Strong battery, NO start, NO lights
 

Full disclosure - auto electric is not something I'm very good at!

1968 Chrysler 300 w/440 and 37,000 original miles.

Drove the car a couple weeks ago to a car show. Came back in the dark and noticed the headlights were dim and getting dimmer as we got close to home.

Car got us home but there was zero battery to start it in the morning. Put a 2 amp trickle charge on it for 24+ hours and had it tested at AutoZone. Voltage was 12.68 and CCA was 756 (on a 750 CCA battery).

Put the battery back in the car. No start. Not even the typical clicking noise at the starter. Nothing. No headlights or brake lights either. Car is stone, cold dead.

Both ground straps at the engine are still connected. The original one at the firewall has never been removed.

I did replace the starter solenoid relay switch located on the inner left fender directly behind the battery but still nothing. I can crank the starter by crossing the relay switch with a screwdriver but the car still won’t start.



Any help would be appreciated and thanks in advance!

Check the 10 Gauge Fuseable link in line with the positive battery cable. It is a probability it could be bad. :)

OK Bob. Here's what I have.

Using a 12v test light w/probe (see attached pics) I had a light at each point marked by a red square. Fusible link looks fine plus there's power on both sides of the link.

Horn works but NO headlights or brake lights. NO wipers (with the ignition on) plus NO test light at either coil terminal (with the ignition on).

One other clue. There is NO obligatory sparking at the positive terminal when I connect the battery.

Still need your help with this.

Amp gauge connections faulty?

Thanks Drag Pak -

I understand that's the next thing to check but it requires removing the dash. Is that correct?

It might be easier to remove the seat and I think you can snake an arm under there.

Agreed... Amp Gauge is the next stop.... :)