Diagnostic plug 101065 - can I remove it entirely?

[Jonathan]

So this diagnostic plug on the Houston parts page says it isn't necessary.

https://store.delorean.com/p-6859-diagnostic-plug.aspx

Mine has been in my car and might work, or it might not. Never had the means to test it and don't really care to.

I'd like to remove it entirely and the reason for that is the pain in the butt factor of trying to get that plug bracket AND the dipstick tube bracket (on an automatic) AND the ground wire for the diagnostic plug all screwed into the engine block with the same bolt while not being able to see what you are doing and having to reach around to the back of the engine. Yea, suck it I say to that plug.

So for now it is almost removed, but the connection that goes down to some spot hard to see, I'm not sure if unplugging it is going to cause some stir (kinda like not having a bulb in the battery warning light will fubar your alternator charging).

Is there any harm in removing it entirely? And for that connection, can I just pull straight out on it to remove it? It is the one that plugs into this pickup support: https://store.delorean.com/p-6861-pick-up-support.aspx but it isn't clear to me if that little clamp and screw tightening contraption has to be loosened first?

[Bitsyncmaster]

I removed mine. Actually my PO had that metal plate just hanging onto the exhaust. The connector pins were all corroded anyway from water and heat.

[Jonathan]

Thanks Dave. Do you happen to know if that lower connector just pulls out? Or do I need to reach in there somehow and unscrew that "pickup support" first?

[Bitsyncmaster]

Thanks Dave. Do you happen to know if that lower connector just pulls out? Or do I need to reach in there somehow and unscrew that "pickup support" first?

I don't remember. It's been 12 years since I did it. I just pulled the whole bracket off or cut it off if it was part of the resistor bracket. I now don't have any resistor bracket since I run the GM ignition module.

[cis6409]

The flywheel signal pickup support is supposed to be loosened by the clamp screw on one side, but if yours is like mine you won't need to.
The pick up connector will just pull out from the rubber clamp.,being hard and old and exposed to the elements it should come out easily.

No harm in removing the diagnostic plug, but for me I find it s a handy access point to monitor dwell, rpm etc for diagnostics and tuning, although saying that you can use the multiplug connectors and coil to get the same readings if the plug is removed or not working.

Shane

[DMC-81]

So this diagnostic plug on the Houston parts page says it isn't necessary.

https://store.delorean.com/p-6859-diagnostic-plug.aspx

Mine has been in my car and might work, or it might not. Never had the means to test it and don't really care to.

I'd like to remove it entirely and the reason for that is the pain in the butt factor of trying to get that plug bracket AND the dipstick tube bracket (on an automatic) AND the ground wire for the diagnostic plug all screwed into the engine block with the same bolt while not being able to see what you are doing and having to reach around to the back of the engine. Yea, suck it I say to that plug.

So for now it is almost removed, but the connection that goes down to some spot hard to see, I'm not sure if unplugging it is going to cause some stir (kinda like not having a bulb in the battery warning light will fubar your alternator charging).

Is there any harm in removing it entirely? And for that connection, can I just pull straight out on it to remove it? It is the one that plugs into this pickup support: https://store.delorean.com/p-6861-pick-up-support.aspx but it isn't clear to me if that little clamp and screw tightening contraption has to be loosened first?

Hi Jonathan,

Here is a picture of how that connection is fastened to the protecting plate (which is itself fastened to the transmission by 2 x 7mm (11mm socket) screws.

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=39173&d=1453171782

[FABombjoy]

I'd just cut the cable and leave the plug body behind, otherwise you'll have an open hole in the access plate.

[David T]

You can remove the plug but terminate the dwell wire and the + 12 volt wire so they don't touch anything. About the only useful thing there is the dwell pin to set the duty cycle for the Lambda. Rarely used but handy. It was a good idea, a one point connection to monitor the car's health. A very early forerunner of the OBD port.

[Trstno1]

I don't remember. It's been 12 years since I did it. I just pulled the whole bracket off or cut it off if it was part of the resistor bracket. I now don't have any resistor bracket since I run the GM ignition module.

What is this GM module you speak of? Is it to just get rid of the resistor? Does the new GM module also replace the DeLorean ignition module? Interested.

[Bitsyncmaster]

What is this GM module you speak of? Is it to just get rid of the resistor? Does the new GM module also replace the DeLorean ignition module? Interested.

Yes it replaces the stock ignition ECU but you have to build the unit into a box. Here is my thread on it.

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?13649-Ignition-ECU-operation-HEI

[Bitsyncmaster]

You can remove the plug but terminate the dwell wire and the + 12 volt wire so they don't touch anything. About the only useful thing there is the dwell pin to set the duty cycle for the Lambda. Rarely used but handy. It was a good idea, a one point connection to monitor the car's health. A very early forerunner of the OBD port.

There is a two pin connector already on those two wires. It's around the middle of the car harness at the back. That is where I check the dwell (orange wire).

[Jonathan]

There is a two pin connector already on those two wires. It's around the middle of the car harness at the back. That is where I check the dwell (orange wire).

Here's a pic of that connector on my car. Another "Tetris puzzle piece" looking one.

63585

Thanks for all the great advice and pictures. I had not realized there was a metal plate in there. I need to get a better view from a different angle. It's also filthy in that area so some cleaning is in order.

I do like the idea of keeping either the whole thing still attached or at least that plug to make sure no more grime gets in there. I have it just temporarily hanging there at the moment. I took the metal bracket off already so it's just the socket and those cables. I may see if I can tuck it away to one side with a well placed zip tie so that it isn't in the way or laying on anything hot. I'll tape off that connector above too while I'm at it.