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Swithch Light Help Needed......

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Old Dec 8, 2001 | 05:26 PM
  #1  
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Default Swithch Light Help Needed......

I installed my switch light a week or so ago and today I went to try it out...Well when I turned the key on the light flashed so everything is a go so far...but then when I hit 5400 RPMs the light did not come one, so I rechecked the wires made sure that they were all connected correctly, and everything was fine. I even took off the tap on the #10 wire from the PCM and made sure it was a good connection, everything was good to go. So from here I am lost as to why the light is failing to work. My Uncle stated that it could be a bad ground, but why would the light come on when the car is started but not at the correct RPM??? Please Help....Thank You, Michael
(MSD Switch Light)
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Old Dec 9, 2001 | 03:25 PM
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Default Re: Swithch Light Help Needed......

One more question to add. I was relooking over the instructions to the MSD shift light and it looks to as if the light was not suppose to be hooked straight to a tach wire. The was it looks it was meant to be hooked up to the coil. But the instructions look ro an older car, and not our set-up. Can anyone please help me out on this matter????? Michael <img src="images/icons/confused.gif" border="0">
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Old Dec 9, 2001 | 06:36 PM
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Default Re: Swithch Light Help Needed......

I don't have a wiring breakdown for the 2000's, so I can't tell you if you're on the correct wire from the PCM or not, but...

Make sure that the shiftlight is set up for a 4 cylinder. It's required to be hooked up that way. My old Autometer light had a 3-position switch on the back of it, but I'm not sure how the MSD light is set up.
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Old Dec 10, 2001 | 06:37 AM
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Default Re: Swithch Light Help Needed......

[quote]Originally posted by GeorgeC:
Make sure that the shiftlight is set up for a 4 cylinder. It's required to be hooked up that way. My old Autometer light had a 3-position switch on the back of it, but I'm not sure how the MSD light is set up.[/QB]<hr></blockquote>

The MSD light comes with wire loops in the back that you can cut to set it up for an 8 6 or 4. It came from the factory set for 8. Why would it work set to 4 cyclinder??? I don't understand...Thanks <img src="images/icons/confused.gif" border="0"> <img src="images/icons/confused.gif" border="0">
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Old Dec 10, 2001 | 07:17 AM
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Default Re: Swithch Light Help Needed......

Because of the way an LS1's ignition/tach signal works... Trust me on this one, and cut the loop(s).
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Old Dec 10, 2001 | 10:15 AM
  #6  
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Default Re: Swithch Light Help Needed......

I just got off the phone with Vick/MSD Tech and he stated that the only way to get the switch light to work is to send the light to them to have it modified to read from a 5v square wave which is what the #10 wire puts out from the PCM.
Now my question to you GeorgeC is: By cutting the loops to have it set-up for a 4 cylinder is that what I will be doing? Or are they talking about something totally diffrent??? I really do appreciate all your help GeorgeC....Thanks <img src="images/icons/wink.gif" border="0">
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Old Dec 10, 2001 | 02:08 PM
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Default Re: Swithch Light Help Needed......

GeorgeC...Good deal, I will try cutting the loops and see how it turns out...Thanks for all your help I really do appreciate it a lot..Michael <img src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
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Old Dec 11, 2001 | 12:04 AM
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Default Re: Swithch Light Help Needed......

No, setting the light to the 4cyl setting makes it compatible with our 2-pulses per revolution ignition system. What the MSD rep told you on the phone is totally different, but may be necessary as well. I know some earlier Autometer shift lights weren't quite as sensitive as they needed to be, and had to be modified to work properly on an LS1. My Autometer light, and current Autometer tach both work fine.

Since you're going to have to cut the wire loops anyway, I'd try that before sending the unit to MSD. You may not need to have it updated...

[ December 10, 2001: Message edited by: GeorgeC ]</p>
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Old Dec 12, 2001 | 06:25 AM
  #9  
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Default Re: Swithch Light Help Needed......

<img src="graemlins/gr_hail.gif" border="0" alt="[hail]" />
GeorgeC you are da man. I cut the wires yesterday and just like you stated the light worked. Man was that a great feeeling. Thanks again GeorgeC I really do appreciate your help!! <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0">
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Old Dec 12, 2001 | 07:53 AM
  #10  
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Default Re: Swithch Light Help Needed......

No problem Michael, glad to hear you got it working!
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