truck wont start, no lights either

[dodge74x4]

I took my truck out for the first longer(20 miles) drive last Saturday. When I tried to start my truck after it sitting for 7 hours I got nothing. No crank, no lights. I had a buddy jump me and I was on my way. The very next day the same thing happened however it wouldn't start with a jump. I had the battery tested and was told it needed replaced. I am still in the same boat even with the new battery. What could be some other possible causes?



Thanks,
Eric
truck is a 1974 W100 with a 318 & 727tf.

[foolioGrimz]

u check the battery cables to make sure theyre getting good connections

[Jims68]

As you can most likely guess... it sounds like you probably have a short. Have the battery charged up with the cables removed. With the key turned OFF and the lights off and everything else OFF, hook up the + (Pos) cable and then, just barely touch the - (Neg) cable to the post on the battery. If you see a tiny arc as you touch the cable to the - (Neg) Post, then you have a short OR something is "ON". Well... that is a place to start. (no pun intended)

Jim

[mopardwh]

Another easy check (if u get it started), while the engine is running disconnect the positive cable. If it stays running then the alternator is working.

[dodge74x4]

Update:

I replaced the starter relay under the suspicion that it was the source of my problem.
No change.
I had the started tested and it turned out to be bad.
After installing the new starter , I went to hook up the battery i got a huge spark @ the starter relay.
I attempted to hook up to battery one final time after this and got the same huge spark but this time @ the positive battery terminal.(I hooked up the negative cable first)

Any ideas what could be going on?

[712edf]

(B)Possibly another cruddy starter. Disconnect it, then reattach your cables to battery to see it you still get sparks.

(A)I am assuming there is not any switches (ignition,headlights,etc) left ON!!!

Bucky

[mopardwh]

Sounds like something is hooked up wrong. If something was just turned on it would just be a light arc. Heavy spark = backwards cables etc.

[DodgeDirty1963]

I had an alternator short out on me so I replaced it. If I attempted to hook up the cables... big spark and melted wires going to ammeter... thought the short was somewhere else and rewired EVERYTHING... same thing. Ended up being a bad out of box alternator. It might be worth it check out the alternator. I had this problem on a '73 b-van so it should be the same charging system and as your '74.

[dodge74x4]

After checking every switch in the truck, I determined that nothing is on. I also discovered the fusible like that goes from the starter relay to the bulkhead was frayed&melted. I intend to replace the link, starter relay,and ill have the alternator tested.

[dodge74x4]

So I went ahead and replaced the starter relay and burnt fusible link and I am still getting a spark when i attempt to connect the negative battery cable. I also had the alternator tested. It failed so I bought a new one. I am still having the same problem. Everytime I go to connect the negative battery cable ( positive is already connected at this point) i get a spark. What else could be causing this?

Starter, battery, alternator & starter relay are all new. Nothing is on.

I'm extremely frusterated.

[Jims68]

OK... go to the block of wires that go through the firewall and start by disconnecting ONE plug of wires that go through the firewall at a time. When it stops sparking at the battery then you will have narrowed the problem down to that "section" of wiring. OR... disconnect ALL the plugs first and see if it sparks. If it still does short out, then you know the problem is under the hood. If no short, then, plug in ONE plug at a time and note which set of wires short when it is plugged in. Look at a wire schematic and then trace each wire from that plug set.

At least.... that is what I would try to do to find the problem.

Jim

[dodge74x4]

Thanks. I'll give that a try this weekend and provide an update afterward.

[dodge74x4]

So I went ahead disconnected all of the wires at the bulkhead. Still no change. So I started disconnecting components one at a time. Checking for spark each time. Coil, lights, neutral safety switch, alternator, starter, ballast resistor, wiper motor, icu, voltage regulator, coil, distributor. No change. I'm completely baffled. Any more suggestions?

Thanks,
Eric

[dodge74x4]

I checked the negative battery cable(grounded to block) with an multimeter and got a reading of12.38 volt. The postive cable was on the positive terminal

[Hobcobble]

You might want to try posting your issue on:
http://www.powerwagonadvertiser.com
and
http://www.ramchargercentral.com

There are possibly some members on one or both
of these sites that can add their
John

[mopardwh]

Double check all of wiring again. Especially the starter wiring. There could be a worn spot in the wiring or hooked up wrong. Try disconnecting the starter wire and taping up the end, then try connecting the battery again. If it stills sparks, then disconnect the same wire from the other end as well and try again. Keep repeating the process until it quits grounding out.

[Jims68]

Double check all of wiring again. Especially the starter wiring. There could be a worn spot in the wiring or hooked up wrong. Try disconnecting the starter wire and taping up the end, then try connecting the battery again. If it stills sparks, then disconnect the same wire from the other end as well and try again. Keep repeating the process until it quits grounding out.

Yes I agree with moparwh.... even though you are most likely getting sick and tired of checking. Persevere! This is just going to take some (a lot) of time and patience.

Jim

[dodge74x4]

When you say tape the end, are u referring to the joing where the connector & wire meet? Or over the connector so that it is completely covered. No metal showing whatsoever.

Thanks,
Eric

[Hoss]

Eric,
can you post some pictures of your battery cables and starter and relay?
You can take a test light and with the positive cable hooked to your positive post of the battery use the test light as a jumper from your negative post and the negative battery cable. You will need a small pair of vice grips to hold the test light probe end to the negative post. If the test light lights up then you can start your search for the short without worring about the arc and burning up some wiring. When the light goes out you have found your short. Sounds like you have something shorted to ground. If you have done any major repairs like bell housing removal you might have a wire pinched between two pieces of metal.
Hope this helps.

Hoss

[mopardwh]

When you say tape the end, are u referring to the joing where the connector & wire meet? Or over the connector so that it is completely covered. No metal showing whatsoever.

Thanks,
Eric

Yeah Eric, use electrical tape to cover the metal ends once you've removed them to prevent it from grounding. Then carefully attempt to connect the battery again. Hoss has a good idea too, if you get time try posting some pics.