Ignition Problems (among many others problems!)

[Winston]

Hey everybody,

I bought a 70 Barracuda that as a lot of issues, and I am thinking I may have a lot of electrical issues with this car, but I am questioning this one.  The starter will turn the motor when using a screwdriver directly on the relay. However, when I try to use the ignition key, I only get a click.  The click is coming from under the dash on the passenger side from this silver relay-looking thing.  Can anyone tell me what this thing is?  I have attached a picture of the clicking thing.  Thanks.

[GoodysGotaCuda]

That looks like a seatbelt warning buzzer gismo. atleast thats what it is on my car. I'm not sure if any of our cars are like this, but for kicks buckle the drivers seatbelt and see if it will start. also mark sure its in park or neutral.

[360 'CUDA]

My guess is the ignition switch in the steering column is bad but maybe a wire going to the relay ?
Hard to say without being there 

[Chryco Psycho]

is the Neutral safety switch connected properly on the trans or clutch switch if it is a 4 spd
 check the firewall plug as well , the circuit may not be contacting [yellow wire to the relay ]

[vinb]

I think CP is correct. check the neutral safety switch and the wiring for that. Sure sounds like it...

[jeryst]

Amp gauge may be bad.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Hey everybody,

I bought a 70 Barracuda that as a lot of issues, and I am thinking I may have a lot of electrical issues with this car, but I am questioning this one.  The starter will turn the motor when using a screwdriver directly on the relay. However, when I try to use the ignition key, I only get a click.  The click is coming from under the dash on the passenger side from this silver relay-looking thing.  Can anyone tell me what this thing is?  I have attached a picture of the clicking thing.  Thanks.

Winston,

  Does the motor ever turn over? If not, then I suspect a bad ignition switch. If so, then a bad starter relay. When your ignition switch is in the "on" position, check to see if you have 10+ volts on the "+" side of the coil, and one of the pins in the connector going to the ignition box.


  Mike


  Mike

[Winston]

Thanks for all the suggestions.  Once all the holiday stuff is over, I'll get back to work on it and check some of your suggestions.  I did just replace the starter relay.  If the amp gauge is bad, does that mean that the key won't engage the starter?  Is it normal for that silver thing in the picture to click like that? 

The wiring from the firewall to the relay, including the battery cables really leave a lot to be desired.  I may go ahead and replace that harness.  It could very well be the problem.

Mike, I will definitely check the coil.  I have noticed that when I turn the key to 'on', none of the gauge indicators or lights come on.  The only thing that works (that i have noticed) is the right passenger marker light.  I do have current going into the fuse box, but that is as far as I have gotten, other than this click when hitting the ignition. 

Also, when engaging the starter using a screwdriver on the starter relay, the coil got very, very hot. 

Thanks for listening.

[Winston]

Just to let y'all know, tthe neutral safety switch wiring was disconnected.  Thanks for the tip! 

[PlumCrazy]

Hey everybody,

I bought a 70 Barracuda that as a lot of issues, and I am thinking I may have a lot of electrical issues with this car, but I am questioning this one.  The starter will turn the motor when using a screwdriver directly on the relay. However, when I try to use the ignition key, I only get a click.  The click is coming from under the dash on the passenger side from this silver relay-looking thing.  Can anyone tell me what this thing is?  I have attached a picture of the clicking thing.  Thanks.

If you still want to know what that relay is, its the key in ignition/headlights on warning buzzer.

[Lunchbox]

If you still want to know what that relay is, its the key in ignition/headlights on warning buzzer.