71 Dart problems after installing ignition switch

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JoeA

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Hi guys,
I have a 1971 Dart that I replaced the ignition switch on. Before replacing the switch I had no issues. After installing the new switch, when attempting to start up, I noticed the fusible link at the bulkhead began to smoke. Checked under dash and the ignition switch connector from the column was also hot. Any chance it may be crossed wire connections or bad connections in the connector? The bottom portion of the connector is the new switch harness. Any help is greatly appreciated.
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Could be. You can download wiring diagrams and shop manuals, free---at MyMopar.com. Some of them there are due to the efforts of guys here

It would not be unheard of for the switch to be defective, or maybe a DIFFERENT problem is what caused this

One thing you can do is get a fairly large wattage bulb.......such as a backup or stop lamp or even a headlamp, and disconnect the battery ground. Hook your lamp in series with the ground cable to the battery NEG. Go round and make certain all accessories are OFF. Any short will show up as the lamp glowing.

Pull fuses and disconnect harness connectors......such as the ignition switch....to see if it goes away

Have you added any aftermarket accessories, such as a big stereo amp?
 
67Dart273 said:
Could be. You can download wiring diagrams and shop manuals, free---at MyMopar.com. Some of them there are due to the efforts of guys here

It would not be unheard of for the switch to be defective, or maybe a DIFFERENT problem is what caused this

One thing you can do is get a fairly large wattage bulb.......such as a backup or stop lamp or even a headlamp, and disconnect the battery ground. Hook your lamp in series with the ground cable to the battery NEG. Go round and make certain all accessories are OFF. Any short will show up as the lamp glowing.

Pull fuses and disconnect harness connectors......such as the ignition switch....to see if it goes away

Have you added any aftermarket accessories, such as a big stereo amp?
Click to expand...

Just replaced the Horn relay, however I did disconnect an aftermarket tach that was rigged to the fuse box. It has an aftermarket stereo installed that I may just disconnect. Will try the light bulb. Appreciate the advice.
 
Black doesn't go to orange. Orange is column shift illumination and not used in every car.
I've posted about these replacement switches not correct for every build a few times over the years. We must match the colors with the OEM switch. What wasn't present or used in the OEM switch stays that way.
 
RedFish said:
Black doesn't go to orange. Orange is column shift illumination and not used in every car.
I've posted about these replacement switches not correct for every build a few times over the years. We must match the colors with the OEM switch. What wasn't present or used in the OEM switch stays that way.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info...I'll go back and cross reference on the diagram..
 
krazykuda said:
Put the old switch back in....
Click to expand...

Wish I still had it...bonehead mistake on my part...when I first replaced it, I briefly started it up and everything worked so I tossed it...only noticed the problem after I wanted to take it out and had it running for a while...
 
JoeA said:
Wish I still had it...bonehead mistake on my part...when I first replaced it, I briefly started it up and everything worked so I tossed it...only noticed the problem after I wanted to take it out and had it running for a while...
Click to expand...
In my experience and in those related threads, crossing circuits like illumination ( orange wire ) just blows fuse(s). Overheating the fusible link might not be related to this switch wiring. It needs to be corrected regardless. Good luck with it.
 
Well...the problem was the bolt I used to mount the fuse box was touching a wire in the fuse box...once I took it off noticed the problem replaced with a smaller one and all is well.
Thanks for the help guys..
 
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