Identify This Wire?

[alan32433]

I have a 48 DeSoto with tip-toe shift transmission. Several years ago, I built a new wiring harness by duplicating the original using wire from Rhode Island Wiring. I haven't started installing the harness but I am ohms checking all the wiring against the wiring diagram. During the process, I found this wire and can't remember where it goes. I believe (?) this wire goes to the coil from the transmission relay connection labeled "PRI" but I'm not sure. It's 34 inches long and is shielded as you can see from the pictures. I figure the Dodge's or Plymouth's with the semi-auto transmission will be the same. If you have one of these cars and can tell me where it goes, I would appreciate it.

Alan

[TodFitch]

I haven't a clue where it might go.

But I had to mention that it seems odd that the ground sheath is only grounded at one end. I was under the impression that they ought always be grounded at both ends to actually do any good.

[Dodgeb4ya]

You were correct. This special wire assembly is taped into the Tip Toe wire harniss- both on 46-8 DeSoto and Chryslers. Your wire is not correct in the fact that the grounding braid has only one eyelet at one end.You need two eyelets-one to ground the coil bracket mount and the other to connect at the transmission relay mount screw on the fenderwell on the drivers side if thats where your relay is mounted. Through the center of this woven grond cable is the Black/W white tracer 16 ga. wire rthat connects at the coil+ stud and the other end goes to the trans relay "Pri." terminal. Here are some so so pictures of an old original transmission harniss assembly.

Bob

Edited July 27, 2009 by Dodgeb4ya

[alan32433]

Thanks to the responders, now I know how to connect it. One of you mentioned that the braid had eyes at both ends but it actually is grounded on one end only like the original. The braid runs to about 3/8 of an inch from the end and is covered with heat shrink simply to hold it in place. The black inner wire extends beyond the end of the shield and has the eyelet. The other end has the shield ground, the one you identified as mounting under the coil. Thanks for the info!

[Dodgeb4ya]

Thanks to the responders, now I know how to connect it. One of you mentioned that the braid had eyes at both ends but it actually is grounded on one end only like the original. The braid runs to about 3/8 of an inch from the end and is covered with heat shrink simply to hold it in place. The black inner wire extends beyond the end of the shield and has the eyelet. The other end has the shield ground, the one you identified as mounting under the coil. Thanks for the info!

More close up pictures to show you that the woven ground cable has eye connectors at both ends- NOT one end. One end bolts to the coil mounting bracket and the other end connects at the transmission relay mounting screw for complete grounding between the coil and the transmission relay. Your woven ground cable end eyelet is missing. It should not terminate with heat shrink 3/8" from the end of your primary wire- it must continue on to the next ground terninal. These better pictures are clear. Note also that these pictures are of a original transmission harniss. Your wire should be taped inside of the complete transmission harniss to look like stock.

Bob

[TodFitch]

More close up pictures to show you that the woven ground cable has eye connectors at both ends- NOT one end. One end bolts to the coil mounting bracket and the other end connects at the transmission relay mounting screw for complete grounding between the coil and the transmission relay. Your woven ground cable end eyelet is missing. It should not terminate with heat shrink 3/8" from the end of your primary wire- it must continue on to the next ground terninal. These better pictures are clear. Note also that these pictures are of a original transmission harniss. Your wire should be taped inside of the complete transmission harniss to look like stock.

Bob

That's the reason I was wondering. Typically you only use shielded cable if you are worried about electrical noise getting in or out. And shielding only works if both ends are properly terminated. My guess is that if that shield is not there you will have a bit of noise on the radio when the solenoid kicks in or out.

[alan32433]

I get the picture now. My old harness must have been missing the ground eyelet from one end. I can fix that pretty easy. I'm glad I asked the question. The transmission harness was in really bad shape, most of it patched in over the years by someone. I still need to figure out how to route it once I wrap the individual wires. Thanks for the help and the pictures.