Wont start from igniton • The Dodge Challenger Message Board

by **Nick (74chall)** » 02 Nov 2002 23:12

hello all. I have two problems . the first problem being that my 73 challenger will not start by turning the key in the igniton, it will crank but it will not fire up. However it will start if i jump it from the relay with a screw driver from underneath the hood. Anyone have any suggestions? I also have a problem with my coil, it is not getting power to it. Thanksin advance, Nick

by **Dave_R (Roppa440)** » 03 Nov 2002 19:46

It is very hard to teach electrical fault finding over the internet Nick. But start by following the circuit diagram and follow the wires both physically and electrically, checking as you go if the power is there. When it is not there you have found the problem.

If your coil is not getting power to it it it will not fire the engine at all. So it must be getting power when the key is in the 'run' position (I assume the key was turned to the first position when you started it with the screw driver?) This would mean that when you are cranking from the key you are loosing the connection to the coil. So look at the simple drawings I have on this message board and see if you have the ignition switch and the ballast resistor wired up right.

by **Alex (Alex)** » 04 Nov 2002 16:09

We need more information

Will it try and run when you crank it.?

What relay?

by **Alex (Alex)** » 04 Nov 2002 16:11

Has the car been running or is it a new set up?

What ignition?

by **Nick (74chall)** » 04 Nov 2002 16:32

It is the standard points ignition. When i crank it, it will crank over but will not even try to start. But yesterday i tried starting it again from the igniton and it started right up but when i shut it off and tried it again it didnt start. It will always start right up if i turn the igniton on and jump it underneath the hood with a screw driver, from the relay on the drivers side fender next to the fusable link. I checked the main wiring harness and all the connections look good on the back of the fuse block. Nick

by **Alex (Alex)** » 04 Nov 2002 17:23

Sounds like the switch is going bad from that description

by **Johannes Brudevoll (Johan** » 05 Nov 2002 8:02

I read in Mopar Muscle Magazin, that it's not uncommon that the main electrical connection plugs (From Engine bay, to inside the car) could do with a disconnect, and some electric-cleaner spray....before plugging it back in again....

Short of that, I suggest the following drill...

Connect a ligth bulb to (+ coil), and ground somewhere on the car.....
Disconnect the starter (thin lead) so it does'nt crank the engine,...
Have someone turning the key, and start searching for "the ligth"=(Ligth in the bulb) by wiggeling connection-plugs, fuses, etc.......
If you have ligth(=Power to the coil)...connect the starter, and see if you still get the light...
This can get interesting.......
Bypassing to get the car runing is easy,....but to find and FIX the error without to much wire-cutting....thats what you want.
Did you ever try to bypass the car having someone connecting (coil +)directly to battery + img tst
ONLY bypass DURING cranking....or you run the risk of overheating the coil, and burning your points.....
If so, did the car die as you let go of the bypass connection?

Good luck.........