Engine cranks on key, but doesn't start. Starts by short-circuiting the relay

[Ornamental]

EDIT: The initial problem has been solved, the ignition switch can now make the starter crank the engine.
The new problem, while the starter cranks the engine, the engine doesn't start. It appears like there's no spark.
But if I short circuit the starter relay with a screwdriver, the engine fires up immediately.

Any suggestions to what's causing this?



After replacing a fugly Painless wire spaghetti with repro wires from Year One, the starter doesn't crank when turning the key.
The yellow wire to the starter solenoid doesn't get hot when turning the key.

I suspect this might be the problem, notice the thick black and red wires doesn't match on the connectors.


Bedfore I start pulling wires out and relocating them to match the colours, have anyone else encountered this?
Just worried that I might cause a short circuit and damage something.

[Ornamental]

Never mind, I just noticed that I've got one more Challenger right next to it, went to have a look at the wires there, confirmed my suspicion, went on to change the black and red wires around, and then got the starter motor turning a few cranks before the battery died. But it worked!! 
Now it's just a matter of charging the battery.

[jason340]

Where did you get the white molex type plug.  I have been trying to find a new one but no luck. I tried all the obvious places, Year One, NPD, Classic Ind.  I even called Painless so far no luck. Oh yeah I even tried ebay.

[burdar]

I put the same switch in my Challenger.  The switch is made to fit multiple applications.  The original Challenger switch never had the extra ground wire that the new switch has.(small gauge black wire...bottom wire on left side of your picture)  You'll notice in your picture that the small black ground wire plugs into the connector where the "orange" wire is in the main dash harness.  This orange wire is HOT.  Pull that black wire out of the connector and wrap it up or cut it off.

Also, while I was driving my car, it just shut off on me.  I was able to limp it home but it dies a few more times before I got it there.  When I got out of the car(with the engine running), my foot touched that connector and the engine stumbled.  I wiggled the connector with my hand and the engine died.  Make sure you have a good connection there.  I had to squeeze a couple of the female connectors to make them smaller so the male end would have a tight fit.

Finally, the two small gauge red wires on the right side of your picture are for the ignition key buzzer...if you didn't already know.

[mopar jack]

Had the same problem with loose connections after I replaced the ignition switch. Pulled every female connector out of the plug and crimped them a little tighter. Been working ok since.

[Ornamental]

Where did you get the white molex type plug.  I have been trying to find a new one but no luck. I tried all the obvious places, Year One, NPD, Classic Ind.  I even called Painless so far no luck. Oh yeah I even tried ebay.

I didn't buy it separately, it came installed on the wires.

Bought from Year One.

[Ornamental]

I put the same switch in my Challenger.  The switch is made to fit multiple applications.  The original Challenger switch never had the extra ground wire that the new switch has.(small gauge black wire...bottom wire on left side of your picture)  You'll notice in your picture that the small black ground wire plugs into the connector where the "orange" wire is in the main dash harness.  This orange wire is HOT.  Pull that black wire out of the connector and wrap it up or cut it off.

The black wire is removed now.

Had the same problem with loose connections after I replaced the ignition switch. Pulled every female connector out of the plug and crimped them a little tighter. Been working ok since.

Also, while I was driving my car, it just shut off on me.  I was able to limp it home but it dies a few more times before I got it there.  When I got out of the car(with the engine running), my foot touched that connector and the engine stumbled.  I wiggled the connector with my hand and the engine died.  Make sure you have a good connection there.  I had to squeeze a couple of the female connectors to make them smaller so the male end would have a tight fit.

Burdar, Mopar Jack,I'll do that to pre-empt loose connection problems. Thank you!

Finally, the two small gauge red wires on the right side of your picture are for the ignition key buzzer...if you didn't already know.

Thank you! Good to know!