Hi all, I just picked up my first FD, a very clean CYM from Houston this weekend. Il post a pic in the photo thread if I can figure out how. I'm a EE student at SMU (Dallas).

As i expected I would, Iv been working on minor issues. First, the driver side window goes down, but sometimes doesent come up, until i put it down and then up real fast. I read the switch is problematic, but I pulled it and tested it, and it looks fine. Also I can put a battery on the motor connector directly and it goes up fine. I was wondering if their is a current limit or something that could stop the motor if it were binding a little or something.

Second, I noticed that the speedo sticks a little bit at highway speeds. if im cruising at 75 or so, it wont change until i slow down quite a bit. The car has white gauge faces, and i was wondering if they might cause it some how. I dont really know much about those. Im not a fan of the style either, does anyone know if their hard to remove without messing up the calibration.

One last general question concerning insurance. NADA value on the car is like 11K. And that is what the insurance company wants to insure it for. Obviously I paid more than that, but when I tried to tell them that, they said it must be modded, and they didn't want to insure it at all, when actually I looked for a while to find a semi-stock one. They agreed to insure it after we threatened to change all our cars, but I think its still for 11k. im worried that even a minor accident, and they will want to total it out. What do other people do about this.

Thanks for all the help.
Dale

 

The insurance thing is a problem with these cars. A lot of us would get about half of what our cars are worth if they were totalled. That's why a lot of people buy the car back from the insurance company and part it out. You can get a several grand by doing that.

If you're over 25, you can get one of those collector car/modified car insurance policies. Some of them will insure your car for whatever amount you decide with them. Do a search online, there are a few companies like that out there. Most of these companies require that you be over 25, but I'm still 24... that's why I am extremely **** and careful with my car.

The speedo problem is very likely because of the white gauge backing. Just take the gauge cluster apart and remove that thing, and the needle should be clear to move smoothely. I don't know about the window problem, that's something you will just have to debug yourself. Could be the motor on it's way out.

- Michael

 

I agree the insurance value is not a minor issue. At least check that your policy is set for 'replacement cost' and not strictly blue book. In the case of a big insurance claim you can then go out and find other FDs for sale of similar characteristics and use those prices as a basis for a proper value.

The special insurance policies usually come with a maximum annual mileage restriction, like 3000 or 5000mi. You can also buy gap coverage for any amount to cover the difference between your regular insurance policy and perceived market value.

I would take apart the window switch completely and clean the metal contacts. Common problem.

Dave

 

pics or ban

 

As far as the needle on the gauge goes, I don't believe it's the gauge face thats causing the problem. I've removed a few of stock gauge faces. Some to experiment with and others to change the face. You have to be very careful when putting the needle back on. They are very sensative and will sometimes stick. A couple of the ones I did, I drove around with the cluster out of the hood to make sure it was working right.

 

Check your door plug for moisture/corrosion as this is typical and leads to poor window performance even with a good switch. By door plug I'm referring to the plug where the wiring joins the main body.

 

I put a pic in the photo thread, the car is getting breaks worked on, but once i get it back and wash it il try to get more. When I took the window switch out, i checked all the leads, and the switch responds correctly, and if i put a battery directly to the connector on the door frame it works fine, thats why I was thinking their may be a current limiter in the switch or something.

sounds like the gauge or needle is at least worth checking. I think il plan to take it out and look them over on my next free weekend. I will probably taking the white faces off anyways because they dont really suit my taste.

Thanks again for fast responces
Dale