Hey guys,
I am making a new gauge cluster with AutoMeter Phantom gauges and I have some questions about the wiring. I have the pinout diagrams for C1 and C2, as well as wiring diagrams for the cluster. My first question is about the VSS (pins 8 and 9 in C1). I am using a cable driven speedometer, but does the ECM use the VSS for anything else? If so, what do I do with those two wires? My second question is about the tachometer. I am also adding an MSD 6AL, so I know I can just run a wire from the tach output terminal on it to the gauge. Does that mean I won't need to use pin 11 in C1 (the description says "Tachometer: Above 10 volts with the ignition switch on in run and engine off") ? Finally, I have two connectors that I don't recognize. They are in the engine compartment, near the firewall. I have attached pictures and can take better ones if necessary.

Thank you in advance for any help.

Andy

 

not sure on your first two questions,but I do believe that 89 ecms used the speed sensor info on tpi cars and onto your pics,the first connector looks the 02 sensor connector,and pic number two looks maybe like a windshield wiper motor connector

 

I didn't unplug the oxygen sensor or the wiper motor. I don't remember unplugging either of those connectors pictured. Are they just extra for cars with different options?

Anyone else know how to get my new speedo to work with the ECM?

 

My question is how comes you went with a cable speedo?? The programmable ones are much more versitile, not to mention easier to hook up. If you are set on the cable driven one, I thought there was a box out there that would turn the electronic VSS signal into a cable drive output. It was expensive if I remember correctly. I just dont see why go through turning an already electric signal into a cable signal. Going the other way I can see...

The tach should only need the wire off the ignition box to operate...I think. Because the box will know your cars RPM, and they usually have outputs for shift lights and everything. So the tach signal should work off of it.

The first plug you posted looks like the EST plug. Not sure if that was teh right acronym for it. But its the plug you un-hook when you want to check/change your timing at the distributor. It usually sets a code when its unplugged though.

That was just my guess...I cant think of any other one wire weather pack cnonectors back there. The second plug looks like the wiper motor plug maybe. Not the multiwire plug that controls the delay box...but the actual power wires for the motor. Not sure what else that could be either.

Justin

EDIT: After looking at the pics again, I see the sing wire isnt on the correct side to be the plug I was referring to. Plus after I looked at who you were again, I think you know where the wire I was talking about is. haha. Can you post up the wire colors and maybe get a further away shot so we can see exactly where they are in relation to other stuff under the hood? Like an over all pic, then circle the two plugs in paint or something. That might help.

 

My car already had a speedo cable, so that is why I went with a cable driven speedo. I didn't know it also had a VSS on the back of the speedo though. I've done some digging and the only thing I can find is that it uses the VSS on the back of the cable driven speedo for the ECM, but I can't find what the ECM uses the signal for.

I know the wire you are talking about, but this isn't it. Here is an overall picture. The single wire connector (circled in red) is dark green and the two wire (circled in yellow) is grey and red/black.

 

Well after some more research, I found that the ECM uses the VSS for cruise and TCC lockup. I have removed my cruise control and my new converter does not have lockup. I know it will throw a VSS code, but can I get a chip burned that will eliminate that?