Really hoping for some direction from all the experience on the threads here.
I have a 79 automatic that I just finished a complete engine and wiring system overhaul on. I replace the front lamp harness, engine harness, starter harness, positive and negative battery cables, and recently finished installing a new dash harness.
*since replacing the dash harness I have not been able to receive power at the Solenoid of the starter. Below are the steps that I have taken to troubleshoot on my own as well as the parts I have replaced.

TESTS RAN
tested for 12v at the battery terminal and the starter and they both test good.
tested for 12v at the solenoid with key to start and tests 0v
neutral shutoff switch tests 12v with key in start position.
All lights and gauges work with the ignition switch.

PARTS REPLACED
New ignition switch
new starter
new battery cables
new dash harness.

when I replaced the dash harness I removed the radio and the alarm system and have not reinstalled. They were both aftermarket and were hack jobs from god knows where prior to me purchasing the car. Any information on what I should test next would be much appreciated. I understand something may be staring me in the face at this point, but I am at a loss. My initial thought is it has something to do with removing the alarm etc.
thanks in advance for all the help

Thomas

 

Is your 'starter extension' good and connected correctly?

Have you tested to see if the neutral safety switch works? Power in and out as you move the shifter.

 

The starter extension is also new and connected correctly. I have not checked the neutral switch other than in park with the key to start.
my next step will be to look and see what vintage I am getting as the shifter moves.

 

 

this will be a big help. I’m gonna run these down after work tomorrow and will report back. Thank you

 

There are long slots on the ignition switch for adjustments. When you replaced it, it might have moved out of adjustment. If it's out, you'll never get 12 volts to the solenoid.

 

 

peterbuilt,

checks on the NSS complete. There are some slight differences in wire color (yellow wire on new harness brings 12v to NSS, purple brings it away).
yellow checks good for 12v with key to start.
both sides of NSS check 12v
purple wire to solenoid checks good for 12v with key in ignition.
So have narrowed it down to between the NSS and the solenoid. Just trying to see where you recommend to check next.

thanks again

 

If you have 12 volts in and out of the NSS with the key in START then check for 12 volts at the purple wire on the solenoid.
If no power on the purple wire at the solenoid you have to find the break (open) in the purple wire.

Is your starter hooked up correctly?

 

yes the starter is hooked up correctly. I am starting to run for power / continuity throughout the purple wire from NSS to firewall to connector to solenoid. I’ll update when complete. Thank you

 

First off, thank you to everyone that chimed in here to help me out. Really is a valuable resource and I appreciate everyone taking the time.

now for the good news.
Getting power everywhere I am supposed to to include the starter.
It turns out, the new fuse box I ordered had the forward light harness and engine harness swapped on sides at the firewall. As I was running continuity I wasn’t getting continuity between the firewall connection and the NSS switch. So I pulled the fuse box back out and noticed the purple wires are all running out of the opposite side then what I had the engine harness hooked to. Swapped them fellas and away we went.

i did run into the problem of the nut coming out of the fuse box that is supposed to catch the bolt from the harnesses. But I am waiting on some JB weld to dry in order to get the harness fully screwed in.

 

Pat yourself on the back for a great job of troubleshooting.
Fixing electrical problems is easy, it's finding the problem that takes hours.
Five stars on that part.

The jury is still out on the box holding together without the nut.