Ignition Wiring Connector

Author Topic: Ignition Wiring Connector  (Read 873 times)

Offline onebadfish

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Ignition Wiring Connector
« on: December 11, 2014 - 08:46:32 PM »
I have a bad connector under the dash/steering column. It's the connector that ties the ignition wiring to the dash wiring harness. I wiggle the thing when the car is running and the car dies. Sometimes I go to start the car and - no power. I have unplugged the connector and sprayed contact cleaner and it seems fine for a month or so. My question - is there anyway I can squeeze the female connectors a little tighter? All the wires going to the pins are tight. Maybe some electrical grease? Or do I have to splice in a new connector. It peeves me off because this is a brand new wiring harness.




Offline johannes

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Re: Ignition Wiring Connector
« Reply #1 on: December 12, 2014 - 12:36:46 PM »
I suggest the following.
1)   Connect a reasonable thick cable directly from alternator output to battery +
This will bypass most of the current running through the AMP-meter…
You will see less movement of the AMP-meter gauge…who cares ??
The original design is an accident waiting to happen……

2)   If problem still, ....I assume your female connector is a gonner…. Pull it out of the plug
Solder a new female connector and say an extra 3 cm of wire onto your hardness…
I drilled a hole in my original plug, and pulled the new single Female connector through the hole in plug. then connected to the mating male spade before connecting the original connector plugs…..

Offline Bullitt-

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Re: Ignition Wiring Connector
« Reply #2 on: December 12, 2014 - 03:40:43 PM »
It is possible to remove the terminals from the plastic connector.. something small like a paperclip slid between the terminal and plastic from the end can bend the clips that secure the terminal and allow it to be removed to be cleaned, reshaped or replaced.
Suitable replacements may be found at any good electronics store, applying dielectric grease will prevent future corrosion & improve power flow. Be sure the terminals are not slipping when the connectors are plugged back together.
Wade  73 Rallye 340..'77 Millennium Falcon...13 R/T Classic   Huntsville, AL
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Offline onebadfish

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Re: Ignition Wiring Connector
« Reply #3 on: December 12, 2014 - 05:25:09 PM »
Yes, all good suggestions - will try and remove the pins from the plastic plug to try and tighten the female connectors first. If I start cursing too much then I will cut it off and install a new plug. How does short circuiting the alt to the battery solve anything? I assume the problem is lack of power from the ignition? Sorry, but I'm not very familiar with the power flow on these old cars. Always appreciate the help on this site by the way.  :2thumbs:

Offline Bullitt-

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Re: Ignition Wiring Connector
« Reply #4 on: December 12, 2014 - 09:26:23 PM »
Bypassing the Ammeter is the idea...fire hazard.. Most folks just add a large wire from the alternator to the starter relay keeping most of the power flow off the bulkhead connector & ammeter. Some disconnect the ammeter & tie the wires together. Bad connections at the bulkhead connector are common.
Others use this method http://www.madelectrical.com/electricaltech/amp-gauges.shtml
Wade  73 Rallye 340..'77 Millennium Falcon...13 R/T Classic   Huntsville, AL
Screwed by Photobucket!