cdi 3 pin connector

jk911 · 01-12-2003, 12:43 PM

I have bought a used CDI unit to replace the non original conventional coil the PO had put on my car.

The problem I have is that the PO has cut the wire (red middle wire) from the 3-pin plastic CDI connector socket. He cut the wire really close to the end and I can't join the wire back on !!!

How can I replce this middle pin. I tried pulling it out with sharp pliers from the back but it doesn't seen to be able to come out !

Is it safe to cut all three wires of the three pin plastic connector and connect the wires directly to the CDI unit. Do I really need the plastic connector socket. ?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Early_S_Man · 01-12-2003, 12:59 PM

The 1/4" Faston connector should have a tab that makes it captive in the plastic connector block ... on the bottom side. A jeweler's screwdriver can be inserted from the CDI side of the block on the underside of the Amp-brand connector,and then the tab is pried up and the old cut-off connector can be pulled out from the wiring harness side. Your new replacement connector won't have the captive tab ... so wire ties will need to be used to secure the red wire tightly to the other harness wires.

The plastic connector is not absolutely essential, as normal individual 1/4" Faston connectors will connect to the CDI-unit just fine, however the plastic block connector provides water and dust shielding ... so it it a good idea to retain it, if possible!

jk911 · 01-12-2003, 01:09 PM

Thanks Warren.

Could you tell me if I should now disconnect the condensor off the distributor, Now that I am putting the CDI back on ?

I believe the CDI has an inbuilt condensor ?

As for mounting the cdi unit on the side electrical panel of the engine bay , I have noticed that the screws which attaches to are hex on the outside and a nut on the back side. I obiously have to take that whole electrical pannel off don't I . Is there any easier way of doing it ?

jk911 · 01-12-2003, 07:45 PM

Has anyone removed there CDI unit ?

How did you unscrew it off ?

Zendalar · 01-12-2003, 09:44 PM

I had to remove the whole rack that mounts to the engine compartment to get mine off.

I rather would put in new ignition system in a car than buy used (even rebuilt) Bosch CDI. Well, thats what I did. Got rid of the CDI and put in new Crane/Allison XR700 ignition system with optical pickup and it has worked like a charm. High power coil was also used with the system. MSD makes also very good ignition systems but they are a bit more expensive than Crane/Allison (basic setups).

The key benefit of the conversion was that now I know where to look trouble if any arises in the future. The system is way simpler to diagnose now.