List of electrical connections that are unused or unplugged

[Jonathan]

List of electrical connections that are unused or unplugged (and whether they should be that way).

This has come up a number of times both recently and over the years. Electrical connectors that aren't plugged into anything. Is it supposed to be that way? Why? What was supposed to go there? Do I need it?

I thought we could compile a list of these connections along with pictures, parts manual page reference, part number if applicable, and an explanation of why it is like that (or what is supposed to get plugged into it). After everyone has had a chance to add to the thread, myself or someone else if they're so inclined, will put it all together into a forum post or PDF file as a resource here.

I thought we might be able to group some of the connections according to manual versus automatic transmission variations as well as by car evolution or chronology. Some of the unused connections are meant for automatics and so manual trans cars don't need anything plugged in there. Others were changes to the car as production went along, like provisions for heated mirrors or to reduce radio interference.

Here are some of the ones I've had in mind:

The WOT (wide open throttle) switches on the throttle spool. The automatics use two switches (and so both of the connectors) while the manual cars use only the one. The switch all cars use is the microswitch with flap (http://store.delorean.com/p-6650-microswitch-with-flap.aspx) one (p/n 102784). The second one that only automatics use is the microswitch without flap (http://store.delorean.com/p-8923-microswitch-without-flap.aspx) one (p/n 102785). The confusion that can come is that all cars have both connectors on the engine wiring harness regardless of transmission. These connectors have been called the "Tetris puzzle piece" looking connector and are located just above the throttle spool. The connectors are dedicated and have separate wiring colours so it does matter which one you plug in for each microswitch.

5903359034

Also relating to the automatic transmissions, underneath the shifter plate, there is a small lightbulb which lights up the PRND21 bar. This lightbulb is not needed on the manual trans cars, but the wiring is still there. I do not believe the bulb receptacle is there, but the wiring to power it is. It tends to be taped over and wrapped out of the way.

Here is a photo of the lightbulb on the automatic and the approximate location of where that same wiring would be on a manual trans car:

59035

[Jonathan]

There is wiring inside the doors that isn't used and some of it is attributed to a heated mirror option that was never realized on the cars. These are the yellow wires with singular, round connectors. Each door has them, but I'm not quite sure of all the locations or history. This was one I hope someone else can make clearer for everyone.

5903659037

[Maritime-elf]

How about the unused Green wire on the Drivers side by the gas pedal.
I was told in another thread it is:

It’s an Unused 12V always live connection that was supposedly used as the FEED for the Brake lights switch. This would allow you to step on the brake pedal and have brake lights without the key being ON. Some cars used it, some cars didn’t and rely on a Key Switched FEED wire.

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?16832-Disconnected-green-wire

[BABIS]

There is wiring inside the doors that isn't used and some of it is attributed to a heated mirror option that was never realized on the cars. These are the yellow wires with singular, round connectors. Each door has them, but I'm not quite sure of all the locations or history. This was one I hope someone else can make clearer for everyone.

5903659037

the yellow/white wire has two "1 pin" connector inside each door, one is near the solenoid connector and one is hidden near the window motor. these yellow wires end in the door connectors inside the roof box, there aren't wires on the "car side" connectors. the 2 pin connector with green/white and black wires near the mirror connector is the mirror heater connector (as intended by the factory)..

[David T]

Also refer to ST-16-10/81 for plugs for the automatic trans.
Other things:
Clock vs no clock in console
Power antennae wiring
Early vs late brake light switch wiring
Ballast resistor bypass relay
Noise suppression package
Other ST's pertaining to the electrical system:
ST-06-7/81
ST-15-10/81
ST-22-10/81
ST-06-9/82
ST-05-2/82
As you can see there is a LOT of stuff on the electrical system in the Delorean before you even get to all of the mods and upgrades that have been done since DMC stopped. It would be nice for someone to collect it all and put it in one place. For instance the mod to turn off the console lights, the door light dimmer, Fixing the Central Locking System, I could go on for a while. It is a large and complicated subject.

[DMC-81]

Great thread Jonathan. :thumbup:

Here is my contribution: On early cars without a high pressure switch in the A/C system, there is an unused connector in the passenger footwell that is meant for connecting one. It has a jumper in it:

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=46279&d=1473989754

If one wants to add a high pressure switch, I have detailed that and other A/C restoration work in this thread:

Refurbing a Very Early A/C System (http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?15632-Refurbing-a-Very-Early-A-C-System)

Here is the connector with the jumper removed and the factory HP switch harness attached.

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=53734&d=1506822043

:wrenchin:

[Jonathan]

How about the unused Green wire on the Drivers side by the gas pedal.
I was told in another thread it is:

It’s an Unused 12V always live connection that was supposedly used as the FEED for the Brake lights switch. This would allow you to step on the brake pedal and have brake lights without the key being ON. Some cars used it, some cars didn’t and rely on a Key Switched FEED wire.

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?16832-Disconnected-green-wire

That's a good one, thanks. And the link too, as it gives some more background and info and pictures.

[Jonathan]

the yellow/white wire has two "1 pin" connector inside each door, one is near the solenoid connector and one is hidden near the window motor. these yellow wires end in the door connectors inside the roof box, there aren't wires on the "car side" connectors. the 2 pin connector with green/white and black wires near the mirror connector is the mirror heater connector (as intended by the factory)..

Thanks for the explanation. So, were the yellow wires AND the 2-pin green/white and black wires ALL part of the future heated mirrors option? I think I remember someone mentioning how the yellow wires in the doors don't show-up inside the car anywhere. Does that other 2-pin wire combo come out somewhere on the car side though?

[Jonathan]

Also refer to ST-16-10/81 for plugs for the automatic trans.
Other things:
Clock vs no clock in console
Power antennae wiring
Early vs late brake light switch wiring
Ballast resistor bypass relay
Noise suppression package
Other ST's pertaining to the electrical system:
ST-06-7/81
ST-15-10/81
ST-22-10/81
ST-06-9/82
ST-05-2/82
As you can see there is a LOT of stuff on the electrical system in the Delorean before you even get to all of the mods and upgrades that have been done since DMC stopped. It would be nice for someone to collect it all and put it in one place. For instance the mod to turn off the console lights, the door light dimmer, Fixing the Central Locking System, I could go on for a while. It is a large and complicated subject.

Thanks for that list, David. Gives me a lot of reading I need to catch up on. I definitely want to keep the project small enough to still be manageable and not expand out to the entire electrical system.

The chronological changes like the power antenna and console clock are good ones. I'm especially interested in circumstances where something was changed (intentionally) but not everything was altered and so it left connectors or unused components. It's these kinds of things that I think get people confused when they're trying to troubleshoot something and come across an unplugged wire and don't know whether it is part of their problem or was never meant to be plugged in in the first place (on their VIN/car anyway).

[Jonathan]

Great thread Jonathan. :thumbup:

Here is my contribution: On early cars without a high pressure switch in the A/C system, there is an unused connector in the passenger footwell that is meant for connecting one. It has a jumper in it:

Thanks a lot, Dana!

[OverlandMan]

good thread Jonathan! How about the relay connector in the main electrical area that Dave uses for his hot start relay. I believe it was never used from the factory. I'm at work right now so I can't snap a pic but will tonight unless someone beats me to it...

Also the 2 harnesses on the bulkhead connector for the transmission. One will not be used and one will. It depends on auto vs manual.

[Ron]

Don't have a pic, but the small solid brown wire going to the early alternators only comes up a lot.

=======

This could turn out to be a great addition to the Resources section!

Jonathan, if you want to come up with a format (e.g., location, pic, use, etc.) or need any help collecting/arranging/editing/??, PM me.

[Jonathan]

good thread Jonathan! How about the relay connector in the main electrical area that Dave uses for his hot start relay. I believe it was never used from the factory. I'm at work right now so I can't snap a pic but will tonight unless someone beats me to it...

Also the 2 harnesses on the bulkhead connector for the transmission. One will not be used and one will. It depends on auto vs manual.

Thanks Jeff! I might need some help on that relay you mentioned though. That's not one I know much about. Perhaps if Dave chimes in he'll explain what he knows about it. I suspect he knows a lot about many of these connectors on the car.

I'm definitely keen on including transmission specific ones. Chalk that up to my own bias by being an auto trans owner. The diagnostic plug is another good one to list out what is what.

[Jonathan]

Don't have a pic, but the small solid brown wire going to the early alternators only comes up a lot.

=======

This could turn out to be a great addition to the Resources section!

Jonathan, if you want to come up with a format (e.g., location, pic, use, etc.) or need any help collecting/arranging/editing/??, PM me.

Thanks Ron! That brown alternator wire is one that definitely comes up a fair bit.

Oddly enough, the one that seems to come up a lot (and recently even too), but hasn't yet been mentioned here is the connector along the engine rear firewall. A 2 wire connector I believe with red wires I think. That one I still don't really understand (which is one of the things I'd like sorted out with this thread!).

It's shown in this pic (top left):

59049

...and thanks for the formatting offer. I was thinking I would keep a working folder on my computer as I copy paste things from here and then once it's clear and coherent, I'd put it back into a word processing format and likely then save the whole thing as a PDF (assuming the size of the file/photos isn't outrageous).

[David T]

The diagnostic plug is well documented but like most of this stuff you have to know where to look. Workshop Manual M:03:01. A coincidence, the neutral safety circuit is on the previous page.

[Bitsyncmaster]

The diagnostic plug is well documented but like most of this stuff you have to know where to look. Workshop Manual M:03:01. A coincidence, the neutral safety circuit is on the previous page.

Actually my schematic does not show any connections for the "RPM" sensor that picks up the ring gear pulses of the flywheel.

[DMC-81]

Thanks Ron! That brown alternator wire is one that definitely comes up a fair bit.

Thanks Ron and Jonathan. I was able to successfully test and use the brown Duceiller wire for an optional S connection that turned off the blinking condition for the DMCH Motorola alternator. My early car had the Duceiller alternator removed and the brown wire taped off. So it was unused when I got the car.

Both the S wire and the brown wire was discussed in this thread:
DMCH Alternator (http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?12181-DMCH-alternator)

[Bob635]

There is wiring inside the doors that isn't used and some of it is attributed to a heated mirror option that was never realized on the cars. These are the yellow wires with singular, round connectors. Each door has them, but I'm not quite sure of all the locations or history. This was one I hope someone else can make clearer for everyone.

5903659037

I found the extra wires in the doors are just enough to move the window control switches to the doors instead of the console. This is what is done in the Iron Man Delorean.
Now the console has cup holders and a storage compartment.

Just way too conincidental that all the necessary wires are there. Perhaps this was the original concept and then it was changed to move the switches to the console.
In any case, I have a lot less wires in the console.

And BTW, this change radically reduced the overhead and rear fire wall wiring. Perhaps a future cost savings idea in the works.