Cuda will only run with key held short of start

Posted By: 74_cuda

Cuda will only run with key held short of start - 07/09/08 03:38 PM

My 74 cuda will stay running with the key held but as soon I let it go to run it dies.

I replaced the ballast resister with a new one, so it appears to be the ignition switch.

Before I tear the column apart could anything else be causing the problem?

Thanks

Posted By: Pacnorthcuda

Re: Cuda will only run with key held short of start - 07/09/08 03:57 PM

yes, the ignition power feed through the bulkhead connector. These connections are now over 30 years old and failing fast. Clean the connection as best possible and reattach. You can confirm that you have 12 volts feeding INTO the connection from under the dash with the ignition in the run position. On my 70 cuda the connection is the in the first vertical row closest to the steering column, second from the bottom. Your's may be different. I ran a completely separate bypass to eliminate the need for this critical connection entirely, but you may not be willing to make that mod.

Posted By: 74_cuda

Re: Cuda will only run with key held short of start - 07/10/08 04:06 PM

Quote:

yes, the ignition power feed through the bulkhead connector. These connections are now over 30 years old and failing fast. Clean the connection as best possible and reattach. You can confirm that you have 12 volts feeding INTO the connection from under the dash with the ignition in the run position. On my 70 cuda the connection is the in the first vertical row closest to the steering column, second from the bottom. Your's may be different. I ran a completely separate bypass to eliminate the need for this critical connection entirely, but you may not be willing to make that mod.

Thanks

Well I pulled the bulkhead connector to check the connections.

Small meltdown in cavity 23 (run). Looks like I'll need to replace the blade and reattach the wire in the bulkhead to fix.

My question what could have caused this?

Posted By: UCUDANT

Re: Cuda will only run with key held short of start - 07/10/08 04:13 PM

Quote:

My question what could have caused this?

Resistance, bad ground or a loose connection can cause resistance (a short will cause low resistance, excessive amp dram and blow the circuit or burn it up). Resistance can cause the circuit to get hot.

How did I do?