1970 f100 302 converting to electronic ignition

[sargentrs]

Do you have a voltmeter? If so, start at the battery and start checking current, both hot and ground. Progressively, check the + post on the battery to the - post on the battery, cables unhooked. Then hook up the cables and check again. Then + post on the battery to the connection at the solenoid, key off, then key on. And so on and so on. Also put the voltmeter in resistance check mode and check for continuity from the - post of the battery to the crimp on the end of cable at the engine ground, then the bolt itself, etc, etc. I know it's a long, tedious process but sometimes it's the only way to find a bad connection. I replaced everything electrical and ignition related on my truck because of a "dead" key turn, over $200 worth of parts. Only after the above process did I find the problem. On the above mentioned brown wire at the solenoid, the wire had corroded through inside the plastic boot on the ring terminal. Looked fine but a slight pull on the wire and it came out of the terminal. New terminal and a fresh crimp and she fired right up. $200 worth of parts to fix a 50 cent problem.

[junkyarddog82]

I have power at the brake switch. I hooked another column up and I have pass side brake light and the pass side turn signal works, when u turn on the drivers side. So I'm still not sure what's happening. I do know the ignition wire is broke somewhere, that's why it wouldn't turn over by the key. I'm fixing that wire now. But I still need drivers brake light and for the turn signals to work right. I do not have any front signals hooked up yet but this shouldn't be causing me any problems with the turns, right?

[sargentrs]

You mentioned you planned on replacing your turn signal switch so maybe doing so would correct some of those problems. IIRC, the circuitry is different with the '70 and up models than the 69 and earlier models. I do know that when ordering a turn signal switch you order a '69 and earlier or a '70 and later so there is a difference. I have read, on these forums, numerous threads about problems with brake lights and turn signals and some of them were fixed with a turn signal switch.

[junkyarddog82]

Well here's where I'm at. I got my electronic ignition all hooked up. I repaired a section if the ignition wire under the dash. Engine turned over and fired up. So I'm good on that. Thanks to everyone for their help on the electronic conversion!

I replaced the turn signal switch and the only think that changed was one brake light works now. I still have a turn signal working on the wrong side in the rear. Other side doesn't work at alli took the switch apart and all the wiring in it looks good. My previous one had a broken brake light wire. Both taillights work also, just to mention it. So where does this leave me on the turn signals and other brake light? I have rear harness but I have to take it out of the truck still. I figured I'd try hooking it up and see if it works but I feel like something is t right under the dash. Any help is appreciated

[sargentrs]

Glad you got the Duraspark working. I hate electrical gremlins! The only recourse now is a voltmeter check on every circuit and wire from the column to the brake lights. Sux but I don't see any other way. Start at the connector at the bottom of the steering column and verify power to all the prongs and work your way to the rear. Or start at the rear and work your way forward. I'd verify the plug first then go back to the tail lights and start working my way forward. You can check the wiring to the rear in a couple of different places along the frame. I had problems and discovered that the PO had spliced all the wires inside the column housing with butt connectors at some time in the past. Apparently he had replaced something and instead of removing the wires at the harness plug, he just cut 'em and then spliced them back together and shoved them inside the column. The shift collar slides over the harness at a slot in the column under the housing and those wires have a tendency to get pinched or nicked if you're not careful. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

[junkyarddog82]

Ok. Seems I had something wrong in my rear harness. Swapped another harness in and all the rear lights work. Thanks for the help everyone.

[sargentrs]

Glad to hear it was an easy one!