Power Mode Selection - Page 12

b3lha · #**166** 08-10-2010, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeedForSpeed

Another mystery solved, learn something NEW about these cars everyday

Now its time to see what [if anything] happens when the gauge cluster is swapped for an earlier one

OR, to see if the the power bulb is missing and taped over,
OR, even if the stencil is there,
OR, OR,,,,

Is the power light wire present in the TCU harness? If so then try swapping in an earlier TCU and see if the light starts working.

The 97 is a different unit to the earlier models. I suspect it doesn't have a spare digital output to drive the light, or at least not on the right pin.

cdvs · #**167** 08-10-2010, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b3lha

Is the power light wire present in the TCU harness? If so then try swapping in an earlier TCU and see if the light starts working.

The 97 is a different unit to the earlier models. I suspect it doesn't have a spare digital output to drive the light, or at least not on the right pin.

I recommend caution. I did investigate swapping an earlier TCU. The connectors do match. There were several wiring issues that I wasn't able to resolve w/o a OBDII diagram. At least one stopped me from just swapping. I'm taking a different path and dropped this approach before answering those questions.

Anyway, when you shine a flashlight at the legend strip of our '96, with the lights off, nothing shows between 'check engine' and 'manual'. 'Power' is to the right of 'check engine' on our '92s.

Btw, the TCU sinks the dash lights. (provides ground)

RojoRocket · #**168** 08-10-2010, 05:07 PM

OK, just used the same "flashlight" method mentioned by cdvs to check my '97 cluster and though I can see a very faint "Power" between "Check Engine" and "Manu", there is no color there, only, maybe?, a stencil cut-out. Owners manual has no mention of the feature in the display section.

Thank you to cdvs for answering the Trans codes question!

Glenn

NeedForSpeed · #**169** 08-10-2010, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b3lha

Is the power light wire present in the TCU harness? If so then try swapping in an earlier TCU and see if the light starts working.

The 97 is a different unit to the earlier models. I suspect it doesn't have a spare digital output to drive the light, or at least not on the right pin.

Which wire or wire position is the 'power light' wire? thanks

Coan · #**170** 08-17-2010, 08:06 PM

I'm attempting this right now on my 97, and trying to use the manual button as the switch. From what I've gathered in this thread I should be able to depin the brown/black wire from the A6 position and move it to the A4 position. I'm having a lot of trouble removing the pin, any tips or tricks to get it out? I've been using a little tiny screw driver to pop open the clip on top and attempt to remove the pin.

NeedForSpeed · #**171** 08-17-2010, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coan

I'm attempting this right now on my 97, and trying to use the manual button as the switch. From what I've gathered in this thread I should be able to depin the brown/black wire from the A6 position and move it to the A4 position. I'm having a lot of trouble removing the pin, any tips or tricks to get it out? I've been using a little tiny screw driver to pop open the clip on top and attempt to remove the pin.

First, unsnap the cover on the side you want to remove the wire. I seem to have good luck using a small finish nail as a pic, insert into end of plug, gently pry in the right direction to release the internal clip as you pull on the wire.

Coan · #**172** 08-17-2010, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeedForSpeed

First, unsnap the cover on the side you want to remove the wire. I seem to have good luck using a small finish nail as a pic, insert into end of plug, gently pry in the right direction to release the internal clip as you pull on the wire.

Where exactly is the internal clip? I have been inserting the screwdriver into the hole that is in the end of the plug and wiggling it and prying in every direction, but it just doesn't seem to want to release....

NeedForSpeed · #**173** 08-17-2010, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coan

Where exactly is the internal clip? I have been inserting the screwdriver into the hole that is in the end of the plug and wiggling it and prying in every direction, but it just doesn't seem to want to release....

Unless you have a jeweler's driver, you won't catch it. Fine a little nail with a sharp point. I think you go down the narrow side, and once you hit a stop, pry up to release. I always seem to figure it out with a sharp point

Coan · #**174** 08-17-2010, 09:03 PM

Ok I took a few pics to see if I'm doing this right.

First off, are these little plastic squares on the side of the connector the release tabs?

Here is where I'm inserting the nail/screwdriver:

And in this pic you can see that the tip of the nail is stopping on top of the little plastic square shown in the first pic:

Am I doing this all wrong? lol

NeedForSpeed · #**175** 08-17-2010, 09:36 PM

I've always found it necessary to fiddle with the nail while pulling on the wire with slight pressure. The nail won't hold the clip by itself, as pictured. As you feel the nail push the clip, be lightly pulling on the wire. Use both hands to do it.

NeedForSpeed · #**176** 08-17-2010, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RojoRocket

OK, just used the same "flashlight" method mentioned by cdvs to check my '97 cluster and though I can see a very faint "Power" between "Check Engine" and "Manu", there is no color there, only, maybe?, a stencil cut-out. Owners manual has no mention of the feature in the display section.

Thank you to cdvs for answering the Trans codes question!

Glenn

If you can see POWER, it's there, probably need to remove a small bit of black tape and insert a bulb.

Coan · #**177** 08-17-2010, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeedForSpeed

I've always found it necessary to fiddle with the nail while pulling on the wire with slight pressure. The nail won't hold the clip by itself, as pictured. As you feel the nail push the clip, be lightly pulling on the wire. Use both hands to do it.

Finally got it! Apparently I busted the plastic clip in that slot and it got jammed in there and that's why it wouldn't move. Little bit of force got it out, and inserted into pin 4. If anyone is going to attempt this in the future, those pics I took are step by step of depinning the connector.

Thanks a ton NFS for your help!

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeedForSpeed

If you can see POWER, it's there, probably need to remove a small bit of black tape and insert a bulb.

I can definitely see it with a flashlight on my 97. Ironically, I just had the cluster out last week to change a gear indicator bulb and didn't even think to check for this.

Doh! As far as I remember, it didn't seem blatantly obvious that any bulbs were missing though.

NeedForSpeed · #**178** 08-17-2010, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coan

Finally got it! Apparently I busted the plastic clip in that slot and it got jammed in there and that's why it wouldn't move. Little bit of force got it out, and inserted into pin 4. If anyone is going to attempt this in the future, those pics I took are step by step of depinning the connector.

Thanks a ton NFS for your help!

No problem, glad you finally got it

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coan

I can definitely see it with a flashlight on my 97. Ironically, I just had the cluster out last week to change a gear indicator bulb and didn't even think to check for this.

Doh! As far as I remember, it didn't seem blatantly obvious that any bulbs were missing though.

I've seen gauge packs with factory tape here or there. My hopeful guess is there is tape and no bulb, and if a Power Switch is wired, the POWER lamp will illuminate

Awox · #**179** 10-30-2010, 06:01 PM

I Just performed this mod on my 95 LS, switch is still dangling and needs to be properly mounted. But after the test drive, I would recommend this to ANYONE. It transforms the car completely in the corners and on hills and makes it so much easier to coax that oversteer out of it.

Thank you all for this post!

svxistentialist · #**180** 10-31-2010, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Awox

I Just performed this mod on my 95 LS, switch is still dangling and needs to be properly mounted. But after the test drive, I would recommend this to ANYONE. It transforms the car completely in the corners and on hills and makes it so much easier to coax that oversteer out of it.

Thank you all for this post!

I'm glad you like it!

Most of the cars I have now are UK, same Power on demand system in the gearbox as the USA one. I find them impossibly sluggish due to the gearbox programming, not at all sporting.

Phil has done a re-programmed TCU for me. [the UK gearbox is wired differently, it's not so simple as the USA type for wiring up a permanent Power switch] Now that I am back in work again and as soon as I catch up with bills I'm going to install that and run the UK 95 car I have here.

That will be interesting to see how it goes. I'll report back in a few months when I get the time and money to proceed.

Joe