Conversions & Swaps LSX Engines in Non-LSX Vehicles
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Pontiac electrical problem

Old Sep 30, 2010 | 07:05 PM
  #1  
pushrod36's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 122
Likes: 1
From: Richmond, VA
Default Pontiac electrical problem

I am having a problem with my electrical system. Namely, I am only getting 9V of ignition switched power at the ECU. I am swapping a LS1/t56 into a '68 GTO.

I was told to check the black bulkhead electrical connector because it often gets gummed up with the grease that was originally used to prevent the pins from corroding. It was dirty, so I cleaned it out good, but still no improvement. I checked the battery: 12V. I also checked the voltage across the key switch, 12V there, too, so I know that is not the problem.

There is 1.5 ohms of resistance between the ECU and the battery terminal when the key is in the 'on' position. I want to say that whatever is wrong must be between the key switch and the bulkhead connector, but with such little resistance I am not sure what could possibly be the matter. Does anyone have an idea of something to investigate next?
Reply
Old Sep 30, 2010 | 07:43 PM
  #2  
FastKat's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,487
Likes: 2
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Default

That's a tough one. Are you certain that you have 12v coming out of the ignition switch? Are you sure you're testing the correct wire?

Are you using a digital or analog multimeter?
Reply
Old Sep 30, 2010 | 08:12 PM
  #3  
pushrod36's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 122
Likes: 1
From: Richmond, VA
Default

I am sure I tested voltage across the switch. I also completely remove the switch and tested resistance across it. I know I have the correct pins because they are labelled on the back of the switch.

I am using a digital multimeter.
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2010 | 12:56 PM
  #4  
mantycarguy's Avatar
Launching!
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 213
Likes: 3
From: Manitowoc wi.
Default

Have you checked your ecm grounds? Remove the connector at the ecm and recheck your voltage at the correct pin to battery negative. Then check your voltage again from that same pin to the ecm ground pins to determine if you have readings within .5 volts of each other. if not correct the grounds for the ecm or still better yet run the ecm grounds directly to the battery negative.
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2010 | 12:24 PM
  #5  
pushrod36's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 122
Likes: 1
From: Richmond, VA
Default

I believe that I have determined my problem. I used the wire that used to supply the distributor to supply switched voltage to my ECU. This wire has an internal resistance to step the voltage down to 6V. If I replace this wire I should be in good shape.

Next problem...does anyone know how to de-pin this coupler?
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2010 | 08:36 PM
  #6  
FastKat's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,487
Likes: 2
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Default

Post up a picture!

Originally Posted by pushrod36
Next problem...does anyone know how to de-pin this coupler?
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2010 | 07:25 PM
  #7  
pushrod36's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 122
Likes: 1
From: Richmond, VA
Default

The wire was indeed the problem.

I found out that the coupler is de-pinned by squeezing the blade type pins together and pulling on the wire you are trying to remove.
Reply


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:27 AM.

story-0
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-1
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-2
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-3
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-4
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-5
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-8
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-9
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE