Hey guys, I need some help. Before I started my frame off resto on my '72 two years ago, the "bubba" who own my car before me had rigged a kill/start button under the dash to start the car. So in order to start the car I had to turn the key switch to "run" then push the button and the motor would start.

Well now that I have just finished rewiring the entire car with new Lectric Limited wire harnesses, I cannot get the starter to turn the motor. I turn the key to "run" and I have fire to the "R" (yellow wire) terminal on the starter but when I turn the key to "start", I get nothing. No click or turn. I have already changed the ignition switch that is on top of the steer column. The rest of the car works fine, like the lights and even the stock alarm. When I hotwire the battery terminal to the "s" (purple wire) terminal, the motor turns without a problem. So I don't think it is the starter, especially since it is new.

Do you guys think the key switch can cause this problem? Is it the steering column? Can it be the neutral safety switch that is bad? I really need some advice.

Thanks :confused:


[Modified by Obdoc, 9:54 PM 2/28/2004]

 

I have all kinds of weard wiring to. Thats why I replaced most of it.
Any pics of your wiring??

 

When the Neutral safety switch goes bad a the car just doesn't start? :nonod:


[Modified by Obdoc, 11:08 PM 2/28/2004]

 

My car had a START button in it too when I got it. It was basically a hot wire wire to the starter with a push button switch in it. Here was what I found out about the problem...

-- Could be the neutral safety switch on an auto. These pieces can just go or can be heat sensitive too.

-- Another problem area is the connection between the firewall. This connection can experience corrosion.

-- Over time the wiring deteriorates in a 30 year old car and slowly loses its capacity. (bubba splices a big culprit) Heat also creates more resistance to compound the problem. Ministarters take less power to operate. This solved my starting problems.

Did you adjust the ignition switch on the steering column? maybe its not making contact in the start position. Have to drop the column for that check though.

I feel your pain. Nothing will be more rewarding than getting it working without a button in there! Good luck, I'm sure folks here will have more areas to check...

Also, my ignition switch was just a hair off. It worked fine when the tilt was straight but wouldn't start with the wheel tilted up or down. I fixed it, but in hindsight that would have been the greatest "kill switch" ever!!!


[Modified by Jack71, 12:00 AM 2/29/2004]

 

Thanks guys! It was the neutral safety switch. I bypassed the switch and the starter turned easily. Now I need to find a new switch.
:cheers: