RE: IML: 66LeBaron-..DEAD AGAIN!

["Javier, Bay Adventures" <javier@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dan!

Let's just say I started at the battery and worked my way toward the
starter motor...  

If you don't have one yet, I HIGHLY recommend getting your hands on the
factory service manual.  The wiring diagram is invaluable.

In my case, the problem was intermittent...  sometimes I could start the
car and other times I just couldn't.  WEIRD. 

I had power from the battery to the firewall, but didn't have current on
the outbound side...  isolating the problem somewhere on the interior
side of the firewall connector (big black wiring block on the driver's
side of the firewall)...  

Through the great guidance of the people on this list, process of
elimination (and knowledge that previous owner had cleaned and replaced
all the bulbs in the dash) led me to the problem.  I ended up taking
down the dash and pulling the ammeter which is (if I remember correctly)
just before the ignition switch. The crack in the terminal was just
enough to intermittently cause an open circuit.

I'm kind of a lineal thinker-tinker-er. It might take me longer to
troubleshoot, but I find that starting at the beginning (in this case
the battery) and methodically checking each step works for me.  Others
with more expertise and experience just know what the problem is.  

Hope that helps!

Cheers,

Javier 
Miami Shores, FL
1968 Crown Convertible

-----Original Message-----
From: dansgarage@xxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:dansgarage@xxxxxxxxxxxx] 
Sent: Friday, February 09, 2007 2:28 AM
To: Javier, Bay Adventures
Subject: RE: IML: 66LeBaron-..DEAD AGAIN!

Hi Javier!...I got to ask you this!! How in the world did you ever FIND
OUT the terminal was cracked??? ...what tests did you do befoer figuring
that was the problem area!???.....I can't even get a good look with both
eyes at the rear of the ammeter gauge!!!
Thanks a bunch!
Dan Melnik


---- "Javier wrote: 

=============
Finally!  Something to contribute!

 

I had a very similar weirdness with my 66 convertible.  After a lot of
head scratching, I found it.  The ammeter post was cracked during a
light bulb project... not enough contact, no ignition.  Go figure.

 

________________________________

From: mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of
GeoNort@xxxxxxx
Sent: Thursday, February 08, 2007 3:09 PM
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: IML: 66LeBaron-..DEAD AGAIN!

 

Dan,

I still think you have a wiring problem between the switch & the starter
relay. You may possibly have a open/ bad connection going to the
ignition switch. Those would be the two most likely  things based on all
that you have done. By your moving wires under the dash you are
temporally fixing the problem. The last resort would be the neutral
safety switch. A simple test would be to bypass it temporarily. USE
CAUTION IN DOING SO! INSURE THE CAR IS IN PARK BRAKE SET & BLOCKED &
YOUR FOOT ON THE BRAKES. If the car starts then is the switch if not go
to plan B Remove the jumper & look for a open circuit from  or to the
ignition.

 

George




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