Where does that [bleep]ing wire go?

Quicksilver · 10-11-2003, 10:34 AM

Middle of this week the oil pressure gauge on my 87 went to the top of the scale and now stays there when the key is on. After a little investigation I found that the wire (green with red) that goes back to the sensor doesn't have continuity. I ran a test lead back to the sender and it is definitely the wire that is bad.

Now for the question. Are there any diagrams that show the path that the wiring harness takes to get to the back of the car. I would really prefer to fix the problem rather then run a parallel wire. (My car has enough 'errata' already.)

Wayne

Early_S_Man · 10-11-2003, 11:43 AM

Wayne,

There are a couple of easy things to check ...

1. Rectangular 14-pin connector at the fuse/relay panel on the left side of the engine compartment. Check for continuity to that connector from the gauge wire, and also to the other side of the connector. The pins and receptacles are very thinly-plated with silver, so don't use sandpaper or coarse brushes to clean any corrosion there! Pipe cleaners and old toothbrushes dipped in isopropyl alcohol is my preferred method for cleaning, followed by a coating of Dow Corning silicone grease after the connection is restored.

2. If all is well at the 14-pin connector ... check for continuity from there to the 1/4" Faston connector at the sender. Sometimes the wire can fracture under the insulation.

Quicksilver · 10-12-2003, 01:20 PM

Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner!

Checked continuity between the 14 pin connector and the senser and the wire was dead. It had broken inside the insulation about 3 inches from the sender. The isulation is very old and has hardened.

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

Wayne

CrossT · 10-12-2003, 06:56 PM

Yes

I had exactly the same issue. The wire had broken inside the jacket a few inches from the connector. Was barely able to reconnect [due to shortened length] after re attaching solidly to the connector.

todd
86 cpe