Will anything go wrong if I turn my car to the "on" position but not start my car with all the connectors disconnected from the instrument cluster? Also I have my whole interior stripped to no dash, carpet, evaporator, heater box and blower. All disconnected.

Organized questions:

Is it safe to turn my car "on" but not start with just the ignition plugged in?

I'm scared it will mess up something in the electronics, like the odometer or something like that?

Also should I plug in my air bag with the diagnostic module?

I would have my stock ECU plugged in obviously.

Sorry for the noob question, I don't want to mess anything up. I'm redoing my interior and want to troubleshoot my radio and the antenna motor, while everything is visible.

I appreciate if you can respond with some knowledge.

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No, it won't cause any problems

 

Yes you'll be fine

 

To break down the answer a bit -

First off, you SHOULD be fine. I haven't seen your car. If a rat ate half the wiring and the other half is held together with wire nuts there could be a problem. If it's in good shape and stock-ish, you'll be fine.

Odometer - this circuit is entirely in the instrument cluster. If it's unplugged it won't do anything.

Airbag - the airbag computer could do a beep code with no airbag. It won't care or store a code or anything. If it's annoying you you can unplug the airbag computer while doing what you're doing. On my car (a 94) it's on the driver's side of the heater core near the firewall. I think 93's may have it in another spot.

Any bare connectors touching ground could be a problem. If your engine is all in and assembled with the alternator hooked up and starter hooked up that's the big "hot" leads that could cause problems. If you have any car audio amp wiring double-check that, I've seen LOTS of amps run off the positive terminal of the battery with no in-line fuse, that's a fire waiting to happen.

Dale

 

Thanks so much! I did have wire nuts for the gauges when I purchased the car but took them out. The previous owner didn't tap into many wires so that's good. (I'm obviously fixing the wires correctly before I apply power to anything) Not that you care and probably won't respond back but I appreciate your time. I wonder sometimes if people are paid to help the community on this form.

 

Nope, I don't get nuttin' out of this but the satisfaction of helping others. I was a noob at one point believe it or not!

Good luck with it!

Dale