Electrical gremlin 1973 cuda 340 auto

[Ralph]

Went out to the car show and the next day changed the oil and the car was dead.

The dome light goes on, but when you turn the key it dims about 80%. No noise from the starter. No headlights etc
-So i had another starter and changed it out and nothing.
-Fusible link looks good and it was replaced 3 years ago - power on both sides.
-Changed the neutral safety switch.
-All engine side wiring was installed new 3 years ago along with all steering column wiring.

I was thinking to change out the ignition switch next and buy a new fusible link ( i assume there is only one at the starter relay.

Any thoughts

 

[704406]

Let's start with some basics. Have you checked the battery voltage? Battery connections clean? The ground cable on the engine block? Do the headlights come on bright? The light going dim while key in crank position is a good indicator of low voltage. You can jump the starter solenoid by the battery to see if the starter cranks without using the ignition switch or wiring harness.
Let us know what you find after checking the basics.
Ken

 

[AUSTA]

Just make sure it is in park.
Put a 12 volt globe across the 2 trigger wires on the relay to see if it comes on when you turn the key.

 

[Muffler124]

What is the bat voltage after key on? And when engaging starter?

 

[AUSTA]

around 11.5 to 12.5 if the starter engages then 9.5 to 11 while cranking

 

[moparleo]

Battery and ground first to test for anything electrically related. Keep it simple and don't do it the dealer way, Throw parts at it until it works or you run out of money.

 

[Ralph]

OK, went back to the basics.
Bad battery and loose wire under dash.
Changed out T handle which was worn and neutral safety switch and it started right up.

Thanks to all.

 

[moparlee]

Good deal, glad you got her going again. What was the loose wire under the dash? BTW, very nice Cuda!

 

[Ralph]

Patch to a burnt wire leading up to the steering column.
Need to change the wiring someday.

Thanks for all your help

Ralph

 

[Cudafor36]

Similar but not. All new year one wire harness' all of them. 73 Cuda. Dome light stays on when the housing for it is screwed in. When not attached to the roof it won't turn on with the dimmer switch just when I open the doors. Map light won't work with doors closed but can come on when they are open. This is all after my timer is timing and even when finished.

Help please. I traced all the wires and found nothing to be the culprit.

 

[Cudafor36]

FYI. Got her all fixed up. Ended up being a poor ground to the dash cluster.

 

[moparker]

Nearly identical to my first car. I would love to get another one.