72 Charger won't start ???

[auxiliarytwin]

Hey all, was wondering if anyone can help me out with an issue.  To preface....I drove my car over to its current spot April 19th, it was at night and I had the lights on.  I Parked her and as I was parking her the headlights started going on and off and a loud clicking could be heard on the passenger side from what sounded like either under the dash or the passenger side firewall.  After I turned off the lights the clicking continued for a minute or so then stopped.  It was weird.

I haven't started the car since.  I was going over today to keep her oiled up and the car won't turn over.  The battery works as the interior light is on and I checked it with a volt meter which checks out at 12.6 at ground and at negative terminal.  However when I go to turn the key....nothing, interior light still on, etc. 

Anyone got an idea what's wrong?  I am at a loss.

Thanks in advance for any and all advice.

[Dino]

Does the starter run?  It may be dead, try to bypass it.  Clicking sounds like a relay.  Check the fuse box and relays under the dash.  Also check your battery wires.  Battery may be fine but that doesn't mean it's transferring the juice.

Also check the ballast resistor and everything else electrical so check all the connections and look for crispy wiring.

[auxiliarytwin]

The Ballast Resistor was recently replaced as was the starter.  I will check the wiring and make sure nothing looks crispy.  Any idea where that relay is that was clicking?

Thanks!

[Dino]

The Ballast Resistor was recently replaced as was the starter.  I will check the wiring and make sure nothing looks crispy.  Any idea where that relay is that was clicking?

Thanks!

Did you replace the starter before the problem started?  The starter relay may be busted so I would recheck that regardless.  Also have someone crank the car while you measure battery voltage to make sure it's okay.  I just had some weird electrical issues and it was a low battery.  All lights worked but it wouldn't start.

[auxiliarytwin]

The starter was replaced before this incident. 

[Chryco Psycho]

2 probable places to look , , first short the 2 large terminals on the start relay to make sure the starter is working ok , the sart relay itself may have failed or the ground for the relay at the neutral safety switch on the trans may not be making contact

[ACUDANUT]

Bingo, That's my guess too.

[auxiliarytwin]

So I was working on it a bit.  The battery seems fine as the lights go on and off no problem.  I tried closing the gap between the poles on the starter and got lots of sparks and some spinning, but no motor turning.  Scored the hell out of a screwdriver too.  Could the Bendix be locked up inside the starter from sitting too long (surface rust??

If so i'm gonna try and get some WD40 in there and try again.  Otherwise it looks like another replacement starter is in the works.

Thoughts?

[auxiliarytwin]

Ended up squirting some WD40 into the housing and it cranked once, but couldn't get it to it again.  Didn't want to strip the flywheel (is that possible).  Then Icleaned the ever living hell out of the plug going into the Tranny (safety neutral switch).

Still won't even react to the key being turned.

Any other thoughts?

[Dino]

Any other thoughts?

Only one, get a hammer and give the starter a few whacks. If it doesn't work at least you'll feel a bit better.   

I'm sure someone will be able to help you but I''m afraid from now on it would be guesswork for me.  I'd still quickly pop in another battery though, just to rule it out.  The lights may work fine but that doesn't mean it 's not damaged.

[ACUDANUT]

2 large terminals on the start relay...NOT THE STARTER.

[Paul G]

2 large terminals on the start relay...NOT THE STARTER.

The starter relay is on the inner fender well right next to the battery on a 72. I assume it's an automatic, try wiggling, moving the shifter, try park and nuetral, all while holding the key in the start position. If the starter relay is bad you can still start the car by shorting the terminals while the key is in the run position. Just keep in mind that shorting the terminal will crank the motor over, in gear or not. 

Just for kicks make sure the plugs on the bulk head connector are plugged in securely, could be the cicking noise and headlights flashing?