Re: Losing voltage somewhere
[Re: mopower440]
#1684516
10/12/14 02:45 AM
10/12/14 02:45 AM
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,272 Northern Calyfornua
Sxrxrnr
pro stock
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pro stock
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,272
Northern Calyfornua
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I found on my 70 Challenger that the wiring from the ignition switch where it exits the steering column and via the 6 wire connector(plus any optional wires such as key warning) that plugs into dash harness connector is where there is opportunity for much mischief.
What happens is that the male pins from the dash harness can begin to fit loosely into their corresponding female receptibles,,,thereby causing the random electrical circuit errors that you appear to be experiencing.
I created a somewhat Bubba fix that has resolved it quite well for my problem(s) in this area. The only true/correct fix is to replace both the ignition switch and the under dash harness,,,so far I've only done the ignition switch part.
The description of my Bubba solution, though simple, requires a bunch of words to describe how. If anyone should ask, I will post what I have done that seems to be holding quite well.
Meanwhile, if you do experience a start failure, just reach down, grab hold of this connector while cranking. If engine fires off, you know where your problem lies.
Also with a test light or meter you can easily test out all these 6 wires(they all are critical to starting and running of your engine) for continuity while wiggling this 6 wire connector about.
You also might separate this connector and spray some contac cleaner about,,,this May or may not solve the problem if it proves out to be in this area.
Last edited by Sxrxrnr; 10/12/14 02:50 AM.
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Re: Losing voltage somewhere
[Re: mopower440]
#1684518
10/13/14 03:46 PM
10/13/14 03:46 PM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,178 Someplace you aren't
SomeCarGuy
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,178
Someplace you aren't
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The key word in there I see is "sometimes." I would look for a loose or broken wire. First place I would check is to be sure the ECU has a good ground. I usually just run a wire to good ground and be done with it. I'm not sure what coil you have but we have debated on here plenty about how much voltage to send to one. That sure sounds like it is low.
I want my fair share
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Re: Losing voltage somewhere
[Re: mopower440]
#1684519
10/14/14 09:25 AM
10/14/14 09:25 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,666 North Dakota
6PakBee
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,666
North Dakota
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Sounds like the problem is not with the ignition but the power supply to the ignition. By jumpering the '+' side of the coil to the battery you are bypassing the ignition switch, ballast resistor, and wiring harness. Your problem lies somewhere there, you just have to find it. As to the coil operating at less than battery voltage, the ECU operates at full battery voltage but the coil is fed through the ballast resistor. I would recommend looking at the schematic for the ignition just to see where everything goes.
"We live in a time when intelligent people are being silenced so that stupid people won't be offended".
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Re: Losing voltage somewhere
[Re: mopower440]
#1684522
10/14/14 02:55 PM
10/14/14 02:55 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 28,063 Irving, TX
feets
Senior Management
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Senior Management
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 28,063
Irving, TX
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You obviously have a voltmeter of some kind. Next time this problem rears it's head, start at the coil and work backwards along the system checking for resistance. When you see the ohms jump you know you've found your culprit.
We are brothers and sisters doing time on the planet for better or worse. I'll take the better, if you don't mind. - Stu Harmon
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Re: Losing voltage somewhere
[Re: RapidRobert]
#1684526
10/19/14 10:24 PM
10/19/14 10:24 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,863 middle Tennessee
mopower440
OP
master
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OP
master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,863
middle Tennessee
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I got to thinking, It wont matter what ignition i use, weather its petronix or electronic, it will still do this because the power going to the coil is triggered by the ignition switch, and if its causing the issue or any of the wiring from it to the coil, its still going to do this, correct? Still, jumpering the coil from the battery should eliminate this like it usually does, correct?
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Re: Losing voltage somewhere
[Re: RapidRobert]
#1684532
10/21/14 08:50 PM
10/21/14 08:50 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,863 middle Tennessee
mopower440
OP
master
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OP
master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,863
middle Tennessee
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ok, my jumper wire i was using from the battery to coil was bad, got another wire and the coil seems to be ok. Still wont start, i think its flooded. I would have thought the plugs would be dried by now though, its been 2 days..
I think i want to replace the ignition with one that has some 'Balls' anyway. We have this spark checker at work that we use on the cadillacs, its shaped kinda like a spark plug that you clip to the side of the block and hook a plug wire to it and when you crank the engine over, a spark will jump on it if all is well. Even when my car is running, the ignition system is not strong enough to make a spark on the test tool.. any recomendations on a good strong but simple ignition? I dont have the money for a big msd crank trigger setup, so nothing like that. Would the petronix setup inside an old points distributor be stronger? Also, i want a coil that does not need a ballast..
Last edited by mopower440; 10/21/14 09:55 PM.
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