Possible wire problem

[Bonzi Lon]

Under the right side of the console is a white/red wire with a fuse and had "masking tape" on it. It was old and falling off so I took it off to find it had been nicked and nearly cut in half. This has been this way since the PO. We tested it and it is "hot" all the time, key on "lock" to key at "on". I do beleive it is for the ignition switch and the ACC switch with a 20 amp fuse, correct me if I'm wrong.

My question is can this be soldered back together and taped or should I add a splice to have more wire contact? And should this be "hot" all the time?

Bonzi Lon

[Zs-ondabrain]

Most white/red large gauge wires in the Z are HOT leads. One goes to the ignition and one to the fuse box, I believe.

Finish the cut and reconnect it with a butt connector. Or finish the cut and solder both ends together then tape the hell out of it, or use heat-shrink over the solder joint.

Dave.

[EScanlon]

Careful...reconnecting a cut wire just because doesn't mean you won't be opening up a can of worms, or worse yet initiate a melt-down.

Is the car operating properly as it stands (with the taped off W/R wire)?

If it is, then the circuit that wire belongs to has been shunted and adding that wire back into the mix may be a nice way of short-circuiting the shunt. It may not be bad, but without checking it first it would be like diving head first into a creek.

There are only two W/R wires at the fuse box. One comes directly FROM the Alternator and the other goes directly TO the Acc Relay, Ammeter, Combination and Ignition Switches. It would be difficult if not impossible for the car to be running AND the balance of the car's electrical items without both of those circuits in place.

So if the Lights, Ammeter, Acc Relay etc. are operating properly, then I would check to see where and why that wire has been bypassed BEFORE I would just plug it back in.

My 2¢

E

[Bonzi Lon]

The wire in question is NOT the large w/r (at top of fuse box), and is not nor has been completley severed, it is still intact but with about 1/2 to 3/4 of the little copper wires connected. My thinking is all of the little wires should be connected to allow for proper voltage. This has been this way since I bought it, everything has in the past worked fine, just found it during refurbishment and think it needs attention.

Bonzi Lon

[EScanlon]

Then my mistake, I misinterpreted it to mean that the wire was un-connected.

Dave is spot on with his suggestion as to reconnecting it.

If you decide to use the butt connector try to have the wire ends touch in the middle before you crimp and crimp hard. Then as a precaution a dash of heatshrink won't hurt at all (remember to put it in place before you crimp.

E

[Bonzi Lon]

I thought this would be the way to repair it, but wanted to have the expert advice I have come to know and trust over the 2 years I have been a member. Dave and EScalon I thank you very much. I now beleive this was a "tap" for power to a radio or other peice of equipment before I was the owner. It will be repaired properly. Again I thank you for your advice.

Bonzi Lon

[Zs-ondabrain]

Glad to help. My guess would also be that it was "Tapped" and just needed to be repaired.

Dave.