Hello all, new to this forum (and not much of a mechanic) I have a 67 belvedere II that was running, but now has no ignition "click", no engine light on the dash, no headlights. At first I thought it was an alternator issue that drained the battery. Installed new battery, key turns, maybe clicks once, no response. Battery cables? ignition switch? Any thoughts? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Start by checking your battery cables, especially the ground (-) cable. Check the clamps on the battery carefully.

You'll need a voltmeter to go much further.

Turn on the headlights (even though they don't light).

- Do you have 12 volts between the + & - terminals of the battery? (Batt test)

- Do you have 12v from the plus terminal of the battery to a ground on the engine, like the alternator case? (Checks for good ground connection to engine)

- Do you have 12v from the plus terminal of the battery to any shiny screw on the firewall? (Checks for good ground connection to the chassis)

- Do you have 12v from the negative terminal of the battery to the big stud on the starter? (Checks for good + battery cable to starter)

That's a start... many more checks to come, but this will get you started.

- Mac

You may have a bad connection at the bulkhead connector. That is where about 30 wires pass through the fire wall via a rectangular fixture into the cockpit under the dash. All these circuits feed the fuse block, and ignition switch which in turn send power through out the vehicle.

This is a common spot in one’s wire harness to have problems, be it a burnt off wire, corroded connection, or burnt fusible link.

First check the fusible link this would be at the end of a dark blue 16 gage wire at bulkhead connector, and see if it has melted. That blue wire comes from starter relay a small metal box next to the battery with a ¼ inch bolt & nut. This is part of the circuit that runs to the amp gage. If it is melted there was a short somewhere in your wire harness, and the link did its job protecting the rest of the electrical system kind of like a fuse would. The short must be located, repaired, and than link replaced.

If fusible link is good, try this simple test:

Turn your ignition key to ACC, or rather counter clock ways, turn up the radio, find the wires under the dash at the bulkhead connector, and start gently moving them around listening for the radio to make some sound. Repeat at fuse block if needed. When you hear sound from radio, stop messing with the wires, and gently remove your hand. Chances are good you have narrowed down where the lose connection is, and can repair it.

Wire diagram here.

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67' Dart GT Convertible; the old Chrysler Corp.
82' LeBaron Convertible; the new Chrysler Corp
07' 300 C AWD; Now by Fiat, the old new Chrysler LLC