Thanks!

[MikeyP]

sound like a bad Neutral safty swith. because that just happened to my car tonight. if you turn the key to the run postion and then do the starter relay trick it might start. but thats just one idea.

[Tilar]

Do the guages move when the key is on? Radio Work?

[cudadude013]

nope, absolutly nothing works. 

I'll be investigating the Neutral safty switch when I get a chance.

[y3chargerrt]

If nothing happens when you turn the key to run don't waste your time looking at the NSS. Did you check the fuses? I would check them then check the bulkhead connector.

[Nacho-RT74]

check fuse link at starter relay ( blue link wire between starter relay stud and red wire to bulkhead on froward light harness plug )

[Tilar]

Yup. Here is a short list for you to check...

A bad fusable link like Nacho-RT74 mentioned, You can check this on both ends with a test light. If you dont get continuity through it, replace it.

A Bad ground between battery, engine AND Body. Be sure that you have a good ground strap going not only to the engine block, But also to the firewall. You might take the cables loose one end at a time and be sure they are clean and not corroded.

If all of those check out ok, Check the ignition switch. This can be tested with a test light also.

[Tilar]

I don't know if you can use this, but it should help. I'm sorry the quality isnt that great, It's hard to get that big book up into the scanner  I have a larger version but I cant post it on Photobucket. If you want me to email you the larger copy, I will.

[Nacho-RT74]

If no lights definitelly is fuse link or related, since lights takes power directly from batt ( throught amm ) and no from ignition switch.

then, check plug at bulhead conector, and then tight nuts at ammeter. Then power runs to lights and the rest ( ignition switch, fuse box, alt )

If you have lights, then we start to track the fail!

[Tilar]

Good call. I didn't think about asking if his headlights worked.

If you need any more pics of other parts of the harness just say so.

[cudadude013]

Hey guys thanks for all the replys. Currently neither my headlights or taillights are hooked up. I'll be tackling that soon though.

Yesterday I filled a zip loc bag full of fuel and poked a hole in it and let it drain into the carb while I connected two points on the starter relay with a screwdriver. BAM! Started right up. (Beautiful sound, and my first time hearing her run)

So I'm guessing the problem lies between the ignition and the starter relay. My wires are probably all jumbled up. Anyone have a list of which wire goes where concerning both ends(starter relay and ignition).

Thanks a bunch and you've all been very helpful.

[Ghoste]

Anyone have a list of which wire goes where concerning both ends(starter relay and ignition).

You should be able to get it from the wiring diagram above that Tilar posted.  The color codes for the wires are all in the chart in the corner of the diagram.

[cudadude013]

hmm... Maybe I'm blind but I can't find the ignition on that diagram. Any help?   

[cudadude013]

Looking at the back of my ignition, I see theres only two wires connected. Could this be the problem.

I have a white wire going to IGN1
and a red wire going to IGN2.

What else do I need connected? Thanks!

[Tilar]

Yes you definitely need more than that. Here are links to two other pics for under the dash, but they didnt turn out real good...

Here

And Here

[cudadude013]

Thanks! Thats a big help. I'll be messin with my '68 as soon as I'm off work.

[cudadude013]

Hmm.. more confused now. I tried following the diagram I got but I keep running into little problems (ex: the diagram refers to a red wire, but which one... the thick or thin one) I'm lost.

Anyone happen to have pics of the back of their ignition where the wires connect to the terminals? I think that would be very helpful.

Or maybe someones seen repro harnesses out there that just plug in to the ignition?

I guess I'm getting pretty desperate. (I'm still having to start my car by connecting points on the starter relay with a screw driver.  )

Thanks for your time.

[Nacho-RT74]

maybe this will help ? is more specific about the main power sources instead all detail wires. Bulkhead ilustrated is 3rd gen, but works to understand
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,35199.0.html