76 plymouth duster ignition troubles

[dodgeman568]

i have a 76 plymouth 360 duster with electronic ignition that when i turn the key it wont start till i release it from the crank position. it acts like its not getting power while cranking but i have replaced everything in the column. any ideas??

 

[Bulldozer]

ballast/ECU

read this thread

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=204335

 

[dodgeman568]

i looked at the other post and made sure my ecu is grounded but still does the same thing. it wont fire while cranking untill i pull the key back.

 

[Bulldozer]

i looked at the other post and made sure my ecu is grounded but still does the same thing. it wont fire while cranking untill i pull the key back.

you say you replaced the ignition switch? what about the ballast?

there are options LOL

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=203055

 

[dodgeman568]

yes the ignition switch is new but havnt replaced the ballast. my ecu is only 6mo old i think. i did drop a distributor in that i had laying on the shelf. would that have anything to do with it?

 

[Bulldozer]

yes the ignition switch is new but havnt replaced the ballast. my ecu is only 6mo old i think. i did drop a distributor in that i had laying on the shelf. would that have anything to do with it?

the first thing i have always done is to switch the ballast regardless. its cheap and easy. you need to check your reluctor gap in the other distributor (.00eight with a non magnetic feeler gauge). check for spark coming out of the coil to make sure you are getting it there so you can figure out if its a distributor problem or lack of spark to the coil

 

[dodgeman568]

k will do thanks

 

[Bulldozer]

no problem. post back on your findings ..

 

[dodgeman568]

i went ahead and replaced the balast and the ecu and still does the same thing

 

[Bulldozer]

i went ahead and replaced the balast and the ecu and still does the same thing

are you getting spark out of the coil ?

 

[Rice Nuker]

IF you get it to run after releasing the crank position on the key, your "start" hot circuit to the coil / ballast is the issue.

IN other words, it will fire up after you release from start position? The start circuit which boosts voltage, bypasses the ballast for cranking, is the issue.

Get a wiring diagram for that year car, trace the start circuit, test it from beginning to end and find out where it is broken, loose, corroded, or disconnected.

I dunno specifics (many here do) but I believe the start (boost) circuit for the coil routes directly from the ignition key switch thru the firewall. I dont believe it is dependent on the starter relay.
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