What is Wrong with this Thermo Time Switch?

Paulporsche · 05-14-2009, 08:13 AM

Besides the obvious, that it is disconnected and the scorch on the wire looks like there was once a short.

Shouldn't there be a male spade connector attached to the right side for the female connector to match up with?

Also, what is all that stuff between the elec connectors? Does that look correct or have they fused together?

David E. Clark · 05-14-2009, 08:22 AM

No, it should have two lugs like in this photo for the female leads to attach to.

Look at post # 6 in the MFI simplification thread.

Paulporsche · 05-14-2009, 08:33 AM

Thanks for the photo, David. It looks like the female lead just slips over the right side connector then. Looks like someone modded the left side of mine. Also it appears that the piece between the 2 connectors is plastic; an insulator, perhaps.?

David E. Clark · 05-14-2009, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paulporsche

... It looks like the female lead just slips over the right side connector then.

Yup. It appears that this makes it less likely that the wires will touch and short. I'm guessing that is what happened with your switch since you certainly appear to have a short with melted wiring insulation and your right side was damaged and modified.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paulporsche

... it appears that the piece between the 2 connectors is plastic; an insulator, perhaps.?

Yes again. It appears designed to assure that the two lugs stay apart.

You can pick up a new switch from our host. The link is here but make sure you are sitting down, they are pricey!!

Have you determined how far up the wiring harness your melted wires go? I would satisfy myself that the switch is the cause of your short before I spent all that money. Good luck.

Gunter · Gunter's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paulporsche

Thanks for the photo, David. It looks like the female lead just slips over the right side connector then. Looks like someone modded the left side of mine. Also it appears that the piece between the 2 connectors is plastic; an insulator, perhaps.?

Looks like a real screw-up.

If you slip the female over the male on the switch, both sides will not be separated by the insulation, you'll have more problems.
The cold-start function couldn't possibly work like that.

Check the wiring schematic for the correct wiring between Starter Solenoid-TTS-CSV and get a replacement for the TTS so that the cold start sequence works properly.

I hope the rest of the components and wiring are in better shape but it looks like someone may have done a very poor job maintaining this car.

Going by past threads, I strongly suggest you go over the rest; there may be more surprises.
More pictures of other parts and wiring may help to point out other potential problems.

Paulporsche · 05-14-2009, 10:05 AM

The LEFT side appears to have been the one that was modded,; the right appears stock.

I checked the wiring, rewrapped it w/ rubber insulating tape and plugged in the right side lead. The engine started and ran very well.

I saw the price--$150!

The TTS on my car is "hidden" under the heating hose, so I don't know how long the TTS was disconnected. Anyway it's solidly connected now, and the engine seems fine. I'm going to try one last cold test tonight and if all goes well I'll post the results.