clokker

iTrader: (2)

Recently, while chasing down some cooling issues (since resolved), I needed to add a manual switch for my efan.

I didn't want to do anything permanent nor was I thrilled about routing wires through the firewall, so I started thinking of alternatives and this is what I came up with...

All RX-7s come with a complete wiring harness, meaning that circuits are in place even if the car didn't come with the option. This is why we have so many unused connectors floating about.

The unused circuit that interested me was for the AAS- perfect for the application because it puts the switch on the transmission console and has connectors at the strut towers. I even had the correct Mazda NORMAL/SPORT console switch, pirated for an unknown reason from a junkyard S4 (I'm attracted to weird things and snag them whenever possible for "future use").

Studying the FSM diagrams, I discovered that this switch simply applies ground when depressed to SPORT, NORMAL does nothing.
The computer for the adjustable suspension is (supposedly) located in the rear of the car at the spare tire well.
Sure enough, the connector was present, just hanging there waiting to be exploited.
Interesting- albeit trivial- sidenote...this connector is identical to the one used for the warning light/clock cluster and I just so happened to have the proper mate for it left over from my relocation of the cluster project...

This connector contains the wire from the switch and all the wires exiting to the strut towers. Using an ohmmeter, I identified the wires I wanted and simply jumpered them together (I used the matching connector but a simple wire jumper would work just as well).
Set up this way I now had a wire at the front strut tower that connected to ground through a stock switch in the console.
I used this ground to trip the high speed fan relay.

Hardly earth shattering but I thought it was an interesting use of the stock harness to achieve a non-stock result.
I didn't have to permanently modify anything nor rummage around in the footwell snaking wires and the entire install appears completely stock.

Win/win, IMO.

Pele

iTrader: (28)

I was about to point out a minor problem in your setup until you mentioned the computer... LOL...

It'd be kinda funny having the fan come on automagically when you stomped on the brake or hit the throttle really hard.

I gotta see if there's an accelerometer or something special in that computer... Or if they just use the pressure switch in the master cylinder for that.

Black Knight RX7 FC3S

iTrader: (7)

seeing as they put the computer all the way in the back end there should be some kind of accelerometer of such. Placing it at the end of the car, it can read movements more finer.

I was thinking about using many of the unused emission wiring connectors so I dont have to string in so many wires into the engine bay. I can just follow the wire inside and split it off.

sharingan 19

iTrader: (16)

I don't recall having that connector under the trans console, but now I feel compelled to go look. Beats my wire through the abs harness grommet setup.

The biggest problem I've run into trying to use stock wires and write things the "right" way (read: w/ properconnectors) is that no one seems to sell sets of male and female multi-pin connectors. Tried to find some for my custom-stock gauge cluster but had to settle for a bunch of bullet connectors...I guess I need to start raping cars@ the yard for all manner of randomness now

lastphaseofthis

iTrader: (8)

What? Pele, the AAS uses electronic actuators on the shocks/struts. and is in noway connected to the throttle/brakes.. lol you read ABS!

good job using your head. i wired up two subs to an Amp, and ran a wire from the ant for the remote using the wires from the AAS system. and then could turn the subs off using the "sport" mode switch. then the sub went into the towers..

Pele

iTrader: (28)

^
No, I read correctly.

The Automatic Adjusting Suspension system shocks had three settings:
-Normal
-Firm
-Extra Firm

In the Normal mode on the selector switch, all four shocks would be set on Normal mode.
If you hit the throttle really hard, the AAS would make the rear shocks go Firm while accelerating.
If you hit the brakes really hard, the computer would set the front shocks to Firm.

In Sport mode on the selector switch, all four shocks would be set on Firm mode.
If you hit the throttle really hard, the AAS would make the rear shocks go Extra Firm while accelerating.
If you hit the brakes really hard, the computer would set the front shocks to Extra Firm.


You'll notice on AAS equipped vehicles, on the bottom of the master cylinder, there's a sensor. It was on some 1986 GXLs that I was working on and neither car had Anti-Lock braking systems.

I assume this sensor was to detect braking pressure.

papiogxl

iTrader: (6)

Read through the FSM really quick. Makes no mention of accelerometers, and has a throttle, steering, and brake input. Pretty safe to say that it does not have any accelerometers inside.

Pele

iTrader: (28)

^

I'd bet accelerometers were expensive back in the mid-early 80's as well.
Now, they have them on a single chip and put em in cell phones, laptops, video game controllers... But back then I bet the only ones available had mechanical parts like gyroscopes and such...