column wiring question?
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column wiring question?
first off i know this is a ford trucks forum and this question is regarding a gm part but i figure alot of people use gm columns so maybe someone here can help
weve got a gm column out of a 1985 trans am i believe and the problem lies in the ignition wiring i need some kind of schematic that will show what each of the wires hook to by color.
i have a painless wiring kit and the guys at painless say its an ignition connector from an s-10 that im trying to use but my cousin pulled the column for me at the junkyard and he says he got it out of a 1985 trans am
so the bottom line is im stuck and cant use the keys inside the car to start it up right now so any help will be appreciatted
thanks in advance!!
weve got a gm column out of a 1985 trans am i believe and the problem lies in the ignition wiring i need some kind of schematic that will show what each of the wires hook to by color.
i have a painless wiring kit and the guys at painless say its an ignition connector from an s-10 that im trying to use but my cousin pulled the column for me at the junkyard and he says he got it out of a 1985 trans am
so the bottom line is im stuck and cant use the keys inside the car to start it up right now so any help will be appreciatted
thanks in advance!!
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
I can't help with the wiring schematic (I have trouble reading them anyway). If you have a common voltmeter, perhaps the easiest way to determine which wires do what is to power up the column and then put the voltmeter on each wire as you turn the key to "on" and "start". It doesn't take very long to have all the wires identified this way. Then use masking tape and write on it what each one does. I'll be using a Chrysler column and this will be my approach...
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Valley Center, CA
A few months ago I pulled out the gm column and replaced it with a FR unit. To identify the start and run wires I did it exactly the way Vern said. I used a light with the ice pick end and poked right through the insulation of the old wires. The start and run wires have no juice when the key is off. Then when the key is on the run circuit is hot but the start circuit is not. I have the wiring schematic around here somewhere for the FR. It is the standard che*y hook up. I'll see if I can find it. Good luck, John
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Originally posted by ferguson777
Vern,
No, but I wish I did as (at present) I'm in the same boat as you...
Later,
Vern,
No, but I wish I did as (at present) I'm in the same boat as you...
Later,
Well, I've printed out the chart you provided for GM and Ford, so when I get around to doing my Chrysler column I will TRY to keep track of the wire colors and provide them. If you do yours first, how 'bout you doing the same?
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i already tried that color chart and its not correct for my column and ive also tried the hook it up and trun the key and start testing wires but the problem is there is no red wire coming off of the column in the ignition bundle
so i can put power to the column correctly...
so anymore suggestions?
when i get to my office in a hour or two i will post a picture of the connector and list the colors coming off of the ignition area and maybe you guys can decifer them
thanks!
so i can put power to the column correctly...
so anymore suggestions?
when i get to my office in a hour or two i will post a picture of the connector and list the colors coming off of the ignition area and maybe you guys can decifer them
thanks!
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
I doubt that the wire colors in the chart would be correct for every GM column made. Look for the largest gauge wire going in to the column. It should be red, but it might be orange or pink. It will be a 10-12 gauge wire. There are only two wires of that size going into the column. One will be the main power wire and the other will be the one that goes to the starter solenoid/switch. The one going to the starter switch is almost always a large purple wire.
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here is a picture of the connector that i am having a problem with
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...=34982&width=0
so if anyone can tell what each wire is by color so i can start my truck with the key and also finally see my dakota digital guages light up
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...=34982&width=0
so if anyone can tell what each wire is by color so i can start my truck with the key and also finally see my dakota digital guages light up
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
It's been a few years since I last worked with a GM column, but I don't think the connector you have pictured is the one which brings in the power. Look for another connector with larger wires. Perhaps someone who has worked with a GM column more recently can tell just what the connector pictured is. It might be for part of your turn signal system...
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sorry but ive already got the turn signal setup all done and this is the only other wires coming off of the column there are no bigger or anymore wires for that matter
these are the 5 wires for the ignition for sure
now i just need to know which one is which
these are the 5 wires for the ignition for sure
now i just need to know which one is which
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Sorry, I'm fresh out of ideas. Someone who has worked on a GM column more recently may have more ideas.
As far as I know there were only two plugs for GM columns. One is 3 7/8 inches wide and referred to as model "P". The other is 4 1/4 inches wide and is referred to as model "F". If somehow your wiring kit has the wrong connector, you might end up with a connector with no place to plug it in, but I don't know if this is the problem with your harness or not. If the column came out of an 85 Trans-Am, I don't see how you could have an S-10 connector. Perhaps if you measured your connector and called Painless back and told them which model you have maybe they can determine if they have provided you the wrong harness connector...other than that, I'm stumped!
As far as I know there were only two plugs for GM columns. One is 3 7/8 inches wide and referred to as model "P". The other is 4 1/4 inches wide and is referred to as model "F". If somehow your wiring kit has the wrong connector, you might end up with a connector with no place to plug it in, but I don't know if this is the problem with your harness or not. If the column came out of an 85 Trans-Am, I don't see how you could have an S-10 connector. Perhaps if you measured your connector and called Painless back and told them which model you have maybe they can determine if they have provided you the wrong harness connector...other than that, I'm stumped!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 932
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From: DFW, TX
sandimasguy420,
I think I've worked on the same GM colums that Vern has, but here is an idea. GM changed the F-body cars in 82. Prior to that (and maybe after) the electircal part of the ignition switch was located on the lower portion of the column, under the dash. The key was a mechanical interface that only served to pull a rod that actuated the switch down below. That's why any punk with a big screw driver and a pair of pliers could break a GM column and steal the car.
Looking at your pic, those wires don't appear to be large enough for the ignition circuit. Is is possible that the lower switch is missing and the wires you have are for wiper/washer, bright/dim or any of that other stuff they now stick on the column?
Just an idea...Good Luck!
I think I've worked on the same GM colums that Vern has, but here is an idea. GM changed the F-body cars in 82. Prior to that (and maybe after) the electircal part of the ignition switch was located on the lower portion of the column, under the dash. The key was a mechanical interface that only served to pull a rod that actuated the switch down below. That's why any punk with a big screw driver and a pair of pliers could break a GM column and steal the car.
Looking at your pic, those wires don't appear to be large enough for the ignition circuit. Is is possible that the lower switch is missing and the wires you have are for wiper/washer, bright/dim or any of that other stuff they now stick on the column?
Just an idea...Good Luck!