SAMIboarder

iTrader: (2)

I replaced my old ignition harness with a brand new mazda piece. I noticed the old one had a ground wire or 2 going to a ring terminal, where as the new piece didn't. anyone know what the function of these ground wires are?

here's why I ask. my gauge cluster is all screwed up. the tach, speedo, odo, and temp gauges don't work (display anything). in my searching for possible causes, I have heard the ignition harness mentioned a couple of times but nothing solid. I was wondering if this could be my possible problem. of course, silly me, I threw the old harness out, or lost it when I moved or something.

Here is a picture of the harness in the '94 wiring diagram:
I am referring to the ones labeled "shield wire". should (or can I) I add these to my harness?

pinkrx7

iTrader: (2)

Mazda eliminated the ground on the newer ignition harnesses. If you searched you would have found that out. Also for your gauge cluster problem, make sure that your alternator connector plug is firmly connected to the alternator.

SAMIboarder

iTrader: (2)

okay, I see that mazda did change the harness. this must not be my issue then. the alternator plug is solid.

basically I suspect a bad ground somewhere based upon the way the cluster acts. so my quest is to figure out where and how the cluster grounds. appologies, but mazda's wiring diagrams have always confused me a bit.