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electrically dead 74 Javelin

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Deacon View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Deacon Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: electrically dead 74 Javelin
    Posted: Jan/13/2021 at 4:34pm
recently had a 74 javelin passed down to me. I have a fair amount of experience with a variety of cars, but not this one yet. Issue is the car is electrically dead. Every once in a while it will actuqally turn over with key, but most of time there is nothing. No lights, no solenoid click, nothing when you turn key. Has new battery and starter solenoid, Ground and positive cables fine. It seems like something related to ignition switch, circuit or???? Any suggestions? Finally found the accessory fuse board, but unsure what else to look for. Any assistance or suggestions will help.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jblue1555 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan/13/2021 at 4:40pm
check connections on fuse panel first  all of them   check ignition switch adjustment  
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68-73 amx View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 68-73 amx Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan/13/2021 at 6:32pm
Have someone wiggle the wires on the bulkhead connection ( where main wire harness passes thru firewall ) while trying to start engine , if you notice a change , chances are corrosion has got in and will have to be disassembled , (split the bulkhead connection ) Pull and clean the old brown dielectric grease out , inspect for bad contacts , tighten up and clean contacts carefully , reapply new dielectric grease lightly on the contacts  and seal it back up . This made all the difference in cold starting quality , eliminated my hot starting problem and lights were much brighter everywhere in my 73 Javelin . About a 3 hour job for a 60 year old 

Edited by 68-73 amx - Jan/13/2021 at 7:22pm
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Trader View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Trader Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan/13/2021 at 6:32pm
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mstrcrftr Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan/14/2021 at 11:06am

i would normally agree but the op states no power at all. 
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Deacon View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Deacon Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan/14/2021 at 11:50am
All good suggestions and will probably need attention, but yes It is totally dead electrically. No lights, no anything. Thanks for the feedback so far.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 304-dude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan/14/2021 at 12:00pm
I bet it is the bulk head connection. Uncouple and reconnect. Them things prolly are corroded from all the years.
71 Javelin SST body
390 69 crank, 70 block & heads
NASCAR SB2 rods & pistons
78 Jeep TH400 w/ 2.76 Low
50/50 Ford-AMC Suspension
79 F150 rear & 8.8 axles
Ford Racing 3.25 gears & 9" /w Detroit locker
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bigbad69 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan/14/2021 at 12:03pm
I would start by cleaning all the connections in the high current path - at the battery, solenoid, starter, and the ground connection at the engine. Make sure the engine to chassis cable is there and the connections are clean. It costs nothing and should be done anyway since the car has been sitting.

Battery cables can look good on the outside while being corroded on the inside. An ohmmeter can verify their condition. Cable resistance should be an ohm or two at most.
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george w View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote george w Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan/17/2021 at 7:16am
Like bigbad69 said above be sure to check the engine to front engine to cross member ground wire/cable. It's on the passenger side near the motor mount.
It's not as heavy as a battery cable but it's necessary to provide the ground return path for all the electrical items that are part of the body.
This would most likely explain no lights as well as the starter relay (solenoid) not working
Long time AMC fan. Ambassador 343, AMX 390, Hornet 360, Spirit 304 and Javelin 390. All but javelin bought new.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BBO390 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan/18/2021 at 7:19pm
Once had a 73 AMX and the alternator died and fried the battery.  Replaced the alt., voltage regulator and battery and guess what... nothing.  We tested the wiring path to the starter relay and discovered a fusible link in the harness.  Replaced it and ran fine.  The TSM will show you where to look and the type you  need.  They were available at most parts stores.  Good luck.   Dave
69 BBO AMX 390 auto 1968 Rogue V8 68 AMX 343 AT 52A Project
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