MSD window switch with factory ignition (update 10/03)

[Skinny]

A while back you might remember the problems I was having with my MSD window switch working without an MSD ignition box. To recap: I sent my window switch in to be modified to a 2-cylinder application, which is what the techs at MSD told me I needed to do so it would work with the factory ignition. I got it back, wired it up, and tried it out. It wasn't working for me. The switch would come on at 3000 rpm, but as soon as I passed 3000, it shut off again. After talking with the techs again I sent it back, with a diagram of how I had it wired. Today the tech I've been dealing with called me and told me that now I needed to run it through a relay first, then to the nitrous system. He's now sending it back to me with a diagram of how to wire it through the relay. I'll update you when I get it back, just thought some of you others that want a window switch without throwing down the $$ for a msd ignition might want to know.
[img]graemlins/burnout.gif[/img]

[ September 27, 2002: Message edited by: 96BeastV6 ]

[ October 03, 2002: Message edited by: 96BeastV6 ]</p>

[12secondv6]

Great news!!!!
Thanks a lot.
Yes, when you have all the info post it please

[Skinny]

The switch arrived a few days gao. I will be putting it on and testing it TODAY. Will update very soon.

[Skinny]

Ok, I put the window switch on with a relay I bought from Radio shack. So far I'm not having any luck :( . The wiring diagram that was sent to me was to provide a +12V, but after a quick conversation with an MSD tech I figured out how it should be wired. I hear the relay clicking but the ground to the FPSS is never provided. I don't know jack about relay's so I'm not sure if there's any difference in the relay I have and the msd relay. The tech said the MSD relay is a typical 5-prong automotive relay. This link is a picture of the diagram sent to me. The relay I have is exactly like this except there is no "87a" prong. All the other prongs are labeled the same as in the diagram from MSD and there is the number "87" written in the center of the relay where the "87a" prong would be, there's just no prong there. The only difference in the pictured diagram and the one to provide a ground is that prong "30" gets a ground instead of a +12V. I went to radio shack and couldn't find a relay with a 5th prong on it. The only ones I could find that were even close is the same one I have now. Tomorrow I'm going to see about getting the MSD relay.

[Dojo2000]

Run down to Advanced Auto or Wal-mart and you'll find the 5 prong relay. I just can't remember what the name for the relay is.

http://www.howstuffworks.com/relay1.htm

[Skinny]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Dojo2000:
Run down to Advanced Auto or Wal-mart and you'll find the 5 prong relay. I just can't remember what the name for the relay is.

http://www.howstuffworks.com/relay1.htm<hr></blockquote>

I went to autozone and didn't see any relays there. I'll try Walmart tonight if I get bored, tomorrow if not.

[OneQuickV6]

Most parts stores here don't have relays just sitting around. Ask an employee, they will get what you need. Take a picture with the numbers for the prongs, and such to them so you make sure to get the right one. You can probably pick one up at any decent stereo shop too.

[12secondv6]

Well, sorry to hear that it did not work.
I can't help ya cause as we all know I am useless with wiring and electrical.
Keep us updated.
Dojo, thanks for the link, now I can read up a bit more

[Skinny]

Ok, I tried a new relay (another $5 relay from radio shack, not the $30 msd relay) and that one had the same results as the other. I just got off the phone with MSD and now they're telling me that I need to connect the white wire on the window switch to a (-) terminal on a coil instead of the white wire from the ignition module harness. This means that I'm gonna have to take out a coil, then find some way (solder?) to put a wire under it. This will be fun. Since it was converted to two-cylinder, I need to connect it to just 1 coil (which gives the spark for 2 cylinders) so it can get the correct signal, instead of the white tach wire from the ignition module which gives a signal based on all 6 cylinders.

Well, I'm going out to give it a shot.

[AZ3.8Camaro]

Why, instead of converting it to 2 cylinders, didn't they convert it to 6? Do they not have the "technology" :D

[Skinny]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by AZ3.8Camaro:
Why, instead of converting it to 2 cylinders, didn't they convert it to 6? Do they not have the "technology" :D <hr></blockquote>

Converting to 6 is just clipping one wire. For some reason that does not work with our ignition.


Anyway.. I pulled up a coil pack, and tested both terminals under it (the little posts that stick up). I tested the two posts and both of them showed +12V?!?!? I called MSD back and the smart-*ss tech says "Try another." So I tried ALL the coils and guess what... +12V from ALL of them. So where the he*l is the coil NEGATIVE terminal?!?!?!?!?!?!?! I called back but they were already closed. :(
Will call again tomorrow...

[ October 03, 2002: Message edited by: 96BeastV6 ]</p>

[12secondv6]

Thanks for the update, sorry for them closing :(

[AZ3.8Camaro]

Beast, I am pretty sure that there is no ground terminal. The coil only puts out postive power and the plugs are grounded by the block (Thats what ALMOST completes the circuit and causes the spark to jump) You should just be able to use any ground on your car as the ground. All of the terminals will be positive.

EDIT - I am kinda handy with electrical crap, send me a copy of the instructions that came with the thing, let me see what I can make of it, also if you can take a pic of the window switch, and send me that too. Let me know, I hope I can help.

[ October 06, 2002: Message edited by: AZ3.8Camaro ]</p>

[pgriffith]

Sounds like alot of work. Keep us updated though. I want to find out how to do this. If you get it to work I am going to try it. Might have been easier to buy a MSD DIS-4 huh? Well goodluck.

[OneQuickV6]

My window switch should have been sent off by now...A guy from a local shop was supposed to send it for me since they usually only charge him about $10 to modify them. As soon as it gets back I will give an update and details on how to hook it up right.