Auto Lights... what pieces are necessary?

RickwithaTbird · #1 02-17-2005, 05:13 PM

So, I mentioned in my other thread that I am putting stuff from my t bird into an 89 accord. This is the first issue that I will need to know about. What pieces do I have to take from the T Bird in order to make it work in another car? I know some of you are pretty savvy with the electrical systems in the birds, hopefully someone knows this. Im sure the auto lights will function if I get all the pieces, but I don't want to forget any. What parts do I have to take out, and where are they all located?

So far, I have the light sensor, the light switches, and the harnesses for each. Are there any parts inbetween that I need? Thanks... Rick

97Bird · #2 02-17-2005, 08:59 PM

You also need the Autolamp Dual Coil Relay that is to the right of the steering column under the dash, the primary and secondary junction blocks. The secondary block is in back of the ADCR. If you are really serious about this swap then go to helminc.com and buy the electrical and vacuum troubleshooting manual for your year car. This book will give you the schematics and location of all the parts you need.

RickwithaTbird · #3 02-17-2005, 09:07 PM

Thank you 97Bird, that was a quick response! So is the ADCR the primary junction block? Or do you mean that the ADCR and the secondary junction block are right next to each other, and the primary junction block is somewhere else? I will definitely go to that site. Hopefully they can get the book to me in a day or two, cuz I really need to finish up with the car so I can get my check lol. Anyways, I will try to remove the ADCR and the 2ndary j-block tomorrow, do you know what they look like, so I can get an early start before the book arrives?
Thanks again!

Rick

97Bird · #4 02-18-2005, 05:36 PM

The secondary junction block in a 1997 is located (when sitting in the car) to the right of the steering column and mounted near the firewall under the dash. There are 8 connector plugs on it. The ADCR has a rectangular plug with 6 wires in a straight line going into it. It's mounted under the dash closer to the seat (rearward) and about in line with the sec j-block. The primary junction block is under the hood. It's the square box with the fuses inside. Again, this is for a 1997 so the book for a 1996 would give you better info.

97Bird · #5 02-18-2005, 05:47 PM

Go to painlessperformance.com to get a fuse block to take the place of the primary j-block when you put it in the ricer. They might even have some type of teminal block to take the place of the sec. j-block. When you get the book with the schematics in it you will see it will be easier to make up your own harnesses for this swap or cut open the harnesses you have now and remove all of the wires you don't need. It really doesn't look too complicated to do as long as you can find the right wires to splice into or cut in the ricer. Helm may even have an electrical book for that car which would be very useful in this project.

RickwithaTbird · #6 02-19-2005, 12:54 AM

sweet, dude thanks! Thats great info, I wish I could always come up with my own answers like that without asking. You're the man!!

RickwithaTbird · #7 02-23-2005, 05:19 PM

Well, I didnt order the book because I would have had to pay 70 bucks if I want to make sure I get it in time. I plan on buying it eventually, but I don't want it that bad right now. Does that book list the colors and functions of each wire? For now I will just pull the pieces out, and hang on to them, and later on I will get the book and figure out the wires' purposes. I have until Monday or Teusday to have the car completely put back together, and it will only take about an hour or two to finish putting everything back in, so I have a few more days to work on it.

If you don't mind me asking you, do you know what the purpose of the Junction blocks are? Do they have any control over the lights, or do they just connect the wires? If all they do is connect the wires, then like you said, I could make my own harnesses.

I am keeping the auto lamp light switch, and the whole light switch assembly, the light sensor, and the ADCR (I'm still not sure I know which plug the ADCR is, but I'll use my best judgement).

So, if I connect all the corresponding wires to those things (with homemade harnesses instead of the junction blocks), will they function, and give me use of automatic lights?

97Bird · #8 02-23-2005, 07:42 PM

Go to your library and ask for the Mitchell electrical book for your year car. At my library you can photocopy the schematic pages for 15 cents each. The primary j-block provides the fuses and also connections between the connectors plugged into it. The sec j-block just provides connections between the connectors plugged into it. To do away with the j-blocks you could use in-line fuses, which it looks like you will need three (for a 97), and just splice your wires together. Be sure to solder all connections and use heat shrink tubing on all of them for a clean and safe splice. You can get heat shrink tubing at AutoZone, I think. You slide it over the wires far enough away from the splice so that went you solder, the heat doesn't cause it to shrink. Once the soldering is complete, slide the tubing over the splice and heat it until it tightly shrinks over the splice.

RickwithaTbird · #9 02-24-2005, 01:44 AM

cool, I will definitely make my way to the library. You always know what you are talking about, its so cool. I appreciate it. Thanks,

Rick

RickwithaTbird · #10 02-27-2005, 03:04 PM

I believe I found the ADCR and the 2ndary J Block, but I cant find any pictures to confirm it. So I made these pictures with MS paint so I could ask if you think its them.

Here is what I believe to be the ADCR:

and here is what I believe to be the Secondary Junction Block:

I just used random colors for the wires. If those are the correct pieces, what else will the 2ndary junction block disable? I went to the library but I couldnt find the Mitchell book you told me about.

Also, if I do take the secondary junction block, which of the plugs would I need? Should I just take all the plugs? If I do that, will the car still be able to turn over? I am not allowed to disable the car. I hope Im not asking too many questions.
Thanks,

Rick

97Bird · #11 02-27-2005, 08:48 PM

That's probably the ADCR but the j-block doesn't look the same as a 97 so I can't tell you what connectors you need. Since you plan on going to school to learn how to install audio gear I'm sure they will teach you how to make good solder connections and harnesses. Use this knowledge to make up your own harness using the plugs for the components you already have out of the car. Don't just cut the plugs off of the harness but save as much of the wire from the original harness as possible. That will make a neater install and you avoid having to solder wires together at both the plug and where the wires will be spliced together. It also cuts your chances of screwing up connections in half!!! Good luck in school.

RickwithaTbird · #12 02-27-2005, 10:28 PM

cool, thank you. The picture I made of the 2ndary junction block isnt accurate, I made up my own configuration of the plugs because I forgot how ot actually was. But I guess I will just keep the ADCR, and leave the junction blocks since I ought to be learning how to make my own anyways. It will be months from now, but I will let you guys know when I am actually doing this project. Thanks for your help 97Bird!

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