Won’t start and no electric

[Striker251]

Hi I removed the gauges of my ‘66 Charger to replace the headlight switch.

I did not reconnect but wanted to test the new switch. Reconnected the battery but no lights, won’t start and no accessories either.

Is this because the gauges are in line with the main electrical?

Thank you

 

[RemCharger]

Yes. You need to connect the big red and black.

 

[Striker251]

hmm ok what is significant about those? And outside of a schematic can you suggest a guide I can find more detail?

 

[RemCharger]

They are significant in that they are the wires that power up the whole car.
MyMopar I believe is where you can find schematics. I just use factory service manuals.

 

[Striker251]

Thank you! That worked and I was super careful not to short out knowing it’s high power circuit

Whole reason I did this cause my headlights do not illuminate but the motors work.

Bad news is the switch replacement did not solve that.

Back to square one

 

[Jerry Hall]

If you want to power up the car without the cluster, you need an amp gauge in place. That's where the big red and black wires connect.

 

[Striker251]

If you want to power up the car without the cluster, you need an amp gauge in place. That's where the big red and black wires connect.

Thanks this is a great site.

Now to figure out why my headlights don’t illuminate

 

[Eric Pearson]

Use a test light to check for powe at the buld connection. If you have power and still no light check the ground