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Poor connection instrument plug |
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DAMX 
AMC Apprentice 
Joined: Nov/13/2017 Location: Silicon Valley Status: Offline Points: 195 |
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 Topic: Poor connection instrument plugPosted: Jul/31/2021 at 4:19pm |
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Hello,
I am having issues with my dash lights because of a poor connection between the plug and the instrument circuit board. The dash lights are out then I wiggle the connector and they are back and very bright. Tap on the dash hard and they go out again. Wiggle the connector they are back. What is the best way too improve the connection between the plug and the pins on the circuit board? Thanks! Dono
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rodhhrod
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Joined: Jul/11/2010 Location: Oregon Status: Offline Points: 1041 |
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Posted: Jul/31/2021 at 5:44pm |
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What are you working on?
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bigbad69
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Joined: Jul/02/2007 Location: Ottawa, Ont. Status: Offline Points: 6668 |
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Posted: Jul/31/2021 at 6:07pm |
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Best guess from the information provided is a loose pin on the cluster circuit board. The fix for that is to remove the cluster and try to re-crimp the pin to the board so it doesn't wiggle, then solder it to get a good electrical connection. If one is loose, count on doing this to all the pins for the cluster connector.
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69 Javelin SST BBO 390 T10
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DAMX
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Joined: Nov/13/2017 Location: Silicon Valley Status: Offline Points: 195 |
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Posted: Jul/31/2021 at 7:04pm |
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The car is a 1968 AMX.
The circuit board is in very good condition (got from Pat Whiteside). The connector is really showing its age. I'll work on pressing out the sockets and working with them for a better fit on the pins. The plug is so loose it is effortless to unplug it. I'm sure this will be a trial and error operation. I was hoping someone had a trick for tightening them up.
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304-dude
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Joined: Sep/29/2008 Location: Central Illinoi Status: Offline Points: 9082 |
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Posted: Jul/31/2021 at 7:56pm |
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It is rare for looseness, but the connector that fits the pins, has barrel type fittings, which can spread open some when pushed time to time from removal.
There is a wee tab on the the barrel fitting in the connector. Haven't done the older round connector to know a trick for removal. If in a pinch, rolling a wee bit of copper foil around once, on the loose fitting pin, to take up the looseness. It may work for you and is un-intrusive to the connector. |
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71 Javelin SST body
390 69 crank, 70 block & heads NASCAR SB2 rods & pistons 78 Jeep TH400 w/ 2.76 Low 50/50 Ford-AMC Suspension 79 F150 rear & 8.8 axles Ford Racing 3.25 gears & 9" /w Detroit locker |
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DAMX
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Joined: Nov/13/2017 Location: Silicon Valley Status: Offline Points: 195 |
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Posted: Aug/01/2021 at 1:45pm |
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Rechecked pins are loose on the circuit board. I guess I know what I need to do...
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bigbad69
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Joined: Jul/02/2007 Location: Ottawa, Ont. Status: Offline Points: 6668 |
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Posted: Aug/01/2021 at 3:54pm |
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If you can't stabilize the pins, there is at least one member who has replaced them with a flying connector. i.e. remove the pins and solder in leads with crimp terminals, Chop the factory connector on the harness and replace with mating terminals. It's not concours correct, but it does relieve the stress in the circuit board connection. Molex is a good source for shells and terminals and can be bought through Digikey or Mouser.
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69 Javelin SST BBO 390 T10
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DAMX
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Joined: Nov/13/2017 Location: Silicon Valley Status: Offline Points: 195 |
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Posted: Aug/01/2021 at 7:11pm |
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3 pins were loose, and carefully soldered them to the board. Wiggle tested ensuring good connection. Needed to reflow solder as it was tough to get a good bond. Working much better, but not perfect. Barrel connectors likely need to be tightened. Pins are .090". I found wire that is .080". I will crimp the barrels to .080" for a tight fit. Hopefully that gets it 100%. Thanks for the advise!
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rodhhrod
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Posted: Aug/02/2021 at 10:24am |
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Buy a new repop circuit board from the outfit in Canada. They are very nice.
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S Curry
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Posted: Aug/02/2021 at 10:36am |
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I used SS machine screws on my broken pins. Just make sure they make contact with the trace on the PC board. No problems. Can't remember the size 4-32? run the bolt through the hole and put a nut on the other side for the cable connection socket to keep it secure....
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