HELP With wiring issue

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Aug 19, 2010 | 09:15 PM

bostonpowerstroke

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HELP With wiring issue

I wanted to see if anyone could give me any input or advice on an issue I am facing.

I purchased a 1997 f250 7.3 diesel 4X4 that was switched from an auto to a 5spd. After taking in the truck to have the steering column rebuilt, the speedometer stopped working. I took it in and found out that the original harness was used with the conversion and that it was just tapped so it would seem that there must have been an issue with a loose connection.

I am also having the alternator light flickering on and off which may be a related issue.

I need to find a wiring harness that will work with the manual transmission as well as a manual ECU... I am trying to figure out where I can get the parts, how to do the work, and a recommended place to have it done (boston area).

Thanks so much, Mark

Aug 19, 2010 | 09:31 PM

ccarrier

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Joined: Feb 2010

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From: johnson city tn

have you tested your battery's and alternator yet? also there is a rubber hose that runs over the alt that rubs a wire and causes issues and a light to come on

Aug 20, 2010 | 07:20 AM

Brown Falcon

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From: Thomasville, GA

Get a good chip for the ECU (PCM) for a manual trans and it'll override the auto programming. I recommend PHP, TW, or DP Tuner. It'll be cheaper than a PCM and give you a power upgrade at the same time.

Wiring harness will probably be junkyard, but if you need info on the auto to manual swap and what wiring needs to be changed send a message to Redman84. He just did the swap recently and knows all the wiring that needs to be changed.

Aug 20, 2010 | 10:31 AM

redman84

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From: College Station, TX

Hey man. I think I can help you with some of that. I'm kinda busy at the moment but give me a few and I'll see what we can't come up with. I sure wouldn't go out and buy a wiring harness and PCM either unless you are CONFIDENT that they are no good. You can absolutely use both from an auto on a manual tranny.

Aug 20, 2010 | 02:34 PM

bostonpowerstroke

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thanks!

You're help would be GREATLY appreciated! I am trying to fix these problems but don't want to break the bank if possible. I am also going to have to find a place that can make these repairs as I work everyday 9-5 and live in the city now.

Thanks in advance for your help.

-Mark

Aug 22, 2010 | 09:53 AM

redman84

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Joined: Feb 2010

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From: College Station, TX

Alright bud, I have a few questions for ya just for some clarification.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bostonpowerstroke

...After taking in the truck to have the steering column rebuilt, the speedometer stopped working. I took it in and found out that the original harness was used with the conversion and that it was just tapped so it would seem that there must have been an issue with a loose connection.

Which harness are you speaking of? Transmission, dash guages, VSS, or another...
And just based off of what you've said, if the speedo worked BEFORE the column was rebuilt but not AFTER then my first place to troubleshoot is going to be wires involved with parts that they physically touched. Have you pulled the guage cluster out and tried wiggling or unplugging and plugging back in the wires?

Quote:

Originally Posted by bostonpowerstroke

I am also having the alternator light flickering on and off which may be a related issue.

That one I don't know. There are some other guys on here who are good with alternator troubleshooting. If you don't get one to chime in here soon then start you a thread titled "Alternator Light Flickering" or something like that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bostonpowerstroke

I need to find a wiring harness that will work with the manual transmission as well as a manual ECU...

I need you to differentiate again what harness you are referring to. Once you let me know what exactly you're referencing I think I may have some direction for ya. Well, hopefully anyway...

Aug 22, 2010 | 12:15 PM

MONAVIERONJON

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Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 903

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From: melbourne beach, fl

If i'm not mistaken both dash cluster systems are identical as far as the connectivity location of the pins and the auto trans indicator is merely two screws that is blacked out on the manual cluster.Have an extra loose dash/harness & cluster that i tested this out on as i chased wires,even seems like the auto o/d connector for an auto is pre wired into the manual harness as they use the same one.The steering columns are the same casting as well.