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How I installed a voltmeter -- and why 200 1989

As I get closer to getting my voltmeter (OEM) installed on my '92 245DL, the more excited I become. I do have a question concerning accessing the chimer (schematic #94) wires, R-W and SB. This chimer is hard to access even after unlatching it from its mount. There is very limited length of wire harness to easily bring those wires conveniently into reach. I disconnected the chimer and have drawn the socket up, so, now I'm working through the cavity in dash with the gauge cluster removed. Still, it's a struggle. Due to the limited space, I'm using Scotch-Lok connectors. I have yet to get one Scotch-Lok connector to adequately secure to its intended chimer harness wire. One connector broke when squeezed with slip-joint pliers. In a second attempt, the gauge wire slipped from the connector as I was squeezing the connection with the pliers. I had to pry the connector off the R-W wire. I used a few short lengths of heat shrink tube to pair up the two wires coming from the gauge. So, with this setup, if I get the first connector to mate properly, and the second one fails in gripping the intended harness wire, I'll have more struggle to work the wire connection.

I'm using 20AWG wire. Unfortunately, I am stuck with 18-14 AWG Scotch-Lok connectors. I used heat shrink at the end of the gauge wires to fix the problem of the gauge wire slipping out of the connector. This builds up the circumference of the 20AWG and with it, it fits snuggly into the connector.

This brings me to a few ideas I need comment on. I noticed a few other R-W wires in the area that are more accessible. Just need to know if they would cause the gauge to function as it would connected to the chimer. One R-W wire with female socket is the one that would attach to the small tach. I currently do not have a tach. The second idea it to splice into the R-W wire leading to the circular connector (31/3) on the gauge cluster. Ground might attach to the "half moon" connector (32/4).

I noticed in your photo that you have sufficient length of harness to drop the chimer and work from below. It doesn't seem that way with my circumstance. As you know the wires lead into a larger harness that is wrapped in black-vinyl tape.

Any tips?

For the fun of Volvos,
Mike
--
'83 245 GLT, '92 245DL, '90 760 GLT






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New 10 How I installed a voltmeter -- and why [200][1989]
posted by  Art Benstein subscriber  on Thu Aug 26 05:49 CST 2010 >


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