Club 80-90 Forums

Just throwing this out there but has any ever done an upgrade to the dash 14 pin connector and replaced it with any other connector like maybe a molex one. Be interested to know if they have and what they actually done. ??

On some old forums once I saw somebody used a DB connector from a PC or something on his custom blue-circuit replacement project, however a 14pin Molex Micro-fit would be a great substitute

ZsZ wrote: ↑23 Nov 2022, 11:51 On some old forums once I saw somebody used a DB connector from a PC or something on his custom blue-circuit replacement project, however a 14pin Molex Micro-fit would be a great substitute

Yeah I like that, would make the connection better, as trying to find the metal connectors for the original is like looking for hens teeth, I saw brickwerks sell them on their website but have never been in stock. I managed to get a second hand plug with a set in but would prefer something that’s more available in todays market.

Think it will be next job once I have fitted my
Golf headlight switch in the air vent.

AMP stopped producing the original edge connector crimp connectors - they were some sub-variant of the AMP Twin Leaf 5-583853 series or similar.

For the Molex you can buy headers for PCB, if you prefer to design a PCB variant of the blue-foil

BTW the Delphi GT looks more secure and they are waterproof:

or the VW-audi 1J0973737 and 1J0973837: 

I should be ok, as i replaced my blue foil a couple of years ago, so i have the Gowesty pub board which has enough wire to be able to change over to a more available connector, preferable a slimline one which has the 14 pins in a line rather than a block. 

Think i might get that Delphi GT 150 socket you pictured that's looks like it will be just the job. £21 from fleabay aswell with the pins, RS do them but in packs of 10 which is too much for this.

What is the problem with the connector that is already fitted?

AngeloEvs wrote: ↑24 Nov 2022, 12:06 What is the problem with the connector that is already fitted?

getting hold of the pins for starters, i have a couple that no longer have any tension on them so have had to bend them out to make contact with the dash connector, unless you know somewhere that sells them, i have tried but cant find anywhere   at least with a more up to date connector the pins are readily available.
 

I found I had to bend a couple of mine out to make better contact, no problems since doing that, although the blue foil stuff is a bit naffed in places and one of the light circuits don't work

A Visual inspection of the multi connector should reveal if any contacts are lower than others. As a starting point I split the connector block and remove the contact - adjusting its profile usually cures the problem.

If a PCB conversion kit has been fitted it’s important to note that a PCB is slightly thinner than the original connection (which comprises a plastic Tang and double folded membrane wrapped around it.) Being thinner can result in poor or intermittent contact between the multi connector and the contact strips on the PCB. If this is the case then simply get some thin plastic that is often used in packaging and insert it into the edge connector - make sure the plastic sits on the non contact side of the edge connector.

A few layers of insulation tape on the back of the board connector also thickens it up and stays put