I didn't know where to post this but here goes. My engine is a 383 S/R intake with the stock 7730 ECM $8D(custom PROM). From my understanding TPI cars did not come with a power steering pressure switch located on the pressure line of the P/S pump. My problem is that the engine wants to stall while I'm turning into the driveway. I know it's because of the added load from the P/S pump because when I straighten out real quick, the idle goes back to normal. It's a new pump. It did it even with the old pump. My question is can a pressure switch be added to the line and if so which pins in the ECM do the wires connect to? Tunerpro has a constant to increase rpms when a load is detected at the P/S and I would like to use it because it's difficult and embarrassing when turning into a place and having to juggle the brake and gas pedal to keep it from stalling. Thanks peeps!

 

D13 is the input for the PS switch.
I don't remember if its N.O or N.C. switched.
Could jumper a wire to it to confirm the operation.

I think it would also drop the A/C clutch when engaged if it were controlled.

Inside the 730, IGN volts is connected through a 1.2K ohm resistor for feeding the D13 pin.
Grounding it should indicate a state change to the ECM, so your switch "should" ground the wire when high pressure cramp is detected.
I never did it but I believe it would work to correct your problem.

 

It is a N.O. switch. One side should be grounded to ECM ground and the other side goes to pin D13? Do I need the 1.2k ohm resistor?

 

Correct, could ground it anywhere to chassis rather than running the wire all the way back. If you are running a 2 conductor cable then it would be easier to do it at the ECM.
No its inside the ECM to provide a current limit when the switch grounds the wire.

 

 

Ok, so sorry to bring this up from so long ago, but I pulled the whole ECM out of my car because I am going with a carbeurated 327. Will I be able to solder a 1.2k resistor between the switch and a 12v power source that turns on with the ignition and ground the black and white wire to the chasis?

 

If your losing the ECM, you really would have no requirement for the power steering pressure switch and its wiring. It's only used to signal the ECM that there is an additional load on the engine so the ECM can adjust the engine speed to compensate for it.

It's pretty much the same as an idle adjustment for when A/C is selected and (if the car is an auto) when the car is put into R, D, 3, 2 or 1. Again the ECM is told to expect an additional load on the engine so the ECM can up the engine speed to compensate for that extra load.

If you really don't need it, just remove the wiring and leave the switch in place.

 

Ok, that sounds like a pretty good solution, now another question I have is for the sensor on the proportioning valve...what does it do and do I need it?

 

I take it that the proportioning valve you mention is also on the steering?

Only thing I think that could be is a computer controlled valve. The faster a car goes, the force that is required by the P/S pump to turn the wheels is a lot less because they are rotating, as opposed to when the vehicle is stationary and the P/S pump is required to turn the wheels on the spot.

I would think that it would not be a problem to leave it disconnected either providing that the valve, when disconnect from the computer, allows the P/S pump to provide the necessary force to help turn the wheels. This how a lot of old power steering setup's worked before ECM's were made!

Would not hurt to maybe have a chat to a knowledgable mechanic, especially one that specialises in steering.

Cheers,
Col.