| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| cvh2011 |
Posted - Oct 07 2011 : 6:12:40 PM
Hi, I'll ry to keep this short....
I have a '90 RX7, coupe. Still runs great. I have a few electrical probs. First, after installing a new aftermarket stereo, horn blows intermittenly. When I purchasaed the vehicle, years ago, the owner told me he disconnected the antenna. I dont know how to reconnect it, I think the horn and antenna are somehow linked.
Secondly, I had to buy a new headlight switch. The headlights blink on and off on their own since being replaced. It has done this with two new switches, so it is not the switch. There is no movement, they are not raised, but, you can tell they are on and similar to the horn they blink on/off. I'm also wondering if this is due to the antenna being disconnected as I purchased a new secondary harness to draw power from my battery to my headlight switch.
Im wondering if it is somehow all linked due to the fact that the antenna is disconnected. Also, it seems as though my theft deterrent system no longer works.
thanks in advance for any suggestions.
(Edit...Move to RX-7) |
| 3 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Aaron Cake |
Posted - Oct 15 2011 : 10:27:54 AM
I can't see how your mechanic could look you in the eye and say that sometimes changing the stereo causes the horn to honk. That's either very ignorant, or very dishonest. But then again, she may have been referencing the security features found in newer vehicles designed to thwart stereo theft. Then again, she should have realized that there's no such feature in a car of the FC vintage.
At any rate, I can't really give you any specifics. The issue may have something to do with the stock security system. Try unplugging the harness from the security module as a troubleshooting step.
I've seen the blinking lights caused by a defective turn signal switch. A fried headlight switch may take out both. Make sure to check the condition of the headlight switch harness as it can be damaged by a bad switch. The connector tends to melt.
Another thing you can try (with probably needs to be done anyway) is to resolder the large solder joints (and any others that look sketchy) in the CPU (driver kick panel). They often fail which cause all kinds of symptoms.
I just have not played with the stock security system enough to be able to troubleshoot it remotely. |
| cvh2011 |
Posted - Oct 10 2011 : 11:02:13 AM
Thanks for your reply.
The reason why I thought the horn blowing was due to the newly installed radio was because my mechanic asked, she said sometimes it would cause it. Sadly, Im not very mechanically or technically inclined, I do intend on ordering the Haynes manual, however. I still have my original manuals as well; Alas, they were not much assistance.
I have a '90 coupe and '90 conv. I actually had to replace both headlight switches at the same time, costly I know. They were used. The conv. works brilliantly. I ordered two used ones for the coupe. Both do the same thing, the lights blink and flicker while on their own while in the down position. So, I don't think it is the actual switch(s). There has to be a wiring or secondary issue.
The secondary harness of which I wrote, is a 100/90W Hi-Grade Head lamp Tune up; it is supposed to draw power from the battery. I'm not really sure it is considered a "harness." I heard that the headlight switches have their own power and have probs with new headlamps(?). So, this may assist in prolonging the newly replaced switches life. I installed one in each car, so I dont think it is that. Because, in my vert, it's fine.
But, so far I noticed that when I have my horn connected, the lights do not blink anymore. It may be coincidence? Usually, I disengage the horn connector. So, I was thinking there may exist a link of some sort.
Thanks again. |
| Aaron Cake |
Posted - Oct 08 2011 : 10:49:45 AM
quote:
Originally posted by cvh2011
I have a '90 RX7, coupe. Still runs great. I have a few electrical probs. First, after installing a new aftermarket stereo, horn blows intermittenly. When I purchasaed the vehicle, years ago, the owner told me he disconnected the antenna. I dont know how to reconnect it, I think the horn and antenna are somehow linked.
The horn is a simple switch on the steering wheel that sends ground to the CPU, which switches a relay. None of the stereo wiring has anything to do with it unless you grounded the unit to somewhere weird. The antenna on the FC is ground switched unlike most that are positive switched. So if you want it to work, you'll need to use a relay to ground it.
First step is to obtain the wiring diagrams so you can take a look at the circuits and know how they work.
The Factory Service Manuals for all years of RX-7 (and many other rotary cars) can be downloaded for free here: http://foxed.ca/foxed/index.php?page=rx7manual . They contain all common service information information and more, and are an essential tool for any sort of service work that needs to be performed on these cars.
Additionally, the Haynes service manual for the 1986 thru 1991 RX-7 (both turbo and NA) can be found at most local auto parts stores or purchased from any good bookstore (ISBN number 1 56392 007 7). It is only about $25 and is a great quick reference for things like this. Not only does it contain most of the information in the FSM condensed into an easy to read format, but it includes full wiring diagrams as well.
These manuals will answer 99% of service related questions for the car and if you intend to do your own repair work, you will need at least one of them. Preferably both, since the FSM is a free download. The Haynes is a good quick reference covering 99% of questions, while the FSMs show complete and detailed procedures.
quote:
Secondly, I had to buy a new headlight switch. The headlights blink on and off on their own since being replaced. It has done this with two new switches, so it is not the switch. There is no movement, they are not raised, but, you can tell they are on and similar to the horn they blink on/off. I'm also wondering if this is due to the antenna being disconnected as I purchased a new secondary harness to draw power from my battery to my headlight switch.
Nothing to do with the antenna, but the cause could be bad grounds for both. There is a big ground cluster near the trailing coil at the shock tower that grounds many dash circuits. Check and clean it.
Headlight switch problems are VERY common. The headlight circuit runs through the turn signal switch as well. Are these new switches you are using or used ones? Headlight switch problems are very common.
Please tell me more about this secondary harness.
You're just going to have to go over the wiring and see what has been hacked. |
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