Intermittent Starting problem.

[Canadian1968]

With one problem solved ( overcharging ) a new problem arises.

I am having an intermittent Starting problem. I will hop in the car turn the key and nothing , absolutely nothing not even a click. Lights are on gauges working.

I found that if I wiggled the wires running down to the starter it would start. I figured I had fixed the problem when tightened a loose wire on the starter ( the smaller wire that goes to the solenoid from the relay on the fire wall )

But just today it did it again , this time took me a few times to wiggle wires before it started again.

My guesses are , The starter itself ? The Relay on the fire wall ? Or possibly a poor wire?

Its intermittent so that what makes its hard to diagnose . Any thoughts ??

 

[dadsbee]

You sure while you wiggle the wires you aren't rocking the car and getting the NSS to engage? Have you tried putting the shifter in neutral and wiggling it around instead? I'm assuming an auto here...

 

[Don67Satellite]

I have a similar issue on rare occasions. It's exactly what @dadsbee suggested. It happens so infrequently it takes me a minute of "WTF is wrong.." to remember to wiggle the shifter, or put it in neutral, and she fires right up. Good thing to check.

 

[twecomm]

There is a neutral safety switch in transmission. It creates a path to ground for the starter relay. Must be in park or neutral to crank. Also check for a green corrosion showing at crimp's and at the rear of terminals in connector blocks. The corrosion will make for resistive electrical connections. Also check ground connections, negative battery terminal to engine engine to firewall. Since wiggling wires makes it work as you say, that's is a clue. Could also be a bad starter motor as there are contacts internal that can go bad and create similar situation you describe. Verify the starter relay is operating properly first.

 

[Canadian1968]

There is a neutral safety switch in transmission. It creates a path to ground for the starter relay. Must be in park or neutral to crank. Also check for a green corrosion showing at crimp's and at the rear of terminals in connector blocks. The corrosion will make for resistive electrical connections. Also check ground connections, negative battery terminal to engine engine to firewall. Since wiggling wires makes it work as you say, that's is a clue. Could also be a bad starter motor as there are contacts internal that can go bad and create similar situation you describe. Verify the starter relay is operating properly first.

It could be the NSS as everyone is suggesting I'll crawl under it make sure the connection is good.

How would I test the starter relay, I'm sure there is away to bench test one?

 

[twecomm]

I only have schematics for my 66 Charger. IF your starter relay and wiring is similar to what was used in a 66 Charger, looking at face of starter relay... with the large heavy lug to the left side, that stud is directly from the battery + (Batt). The center terminal (SOL) terminal goes to the solenoid on the starter to supply + 12 volts for the starters internal solenoid. The upper right terminal (GRD), is the ground supplied by the neutral safety switch from the transmission, if there is no ground on this terminal, it will prevent the starter relay from functioning. The lower right terminal (IGN) goes through the bulkhead connector and is the switched + battery voltage from the "start", or crank position of ignition key switch.
I looked at pictures of starter relay used on a 68 and it appears to be the same.. Hope this helps..

 

[Canadian1968]

Basically I should be able to disconnect the solenoid connection, leave everything else hooked up . When turn the key I should be able to hear an audible click of the relay ,

Just like testing generic 4 prong relay .

 

[Dennis H]

Spray the Bulkhead Connector with a can of electronic contact cleaner for good measure.

 

[Derwud]

The NSS and Clutch switch are just supplying Ground.. Make your self a Jumper wire and Connect it to the NS/Clutch switch terminal of the relay.. If it starts, go back down the line towards the NS/Clutch Switch.. If it does not, jumper between the large lug and the smaller lug on the relay? Does it crank? Yes, Ign switch or Relay. No, Starter or Cables. Want to diagnose why it starts while jumpering the relay? Get a Test Light, Turn the Ign Switch to start, does it light up, failed relay, if not Switch or Bulkhead connector..

Wiring of relay.
Top = Battery
Middle= Starter crank feed
Lower Left (Yellow Wire) = Ign switch crank feed
Lower Right (Greenish Wire) = NS/Clutch Switch

Have fun.

 

[Canadian1968]

Thanks for the help guys I was out in the garage tonight. Checked wire going down to the NSS . It was tight but I saw where it had touched the header and melted a bit. I cut back the wire and put on a new ring terminal just incase there was some sort of damage
To the wire.

I also dug out another starter relay I knew I had . Did a quick bench test on it to make sure it at least clicked over when energized. So I could swap that if need be.

I didn't have time to do any more investigation tonight, but will see what I can come up with hopefully tomorrow.