Ignition Lock (Replacing)

I would begin by checking the terminal on the starter relay going to the solenoid and see if it is already energized when you connect the battery. Take the wire off, connect the battery and check for power off it. Also see if the starter begins turning when it's disconnected.

If that terminal is always energized check the starter relay and see if it's bad. If it checks out then start backing up.

With a wiring diagram begin with the wiring at the column. Unplug the connector at the base under the dash and check the continuity of the ignition switch positions. If everything checks out you know the switch and column wiring are OK.

Next just as a matter of caution look all around under the dash like abj said and look for any wires melted together or any that looked burnt or deformed. Pay special attention to the primary wires coming through the bulkhead connector running to the ammeter. This is something you should do regardless. Make sure that the bulkhead connector is not melted or deformed. Years of corrosion from being exposed to the elements can cause resistance and heat to build on the spade connectors and cause them to melt together.

If wires are wrapped in black it will usually melt right through it if you have a melt down. You're trying to determine if you have wires backfeeding power to a component.

Follow the wires on the diagram to the starter relay, disconnect them and again check them with the ignition switch and see if they are getting energized when they are supposed to and de-energized when the are supposed to. This will eliminate problems in the wiring between the relay and the column.

Here's some examples of burnt wiring from my son's B-body and also from the donor car that came with it. In the case of his car, the red to the ammeter melted to the dash and dome light wiring allowing them to backfeed and run all the time. Not saying this is your problem but it is worth inspecting your wiring. Old Mopars are notorious for this and catching before you have a complete meltdown is better than the alternative.

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