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Old 02-17-2025, 02:50 PM
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Default Help to identify cut 12 guage red wire above steering column

Hello Guys,

I have the new carpeting in - and wiring in all changes before installing dash and gauges.

I have this previously cut 12 gauge red wire from taped harness above steering column. Both cut ends seem to be open ends to the same wire and I am not sure of what this power feed was or is for. It looks like it should go over steering column to fuse block to feed something behind the dash.

In looking over the detailed schematics I have I cant identify which 12 gauge red wire this is and its purpose.

See photos to help identify - thank you.
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  #2  
Old 02-17-2025, 06:02 PM
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The only 12 gauge red wires I know is 2 will go to the ignition switch. One goes to the horn relay, but I think should be on outside firewall?

They all go to a soldered joint along with other red wires. (under the dash I think?)
I know there is a soldered B+ by the alternator but think that is another one that goes to the firewall connector. (they also have fusible links)


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Old 02-17-2025, 06:41 PM
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The cut red wire in my photos is a wire that is clearly a stock wire that is in the Y harness behind the dash - the stock harness above the steering column and feeds the components behind the dash.

I have an after market steering wheel where the previous owner did not hook up the horn so that I dont know about the connection or the relay location.

I did find by the schematic that the dark green wire at the steering column is for the horn. I know it was months ago when I was able to sound the horn by applying a ground (I believe I grounded it anyway it was a while ago). to that dark green wire at the steering column. I was able to get the horn to sound so I assume the wire inside the column is not right. I was going to tackle that another time. Larger fishes to fry right now.

I think the horn circuit is wired correctly but am not sure at this point. Once I figure out what this red wire is for I will find the horn relay and see if that circuit is wired right.

Months ago, I did find two red wires outside the firewall behind the fusebox that were really shadily spliced for whatever reason - I think to bring power into the cabin but not sure. I cut out those butt splices and correctly spliced the cut wires and sealed from weather.

I am not sure why people mutilate these cars for wiring purposes when you can just bring another circuit to wherever you need it easier than cutting existing wires.

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Old 02-17-2025, 06:46 PM
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Sorry - this is for a 79 TA 403- I thought I put that in the original post.

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Old 02-17-2025, 07:12 PM
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Quote:
I know there is a soldered B+ by the alternator but think that is another one that goes to the firewall connector. (they also have fusible links)
That is my fear that someone cut out a fusible link somewhere which would not be good.

My detailed black and white schematic is multiple pages and hard to read as it is all black and white. It shows one 10 gauge red wire from fuse block (i believe the horn circuit) splicing with 4 separate 12 gauge wires somewhere unknown to me - probably inside the cabin. From that main splice it shows 1 12 gauge going to horn relay 2 separate 12g wires going to an unknown connector labeled "ignition switch" (I believe this connector is on top of the steering column shown in my photos) and 1 12g going to the fire wall connector to outside engine compartment.

The cut ends of the existing wire show that the unknown wire is in the stock taped harness and I am not sure what it is supposed to power.

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Old 02-17-2025, 07:57 PM
Poncho Dave Poncho Dave is offline
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You are correct, the red wire supplies power to the ignition switch mounted on top of the steering column. It also probably powers the light switch which may be why it is spliced in the harness..

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Old 02-17-2025, 11:45 PM
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Quote:
You are correct, the red wire supplies power to the ignition switch mounted on top of the steering column. It also probably powers the light switch which may be why it is spliced in the harness..
Thank you for the photo - checked my schematic shows a 14g red wire between headlight switch and bulk head connector - not related to the wire I am seeking.

I checked the horn by putting ground to the dark green wire at the steering column and the horn works. I dont know where the horn relay is but that should determine the circuit is good.

I did a continuity test on the 2 12g red wires at the steering column and they do not communicate with the cut red wire and show voltage with ignition on. It seems that the cut red wire is alone with the two open ends that show continuity between both ends and apparently nothing else.

If I cant determine the source or reason, will likely just disregard the cut wire - my concern is a 12 gauge wire is a larger gauge and likely powers something major.

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Old 03-03-2025, 03:17 AM
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Default Help to identify metal light socket location behind dash in 79 TA.

Hello guys,

I am having a brain lapse in remembering where one of the behind dash instrument light socket location is. I know it is simple I just cant visualize it.


What I know:
I have 4 light sockets - the plastic - non metal socket with gray and black wires goes to the fan/heater control.
The all metal mount socket goes to the fuel and amp center gauge pod and just presses in the gauge housing.
I am missing the socket that goes to the cigarette lighter. I have a gray cut wire with no socket that I believe goes to the small light sleeve on the lighter. I have to find the correct socket for that lighter sleeve.

What I dont know:
I have another socket that is black plastic outer with a metal "fingered" socket that presses into a metal housing and I cant remember where it goes. In looking at a schematic I show only two unaccounted for locations. One to the radio - gray wire that I believe is in the radio connector involving no socket.
The schematic shows another unaccounted for location involving something about the console with a single gray wire with no ground wire. This socket needs to be grounded in the unknown metal mount location. I dont remember removing any light socket from the console.

I've tried to pull up dash photos and cant locate anything specific.
All help is appreciated
Thank you.

  #9  
Old 03-04-2025, 01:13 PM
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Do you have power windows in your TA? It could be someone cut out the relay and just tried to run a 12v hot to the switch at center console.
Hoghead has a good site for wiring harness
Look under Trans Am Tech talk
https://www.firebirdtransamparts.com/

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  #10  
Old 03-04-2025, 04:35 PM
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Quote:
Do you have power windows in your TA? It could be someone cut out the relay and just tried to run a 12v hot to the switch at center console.
Thanks for the input - My TA did not have Power windows but all circuitry and wires for the windows is there and intact. The power window relay and all with Pink, Pink/Black and Orange/Black wires - no red wires are involved with the Power windows and the red wire is cut on both ends and is wrapped in the stock harness with all the behind dash wiring and wrap so I am sure it is original to the car.

I am just going to dead end that wire as it seems nothing is affected by it being cut.

I have since put in power windows and have done the 4 relay setup that some have posted about - the windows have plenty of power.

Now I need to know where the metal light sockets go - one is the light to the center gas gauge pod and I dont know where the other one is supposed to go.

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