1969 GTX only runs with starter engaged; quits in run position

[minnesota guy]

My 69 GTX ran fine when I put it away last fall. Now it will only stay running with starter engaged. It dies when it goes to the run position. Newer electronic ignition Mopar distributor kit installed.

Narrowed it to Switch or ballast? Although the ballast doesn't have a lot of time on it.

Thanks.

 

[Hemi Rebel]

Classic failed ballast resistor symptom

 

[moparcanuck]

Classic failed ballast resistor symptom

X2

 

[Basket case]

yup, ballast went bad

 

[Tbone416]

maybe the switch if its not the bal.

 

[Photon440]

Someone in the family had the same problem with a turbo Buick Regal. Turned out to be the ignition switch. You could play with it and keep it running, but if turned too hard to the 'run' position, it just shut off.

 

[minnesota guy]

Thanks....will start with the 2.00 ballast!

 

[Hemi Rebel]

Thanks....will start with the 2.00 ballast!

Before you shell out any money, jump the 2 terminal connectors together. If it starts and runs then you know for sure

 

[1967coronet]

Buy 2 ballast resistors.

You need to have a spare in the car.

 

[Basket case]

I had one go bad 30 years ago, tossed a spare in the tool box and have never needed it.

 

[minnesota guy]

I tried a spare ballast I had. Did same thing. Tried a different switch I had here. Does same thing. I only recall monkeying last fall--with wire harness box on fire wall to get a 3 speed wiper motor working where a 2 spd had been there before... I also had moved some wiring around to check why I had no b/u lites on bumper...I wouldnt think that would cause any disturbances with starting system.

 

[Photon440]

Time to get the multimeter out and see when the current stops flowing.

 

[1967coronet]

I had one go bad 30 years ago, tossed a spare in the tool box and have never needed it.

See how good that worked, they never go bad if you carry a spare ( :

 

[minnesota guy]

I bought an oreilly ballast for 4.84...then it ran.

 

[super-bee_ski]

Cool
See, it was the Ballast resistor!

 

[minnesota guy]

Got a spare as well...to toss in the tool box to use in the next 30 years --ha-ha