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Name that connector and function

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Old Aug 7, 2003 | 08:20 PM
  #1  
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From: Naples, FL
Car: 1991 Firebird
Engine: 383 stroker
Transmission: T-56
Name that connector and function

This is very straight forward. I'm doing some wiring harness modification and need to know what the connector that goes to the power steering pump is for? I'm not aware of any P/S fluid level sensor but I could be wrong.

Tom
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Old Aug 8, 2003 | 06:26 AM
  #2  
Merlin's Avatar
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From: Winnebago - 871' ASL
Some models/years had a power steering pressure switch used to cycle the A/C compressor off at low RPM and high steering loads to prevent stalling the engine.
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Old Aug 8, 2003 | 03:57 PM
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From: Naples, FL
Car: 1991 Firebird
Engine: 383 stroker
Transmission: T-56
Thanks, it makes sense to me.

Tom
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Old Aug 10, 2003 | 01:25 PM
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From: Cleveland, OH
Car: '87 Camaro LT
Engine: 355 L98
Transmission: T56
hmm my steering switch plugs into the line right before it hits the steering gear, not the pump.
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Old Aug 10, 2003 | 04:17 PM
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From: Naples, FL
Car: 1991 Firebird
Engine: 383 stroker
Transmission: T-56
Originally posted by Ukraine Train
hmm my steering switch plugs into the line right before it hits the steering gear, not the pump.
Yeah, you're right, I just decribed the location improperly.

Tom
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Old Aug 12, 2003 | 06:46 PM
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From: mullica hill NJ
Car: 91 Firebird
Engine: 305
Transmission: Auto
my car needs a new switch its a 91 rs v6 3.1 anyone know where to find the part non of the local parts stores carry it
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Old Aug 12, 2003 | 09:03 PM
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From: Cleveland, OH
Car: '87 Camaro LT
Engine: 355 L98
Transmission: T56
Originally posted by syknesss
my car needs a new switch its a 91 rs v6 3.1 anyone know where to find the part non of the local parts stores carry it
junk yard. i bet any 80s gm car that has one will have the same one as your car so it'll be easy to find. how do you know it needs one? i dont have mine hooked up and i've never noticed a drop in idle or anything when i turn the wheels to lock
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Old Aug 12, 2003 | 09:50 PM
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From: Philly, PA
Yeah, if it's a 2-wire switch, they are probably all the same. They all look the same to me and I've seen a lot of them doing swaps of late-model steering boxes/pumps into earlier model cars (that don't a switch like this, but the lines I swipe out of the late model cars usually have this switch built in on the high pressure side)
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Old Aug 13, 2003 | 03:39 PM
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From: mullica hill NJ
Car: 91 Firebird
Engine: 305
Transmission: Auto
i know it needs it cause it stalls if i turn the wheel all the way
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Old Aug 15, 2003 | 12:37 PM
  #10  
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At 500-550 PSIG, the switch opens, dropping voltage to an ECM input. The ECM will drop the AC compressor clutch power and raise the idle RPM by about 50-75 RPM. Without the switch signal. some cars will generate a code 46.

Most switches on GM cars operate at the same pressure, so if you find one with the correct threaded fitting and electrical connector, it should work for you. The NAPA site is down (probably east-coast powered) or you'd be able to get the part number easily. The dealership parts department is another option.
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