Car will not make a sound, occasionally.....

[burrpenick]

'72 Cuda, stock ignition w/Blaster coil. Usually works fine, but occasionally it will not make a sound when the key is turned. A light tap on the relay/solinoid usually makes it better. I removed that relay, sanded behind it VERY well, same issue. I suspect its the neutral safety wire. I just  have it run directly to ground behind that relay on one of the mounting bolts. I scrapped the tab inside the plastic that plugs on to that relay too but I cannot be sure that it is getting good contact. Am I on the right track? Ideas? Ground the neutral switch somewhere else? Get the plastic tab off and bend the tangs on the plus to make sure it is getting contact? Replace the relay.....it is original I believe.

thanks, George

PS: This is NOT my switch, but it looks just like this one.

[422STROKER]

Try the relay, it's about 10 bucks new.

Tom

You got freash paint in the bay?

Also I have had issues with the connector on the trans coming loose before.

[GoodysGotaCuda]

I'm usually not one to parts change, however it is a very old part, cheap and readily availible. I'd go ahead and change it out. It sounds like if you had the NSS wire grounded to the bolt, it would be plenty of 'ground' for it to do its job. Since that NSS wire is on the 'control' side of the relay, it doesn't take much current through that circuit.

[burrpenick]

thanks guys, Y ep, new paint but I sanded it down to metal there and the bolts holes are clean too. I will get a switch, but I also want to remove that plastic end on the NSS tab. I believe you need to stick something like a wire inside to bend a tab?? Help.....

[422STROKER]

Did You put a 4-speed in it?  If not why not get the wiring correct?  Instead of modifying it.

Tom

[ChallengerGary]

Check the connectors in the NSS harness that connect to the switch.  A lot of times they become elongated with years of engine & tranny movement/torque.  You may just have to pinch them down a little. 

[burrpenick]

NSS wiring is fine, just not hooked up. Why? Because I have been attending to everything else. I have a plug for the trans, and have found the wires on the harness, just need to get it all hooked up. For now, the NSS is just grounded, thats all that needs to be done for it to start......albeit in any gear I understand. I have not tried that just yet.

[422STROKER]

I can understand You wanting to drive the wheels off.  But spend a couple hours on it and You won't be stranded somewhere later.

Tom

[ChallengerGary]

I can understand You wanting to drive the wheels off.  But spend a couple hours on it and You won't be stranded somewhere later.

Tom

  Been There, Done That, Got Screwed Out Of the T-Shirt!

[73Chally]

Just a quick FYI - I had similar symptoms a couple years ago, and I would do the same thing, jiggle the switch and power would come back, but the problem actually turned out to be a short in the negative battery cable.  I had initially replaced the switch and the problem went away, but then came back about a year after that, so my shop did a more thorough check and found the short.