94 Dashboard Wiring Compatibilty

[karlcchen]

I have run into problems in my 94 164LS wiring transplant:

I have finished dashboard wiring transplant of my 94 164LS from another 94.
My 94 164LS production date is "April 1994" with automatic transmission. I don't know the dashboard wiring I got is automatic transmission or not. Does manual and automatic has different wiring?

I have finished all the connection except a/c. But I think it is good enough for a test of electric connection and intrument panel. After turn on ignition switch, coolant temp gauge swing all the way to ro the right at highest temperature indication with red warning light on. If I press the "Test" button, the coolant temperature gauge swing left and right in high speed five-ten times per second, like a windshield wiper, and not all indicatioin lights are on when tested. Except this, most of lights and auto transmission display works. I haven't try to start it yet.

I have noticed the 94 dash I got looks a little bit different from my 94. For example on top of the dash for defrost, there is no extra openings. Also the defrost ducting pipes are not compatible. But most of electric wirings and connectors looks the same except I noticed a few wires are a little bit thicker now. I want to know if there is an wiring update or an intrument panel during 94 year.

Thanks,
Karl

[quadrifoglio]

Was the donor dash/wiring from a '94 LS (from the U.S.)?

[karlcchen]

The doner was from a 94 US 164. I need to ask Alfa Parts Exchage to find out more details. But since there are only two version of 94, LS or Q? Then I think it must be a LS.

I did find in the glove box the name of last own. There is a receipt of AC recharging service with his home address (Salt Lake City, Utah) and home phone. Car model is showing as 1994 Alfa Romeo 164.

I guess the doner must have been totaled, hopefully the owner survivied.

Karl

[quadrifoglio]

APE has had a couple of wrecked Q's in their yard for a few years. I can't imagine that many people want to purchase 164 dash boards so I would be that it came from one of these cars. However I was curious if maybe you had purchased it in Europe and the wiring had come from a TS or Turbo or something. I can't for the life of me imagine that the LS and Q are that different. The only discrepancy that I can' think about is that of the Automatic tranny idiot light and the gear selection readout just above the odometer. Both of these only mean anything if one is an auto and one is a stick.

[Alfissimo Int.]

Quote:

Originally Posted by karlcchen I have run into problems in my 94 164LS wiring transplant: I have finished dashboard wiring transplant of my 94 164LS from another 94. My 94 164LS production date is "April 1994" with automatic transmission. I don't know the dashboard wiring I got is automatic transmission or not. Does manual and automatic has different wiring? I have finished all the connection except a/c. But I think it is good enough for a test of electric connection and intrument panel. After turn on ignition switch, coolant temp gauge swing all the way to ro the right at highest temperature indication with red warning light on. If I press the "Test" button, the coolant temperature gauge swing left and right in high speed five-ten times per second, like a windshield wiper, and not all indicatioin lights are on when tested. Except this, most of lights and auto transmission display works. I haven't try to start it yet. I have noticed the 94 dash I got looks a little bit different from my 94. For example on top of the dash for defrost, there is no extra openings. Also the defrost ducting pipes are not compatible. But most of electric wirings and connectors looks the same except I noticed a few wires are a little bit thicker now. I want to know if there is an wiring update or an intrument panel during 94 year. Thanks, Karl

[karlcchen]

My 164LS wires slowly melted inside dash board and started short-circuiting each other. Because all these wires are tightly pack in a bundle, one burning wire started melting other wires, until ONE FINE DAY smoke coming out of dash board. And I could not turn off the car with horn is on by itself with fuel filling door pop open by itself, all kinds of electric devices is turning on and off all by themselves with ignition switch turn off... I have to disconnect battery fast, fortunately I have battery quick disconnect installed. If it wasn't for that, the car would have caught fire. Maybe that wasn't so bad either, then I will not be doing the rewiring work! Insurance company will take care of the car.

I will have a write up of how and why my 164 wires short circuit themselves in another email. I think I have found how it started long time ago...

Karl

[quadrifoglio]

Oh! Also the Q has the electronic struts so it is possible that the wiring harness you recieved had these hook-ups. Could it be possible that some of the connections are incorrect because of these discrepancies?

[karlcchen]

After oil and coolant change, I fire the engine up. Then I found voltage gauge that is not working, not moving at all. Alternator is charging though fine.

Karl

[quadrifoglio]

Karl,

Could the harness plugs that connect to the gauge cluster be swapped from side to side?

Something is hooked up wrong causing all your symptoms. Do your tachometer and speedometer work? How about the odometer? Guage cluster lights?

[Alfissimo Int.]

Quote:

Originally Posted by quadrifoglio Karl, Could the harness plugs that connect to the gauge cluster be swapped from side to side? Something is hooked up wrong causing all your symptoms. Do your tachometer and speedometer work? How about the odometer? Guage cluster lights?

[jontg428]

Man after reading this post I am checking the wires under my dash in my 164 pronto!

[karlcchen]

I checked connectors, they are all correctly connected.
I need to borrow someone's working instrument panel to test.

Karl