Ok so my 69 charger lately has been starting intermittently. I giggled some wires on the outside firewall and then it would start. Yesterday when I tried to start it I heard a buzzing noise but no start. Started messing with some wires and now it won't do anything. I'll try to post a video.
What should I check?
Is there a way to bypass the ignition switch? (I replaced that 15 yrs ago)
I did notice melted plastic by the big red wire where the harness plugs into the ignition switch.
My negative battery cable is hot to the touch.
Time to check all the conections and NOT just because the ignition issue.
Electricity is part of the fixing/restoring job and not just when fails. System is screaming out quitly!
You can jump the starting system straight into the starter relay jumping out the stud and sol terminals, even with a wrench. Some sparks will jump out, don't worry about. Put the key in RUN to feed the ign system making that.
Batt is 12v
Starter relay is 12v
Middle harness on firewall checked large fusible link wire going to bulkhead and getting 12v.
You can get 12 volts throught a hair but a hair won't be able to hold the load ( amperes )
If neg batt cable is hot, you have high resistance that is causing the heat. If you're lucky it's just from corrosion at the terminals.
Cheapest potential fixes are:
1) remove battery terminals and clean posts and terminals of all corrosion. You can get spray battery terminal cleaner from an auto parts store, or you can use baking soda and a little water to neutralize the acid.
2) Disconnect the bulkhead electrical connectors and spray both sides with electrical contact cleaner. When I did it on my car I used about 1/2 can total. It ran black with corrosion.
Otherwise it could be that the corrosion has worked its way up the cable, in which case you'll want to replace the cable.
Good luck.
Wtf. Can't upload vids or photos??
So I tried the negative batt cable first after reading whitehatspecial's post and that did the trick!
Crazy Mopars...