1971 electrical issue

[Luke B.]

connecting battery shutoff swith enables courtesy lights to come on with door open. When ignition switch is turned to on, the courtesy lights go out and the starter will not turn over. Battery was checked and found to be ok following a load test. Any advice on what my next step should be?

Luke Brassard (29541)

lupabrass@aol.com

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1971 electrical issue

What type of battery shutoff switch do you have?
The green knob ones have a long history of poor quality control.

I'd remove the battery cutoff and see if the problem goes away. I bet it will.
I only use the knife blade style any more.

Patrick

[Edward D.]

Re: 1971 electrical issue

Does your car have the optional alarm system or an old aftermarket alarm system? These disable the starting system when tripped and disconnecting the battery will do it. The original siren located in the left rear quarter near the antenna is likely long dead otherwise you would probably hear it too, but the starter kill generally still works. If so equipped, you will have to completely disconnect the system. If not an alarm system car, then the problem likely in the ignition switch and wiring from there to the starter.

[Edward J.]

Re: 1971 electrical issue

Luke, I think Patrick is onto something. That would be my first check.