I could us some help on my ignition system. I went to fire up my 68 which has a big block running the Orange box. It wouldn't start. It was running like a champ a couple of weeks ago. I pulled the number one plug and there was no spark. I used a test light and saw I had power to the coil on the positive post. I wasn't sure if it was the orange box since the coil had power but I've read the Orange box is notorious for failing so I pulled an old blue box off the shelf and hooked it up to try that one. I noticed it was sparking against the firewall as I screwed it in. Quick observation...., I notice the screws seemed to have lost their ability to be picked up by a magnet like they were demagnetized since they rolled right out of the magnet tray.(any thoughts)?? I had the key on the on position and I heard a hissing sound and smoke and sizzling began to come from the ballast resistor. I imagine the ballast resistor is shot since it was too hot to touch. I disconnected the battery quickly. I am using a MSD to blaster II coil and the upgraded ballast resistor that comes in the kit. I ordered a new ballast resistor and orange box. In the meantime I could sure use some knowledgeable insight from our members to any possible problems that I'm probably unaware of that could've caused this so I don't fry any new parts. I probably shouldn't have hurried and left the key on the on position. Im worried what else I fried. The motor still turns Over so there's some hope lol. I'm a novice at best and wiuld really appreciate it If anyone can offer some advice or expertise. Thanks guys.
Its a common issue take it step by step to troubleshoot. http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,59614.0.html
Well I change the ECU and the ballast resistor. no change. it seems worse now since I tested it with the old ECU I had on the shelf. That's the first time when the original ballast resistor began to sizzling pop. I wonder if the old blue box fried a wire somewhere. I installed the new ECU and resistor and now I'm not seeing power to The right terminal of the ballast resistor with my test light.
Key on ballast single wire has power you can teslight other double wire will have it and dim when you crank it
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,68283.0.html
Thanks man inappreciate it! However do the ballast resisters get so hot to touch? And you say the wire on the left should have light a testlight in the run position and the brown/blue on the right should have it on inthe run position but flicker when cranking?
Yes power both. sides of ballast