3rd Gen Mysteries (RESOLVED 12/24)

[Grim Jhaixus]

It's a black 1973 Charger non-SE with a 318 and 903A. If you must know it's a 8 1/4 rear on 14 inch slot mags. I got it November 23rd 2009 and it's been my daily driver since, I sold my other cars (Mustangs of various years) for Charger parts. I'm going to recite exactly what happened to the best of my memory.

Five weeks ago this Sunday, November 21st or something, the power steering belt flies off on the way to work. I got good sturdy forearms so was still able to steer it. I get to work and see that the retaining nut abandoned it's post and the power steering pulley was hanging loose. Complete power steering system (non-saginaw) was replaced right after I got the car, I think I did that even before brakes and tires. I dig in the trunk and find the crown nut for a lower ball joint from a Mustang II front suspension, and it's a perfect fit. I really tighten this thing on, I check it the next day and try to tighten it more. Two weeks to the day it throws the power steering belt again, this time I'm a block from home. I look and this time the pulley itself was stripped out and the nut was still tight. So I go to a junkyard and rip a sturdy looking saginaw box steering pump from a slant-six Aspen, a 77 I think, and I bolt it up. Fits great, looks great, holds the belt on, beefy looking pulley with no holes on the disk, all solid. I go to crank and... nuthin'. No noise, no click, no oil light, no headlights just nothing. Like there is not a battery hooked up. Battery is new and still under warranty, so I took it and had it checked, tech says its good and even has a 100% charge (thank you Nacho for your alternator parallel wiring diagram) and so I take it to another parts store and have them check it an they say they same thing. Perfect battery.

I have since checked and cleaned every wire connection at each end. The battery cables are new, the cables running to the starter igniter are new from both directions. The grounding strap is on and looks fine. The starter has been removed and cleaned and tested. The starter igniter is new. There was no odd behavior or noticeable indicator that something was going to go wrong with the car other than power steering issues.

I am new to Mopar, just over a year. I've never experienced anything like this with my classic Fords (closest was a bad solenoid) so I am completely dumbfounded. Even just ideas would be appreciated.

[billschroeder5842]

Sorry, I'm not sure of the question.

Looks like you did everything correct on your stering issues and handeled the electrical system. The electronics are going to frustrate you on Mopars.

[Grim Jhaixus]

I still get nothing when I turn the key. The power steering issue was resolved, but I mentioned it because it was during that adventure that I lost electrical. Yes, this electrical is frustrating. I'm going to try to put in a new ignition cylinder today. It's not that I think that might fix it, just that I have one and I'm out of ideas.

[lisiecki1]

The only things that presently come to mind are the ignition switch and the large, white connector coming out of the steering column that has the large gauge battery wire run through it, also, the ammeter.

[Nacho-RT74]

ok, if you are not getting juice NOT EVEN TO HEADLIGHTS there are JUST ONE line to check... BATT---STARTER RELAY STUD--- FUSE LINK--- AMMETER ( both studs )

if you would get juice at headlights and batt side of fuse box, but nothing ign key related we could think on ign switch plug under the column, but headliths, glove box, brakes, hazzards, cigar lighter, dome light, horn are all direct battery sourced

[Grim Jhaixus]

The long white ignition plug under the steering column has been burned through. That has become my mission for today.

[Grim Jhaixus]

It turned out to be the positive wire that runs to the starter igniter.

I thought it could be this because it's safe and snug in a high temp wire jacket  . Lo and behold, the wire came un-crimped right at the end of the jacket.

Thank you everyone for your time.