starter problem.. PLEASE HELP

[Phlorez]

I have a 74 automatic cuda with a 318 msd electronic ignition.
When I turn the key nothing happens. My fan comes on (electric) and thats about it. The starter will not turn. I changed the battery wires, starter relay, horn relay, and now I even changed to a brand new starter. Still nothing.
When I bridge terminal 5 on the starter relay to a good ground the starter WILL crank the engine. THat is the only time that the starter works..
Might I need new ignition wires? PLEASE HELP

[brads70]

saftey switch on the tranny or linkage for the steering column?

[72rtchallenger]

u can jump out the neutral switch on the tranny and see if it will crank

[Phlorez]

I forgot to mention that I also put a brand new nuetral safety switch as well.. The linkage on my shifter is really loose. I did adjust it to tighten it as much as I could but still nothing.
could it by the ignition harness?

[dodj]

I forgot to mention that I also put a brand new nuetral safety switch as well.. The linkage on my shifter is really loose. I did adjust it to tighten it as much as I could but still nothing.
could it by the ignition harness?

Ignition harness doesn't deal with turning over the engine. My money is on your nss. If it turns over when you give the solenoid a good ground, it will be your switch or wiring to the switch. If you just replaced it, make sure the three pin connector is connected securely. Check to make sure the wiring wasn't burned open on the exhaust, and ensure that the tranny is in park. If your linkage is loose, it is possible you are not engaging park fully.

[brads70]

MSD ignition....new install?is it wired correctly? Maybe double check? I think it's the white wire if grounded it will not start?

[the Wizard]

I was thinking the white wire as well, but that wouldn't stop the starter from working...right?

[Phlorez]

I ordered a new wire harness that connects to the nss. Hopefully that is the problem.

[brads70]

I was thinking the white wire as well, but that wouldn't stop the starter from working...right?

ya I believe your right.

[Phlorez]

Installed the new harness that goes from nss to the bulkhead and to the starter relay. Still nothing. Only thing left is ignition Switch?? Everything else is brand new and wired correctly ( I think). Could the switch be the problem?

[the Wizard]

You know how to use a voltmeter?  Might be time to learn....HarborFreight sells cheapies for less than ten bucks.  Then trace the voltage all the way to the starter.......

[Phlorez]

Haha good idea. What wires am I tracing? What do I look for?

[the Wizard]

Maybe some of the guys can help here as I am not an expert on this particular system.  A pic of the back of the ignition switch would help.  Maybe even a wiring diagram.  But, basically these vehicles are all 12 volts DC....so that's what you set the meter to.  It likely has many settings.  Then as you trace voltage you always connect the black probe to a ground and the red to the point of interest.  With regard to the ignition switch, you should check that one terminal has the 12 volts going into it....always on 12 volts.  Another terminal will not have 12 volts, and then when you turn the key it will.  If this happens the ignition switch is ok and you move on to whatever is next down the line.....neutral switch, relay, solenoid, starter...whatever......just check them all.  BTW, when I say 12 volts, it might actually be be bit higher or maybe even lower....anything from 11 to 13 is normal.  Good luck.  Post results for each test and we'll get you through it.

[hooD]

have you tried to start your car in "neutral" instead of "Park"?  my switch acts up from time to time causing a no-crank issue from park, but slipping the trans into neutral gets the job done.  good luck.

[dodj]

When I bridge terminal 5 on the starter relay to a good ground the starter WILL crank the engine. THat is the only time that the starter works..

If you give the solenoid a good ground and then turn the key, the starter turns over, right? (that's the way I'm reading it?) That will rule out the ignition switch. To prove out the wiring to the nss switch you can ground the centre connection of the nss plug. Stick a stiff wire into the centre connection of the connector and clamp the other end to body ground. Then (make SURE the car is in park though) turn the key and see if the starter turns. If it does, the problem is what Hood last suggested and the switch isn't engaging correctly in park. If it doesn't turn over, there is a wiring problem. Try it and see which problem you have.