

| Subject: | wiring for gauges |
| From: | Hector Zapata |
| Date: | Mon, 16 Jul 2001 21:18:33 -0400 |
Today I wired my VDO gauges, since my van is on jackstands, due to bad balljoints. I had previously bought the wires, 20 ft each, in blue, black and red. I used the A/C hoses as guide, since they run the length of the van underneath, and ran the wires up to where the fan switch is connected to the radiator. There I found a rubber plug under the carpet next to where the steering linkage exits the floor, and fished the wires from behind the instrument panel to the top of the dash, where my gauges are mounted, right between the ashtray and the windshield. I've found this position to give excellent visibility to to the gauges, since they're on line-of-sight, about the same height as the speedometer and tach. It resulted in a clean installation, no holes to drill, and took the connection for the lights from the ventilation control and 12 volts from ignition, all very close. I hope to try my set-up on Wednesday, when I expect to assemble my suspension and see how it works. I did something a little different for the mounting of the coolant temp sensor. A couple of months ago, had the coolant drained, can't remember what for, and removed the coolant expansion tank, very carefully drilled a hole and screwed the sensor directly to the tank. I used an o-ring to seal the sensor and made a ground wire for the sensor to work, since the thing is plastic. I've done this before to our Jetta, about four/five years ago, still going ok with no leaks. Still have to connect the pressure sensor yet, and will try an idea that someone on the list brought up, using a hose from a grease gun, since I had one, new, still on its package. For that I'll wait for the next oil change, and if anyone is interested, will let you know how it went. I had for this a brass t-adapter, female on all three sides, and already have the hose and VDO sender attached, and prepared a grounding wire for the hose. I'll be connecting the hose to the case, and on the other side, both senders. Sorry if I put anybody to sleep. Hector 1990 Carat
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