Ignition problem

[John's Duster]

Need some help, Simple but not sure. I have a 74 Duster and when I go to start it I turn the key nothing Radio comes on but will not turn over. if I cross the starter relay it will turn over and start and run fine but when I turn it off no start unless I cross the relay again. Could it be in the ignition itself, the battery is good and the altinator and regulator are brand new along with the starter and starter wires. Please help.

Thanks for the replies

[madmax4073]

First off check the fuse then


There are 4 connections on the starter relay and they should be labelled

1 Battery - we know you got power

2 solenoid - we know this connection is good because the sarter work when you cross it

3 Ground - this wire runs to the neutral safety switch on the tranny. Disconnect it and hook up a short piece of wire to a good ground. MAKE SURE THE CAR IS PARK BECAUSE IT COULD NOW START IN GEAR. If the car starts the neutral safety switch is bad or the wire running to it is broken. Do not use the temporary ground wire as a repair its to dangerous.

4 Ignition - this wire runs to the ignition switch (key). Connect a test light to the end of the wire and have someone turn the key. If the light comes on the starter relay is bad. If it dose not the wire is broken or shorted or possibly the ignition switch is bad.

[John's Duster]

Mad,

Thanks for the reply, it is looking more and more that its the neutral switch or the wire to it because everything else is new and new wires except the ignition but with the radio coming on I tend to believe the ignition is alright, plus it wont turn over in neutral either.

Thanks again,

John

[68polara]

do you have resistors a bad one will do the same thing

[ehostler]

I am guessing that you are refering to the ballast resistor. The ballast resistor will not prevent the engine from cranking. A bad ballast will only prevent the coil from getting voltage.

[John Kunkel]

Since the car is a '74, the seatbelt interlock (if still present and functioning) might be locking out the starter.