General => Archive & Library (Read Only) => Topic started by: Thunder Chicken on March 21, 2005, 05:38:51 PM
Title: Tripminder installed, and I was RIGHT!
Post by: Thunder Chicken on March 21, 2005, 05:38:51 PM
It was truly plug-and-play! I had to make up a short harness so that I could plug it into the existing clock harness. The short harness was very simple to make - I just used the factory clock harness, cut off one end, removed two wires from the small connector (clock end) and put them in the large (8-pin) connector in the proper locations. I then just used some butt connectors to connect my new pigtain harness to the tripminder's harness, and the rest, as they say, is history.
If you ever find a tripminder, DO NOT CUT THE HARNESS! Follow it back about a foot and you can simply unplug it, then you can simply plug it into your 83-88 Bird/Coug's clock harness with no wiring modifications required!
If the harness has already been cut, don't depair - you can simply make you own harness as I did. I'll be doing a tech article shortly. In the meantime here's pics:
#1: The harness I made #2: The tripminder plugged into the stock harness #3: The finished project
Title: Re: Tripminder installed, and I was RIGHT!
Post by: shame302 on March 21, 2005, 05:55:02 PM
sweet...
Title: Re: Tripminder installed, and I was RIGHT!
Post by: Thunder Chicken on March 21, 2005, 10:04:18 PM
Here's a diagram I just made up of the jumper harness I made. If you can get the tripminder with the harness intact it's just plug & play (except you'll have to put your T-Bird/Cougar clock brackets on the tripminder if you didn't get it from a T-Bird/Cougar tripminder):
Title: Re: Tripminder installed, and I was RIGHT!
Post by: cougarman on March 22, 2005, 09:02:24 AM
I have a tripminder, but have been unable to find the plug for the back. :dunno: It didn't come with any wiring.
Title: Re: Tripminder installed, and I was RIGHT!
Post by: Blackout on March 22, 2005, 02:33:10 PM
Hmmm... Now let me get this straight. You can grab a tripmider and its just that simple if you have the harness?? Does this work on ....say a 1988 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe? If so, ... This is very goooooodd! :bowdown:
Title: Re: Tripminder installed, and I was RIGHT!
Post by: Thunder Chicken on March 22, 2005, 05:42:59 PM
Yes, it's that simple. Plug & play, if you get the harness :D
If you get a tripminder from anything other than a T-Bird or Cougar you'll have to swap your clock's mounting brackets over to the tripminder.
Title: Re: Tripminder installed, and I was RIGHT!
Post by: Ifixyawata on March 22, 2005, 07:12:29 PM
I'm wondering if '84 T-birds had such things... I know it seems that tripminders were sort of common in the earlier cars.
Title: Re: Tripminder installed, and I was RIGHT!
Post by: cougarman on March 27, 2005, 11:45:01 AM
Ok, so I got the harness made up, and the tripminder installed. So how do you set the clock on them? :crazy: Everything works, just need to set the time. :D
Title: Re: Tripminder installed, and I was RIGHT!
Post by: Thunder Chicken on March 27, 2005, 12:37:45 PM
I had the same problem, I just pushed buttons randomly until I got into the clock set mode. Don't know what combination of buttons I pressed though...
Title: Re: Tripminder installed, and I was RIGHT!
Post by: cougarman on March 27, 2005, 01:52:21 PM
Ok, here goes, you push the "time" and "R" buttons together to get to set mode. Use the "S" button to set , and the "time" button to scroll to the next item to set. :D
Title: Re: Tripminder installed, and I was RIGHT!
Post by: Thunder Chicken on March 28, 2005, 08:26:43 AM
Just had this PM'd to me, it could be useful to others ppanning the upgrade:
Quote
The tripminder used in the 86 - 88 us the same wiring and light color, 85 and earler model year use a different display color and wiring but an 84 Thunder Bird V8 tripminder seams to work just fine in an 88 TurboCoupe if you don't mind a differnt shade of green. If you use a pre 86 tripminder you will either have to take out just about the whole dash to get enough wire or you can make your own pigtail. The pre 86 tripminder wiring is part of the main loom.
Title: Re: Tripminder installed, and I was RIGHT!
Post by: jcassity on March 29, 2005, 07:38:29 PM
another classic thread,, thanks man!!
Title: Re: Tripminder installed, and I was RIGHT!
Post by: Tbird232ci on March 29, 2005, 08:47:24 PM
and the hunt begins
Title: Re: Tripminder installed, and I was RIGHT!
Post by: cougarman on April 01, 2005, 12:08:30 PM
This thread should be made a sticky!!! :D
Title: Re: Tripminder installed, and I was RIGHT!
Post by: Thunder Chicken on April 01, 2005, 03:43:11 PM
There. It's stuck. Glad to be of service :D
Title: Re: Tripminder installed, and I was RIGHT!
Post by: cougarman on April 01, 2005, 11:27:23 PM
Thank you!! :bowdown:
Title: tripminder install issues
Post by: Tbird232ci on April 19, 2005, 12:46:12 PM
alright, i wired the tripminder up according to the diagrams, and i took it into the car, dropped the glove box so id be able to test it without installing it
i set the clock, date, time, etc and got it all working, so i installed the brackets, and disconnected it to mount it in place
i connect the harness, and mount it with on screw, and see it didnt come on, wtf, worked a minute ago, so i untape the harness, check everything, check the pins, everything looks good
so i turn the key onto the run position, and my speedometer goes nuts, jumping, pegging 85 and back to 0 a few times, and im confused, so i start the car, and let it run, and my other gauges are fluctuating a bit, which isnt making sense to me, and the tripminder is reading
000000000 xxxxxxxxxx
or however many other digits there are, so i disconnect it, then my door chime starts working, so i either wired it wrong, or there is a variation in the harness's between years
Title: Re: tripminder install issues
Post by: Tbird232ci on April 19, 2005, 12:54:18 PM
and an update, i went out, and my gauges settled, but the tripminder was still reading
00:00 xxxxxx
i turn the key off, and look, and its still reading that, so i probably have a short somewhere for all these problems to be happening, since the tripminder was sitting on my seat in the sun, it got really hot, so im going to let it cool off, and try it again, and ill probably install it just so theres something in the hole, since my clock harness is now my tripminder harness
just been one of those days....
Title: Re: tripminder install issues
Post by: Thunder Chicken on April 19, 2005, 01:39:04 PM
I already sasid this in your other thread, but:
The electronics inside the tripminder are almost exactly as big as the tripminder housing. If you used screws, even little bitty ones, to mount the T-Bird brackets to it you may have screwed into the electronics. On one side in particular there is a ribbon cable that is right where your screws would go. If you drove a screw into this you might have shorted a few of the conductors in the ribbon together. When I mounted my brackets I took the tripminder apart and put the (very tiny) screws on the inside facing out, then used nuts to hold the brackets on. Even with the tiny screws the heads were touching the ribbon. I put some electrical tape over them to insulate them from rubbing through the ribbon's coating.
Title: Re: tripminder install issues
Post by: Tbird232ci on April 19, 2005, 01:48:48 PM
so i may look into using some epoxy or something similar on the next one
that should also be added to your sticky, because i wasnt aware of the issue the screws could have caused, since i have a dead tripminder, i might pull it aparts, and maybe take some pics for you to add
Title: Re: tripminder install issues
Post by: Thunder Chicken on April 19, 2005, 03:01:41 PM
That might be a good idea - in fact, I'll merge this thread with that one.
Are you sure the tripminder is screwed? Did you try it with the screws removed? Even then, if you take it apart you might be able to fix it by repairing (or bypassing) the broken wires in the ribbon.
If you're uncomfortable with electronics and want me to look at it you can send it to me with a check for $10 to cover return shipping to you once it's repaired (if repairable). I would not cash the check until I know if it can be repaired or not, then if I'm unsuccessful you could decide whether you want it shipped back or not.
Or you could try the repair yourself - if fixing the ribbon, which would not be difficult, doesn't fix it there's likely not much I could do either unless there is an obviously "blown" component inside that can be replaced.
*EDIT* Merged
Title: Re: Tripminder Install
Post by: Tbird232ci on April 19, 2005, 03:12:01 PM
i pulled the screws out, and it gave me a different response, so since it wasnt working, i stuck the screws back in, left it unplugged, and stuck it in the dash just to occupy the hole, ill probably pull the clock out of the red bird to stick in there
in a few days, i may decide to ship it out to you, im not goot with electronics on that small of a scale, converting a speedo or tach is one thing, but these little tripminders are a pain
i gotta also see what cash i have, because im low on cash, and i have a deal i might not be able to pass up...details later
Title: Re: Tripminder Install
Post by: pro-five-oh on April 19, 2005, 05:34:18 PM
Title: Re: Tripminder Install
Post by: Tbird232ci on April 19, 2005, 09:06:08 PM
also, a tech tip from Tbird232ci pertaining to the tripminder install:
i made the harness per Thunder Chickens directions, but i made it probably 10-12" long
the reason i did this, is because in my car, which is an 87, if you pull the glovebox out, the connector for the clock harness is about 2 inchs up and to the left of the corner, i made the harness that long, so i could snake it through the dash from the clock hole, and have enough slack to connect it from the glovebox, rather than fight it from the clock hole, since i can only get one hand in there
Title: Re: Tripminder Install
Post by: cougarman on April 19, 2005, 11:12:25 PM
Quote
i made the harness per Thunder Chickens directions, but i made it probably 10-12" long
That's what I did too, for the same reason. :D
Title: Re: Tripminder Install
Post by: Tbird232ci on April 19, 2005, 11:38:52 PM
Quote from: cougarman
That's what I did too, for the same reason. :D
youre trying to compensate for something too?! :giggle:
Title: Re: Tripminder Install
Post by: cougarman on April 19, 2005, 11:57:07 PM
don't need to :banana: :nutkick: ;)
Title: Re: Tripminder Install
Post by: Tbird232ci on May 18, 2005, 09:11:05 PM
bringing back from the dead...
i have my tripminder apart, and i did indeed do some damage to the ribbon, it appears that the damaged area is right between two of the "wires" in the ribbon, so i may be able to luck out and repair it myself, i cant really asess the damage since there isnt very good lighting in the house, so im going to wait untill its daylight to mess with it, and i may snap a pic or two
Title: Re: Tripminder Install
Post by: Tbird232ci on May 18, 2005, 10:42:38 PM
i messed with it a little more, it appears i exposed a little of one wire, and mangled the other, i made sure they wernt touching, and tested it out, still no luck, it acts really weird still
but ill tell you something, that little display is really wild looking at night, when its not in the casing
Title: Re: Tripminder Install
Post by: Tbird232ci on May 19, 2005, 11:12:36 AM
final update:
i set out to repair the broken ribbon, went to cut the tape off of the "wires" ended up cutting right through one of the wires, and damaging another, so i call it quits on it, im on the search for another one
Title: Re: Tripminder Install
Post by: Thunder Chicken on May 19, 2005, 09:09:23 PM
You know, if you used a piece of IDE cable from a computer and soldered the wires one at a time you could replace that ribbon completely...
If you don't want to try, send it to me - I have a lot of free time lately and love a challenge :D
Title: Re: Tripminder Install
Post by: jcassity on May 20, 2005, 10:40:50 AM
ive always used a magnifying glass on small work by mounting one on something over the patient being soldered.
the flex print usually has a coating on each run so sing the surface of the run first is best so you dont have to keep heat on too long.
Title: Re: Tripminder Install
Post by: CougarSE on May 23, 2005, 10:43:22 PM
So have any 88 owners tried this? On my car the clock harness goes right into the main harness and there is no connector...... But on the new dash and wiring I just got wich is out of an 86 it clearly has the connector.
Title: Re: Tripminder Install
Post by: Thunder Chicken on May 23, 2005, 11:04:36 PM
My car is an '88 base model T-Bird and had the connector
Title: Re: Tripminder Install
Post by: Tbird232ci on May 24, 2005, 06:09:33 PM
More info:
today, i got 2 more tripminders, and one was from an 84 TBird, and it DID NOT have the harness, so im guessing in 85, they started using the harness for the clock, the harness for the tripminder was actually integrated into the dash harness
also, i installed it on my TC, and i do believe they are specifically programmed for the 5.0, for the fuel milage, it reads that im getting 130+ MPG...which would be very nice, but it isnt true
its nice to at least be able to tell what time it is
Title: Re: Tripminder Install
Post by: Thunder Chicken on May 24, 2005, 09:11:59 PM
Don't give up yet - try running a jumper wire between the pin 34 on the ECU and the fuel flow input on the tripminder. Bet it'll work then :) Your tripminder is showing stupidly high fuel economy numbers because it's noot getting the fuel flow signal. It's seeing a signal on the VSS, so it knows the car is moving, and it's seeing no fuel being used, so it thinks you're getting fantastic mileage. In reality it's too stupid to figure out that something's wrong. You can verify this by checking the "fuel used" function - it'll never change because the thing thinks you're using no fuel.
I had somebody PM me with that info awhile back and forgot to post it here - it seems that on some cars, even though the fuel flow wire is in the clock harness, at some point it is not connected to the ECU. It's a touch and go kind of thing - my car is a base 5.0 car and had the wire connected while the person that wrote me had a loaded '88 XR7 and the wire was not connected. They ran a jumper and all was fine. The ECU is behind the right kick panel.
The trip minder will work with any EEC-IV and is not calibrated by engine - it receives a signal from the ECU telling it the fuel flow rate, and it combines that rate with the time and VSS signals to provide economy, average fuel economy and fuel used numbers. It's essentially a calculator.
Title: Re: Tripminder Install
Post by: Tbird232ci on May 24, 2005, 09:56:14 PM
well, im taking a break from messing with it, i got one in, i know what time it is, i dont feel like being in that dash again for a long time
i might hit all the pins of the connector with a volt meter some time, to see whats going on with each one, see if each has signal
Title: Re: Tripminder Install
Post by: CougarSE on May 25, 2005, 12:19:48 AM
I had my dash panel off today and still couldn't find the connector. its just not there. The wires for the clock go strait into the main harness......
Title: Re: Tripminder Install
Post by: Tbird232ci on May 25, 2005, 12:30:16 AM
if you take your glovebox down, the connector should be right next to/above the fuel door and trunk release buttons
i did come across an 88 XR7 without the connector though
Title: Re: Tripminder Install
Post by: jcassity on May 25, 2005, 01:51:10 AM
this is getting real interesting guys. dont make me pull out my clock. so far my tech tips say this is plug and play,, seems to not be the case correct,,, issues to watch out for so far......
mounting cautions fuel flow "fuel low circuit 305 light blue/hot pink, pin 35 on eec?" location of the connector at clock or upper left of glove box
sound good so far?
is the fuel flow info what you mean tc?
Title: Re: Tripminder Install
Post by: Thunder Chicken on May 25, 2005, 08:17:39 AM
Yes, I mean fuel flow, and it's pin 34. I wonder if Ford had these harnesses made by different suppliers or something - it seems that no two cars are alike!
Title: Re: Tripminder Install
Post by: Tbird232ci on June 02, 2005, 12:02:29 PM
if i probe that fuel flow wire, should i be able to get a reading at idle? i wanna check the wire at the connector, before i go messing with the actual harness, just to make sure i didnt make a mistake or a bad splice in my harness
Title: Re: Tripminder Install
Post by: Thunder Chicken on June 02, 2005, 01:36:30 PM
Probably, though I have no idea what that reading should be...
Title: Re: Tripminder Install
Post by: Tbird232ci on June 02, 2005, 01:37:40 PM
im not getting a reading, so its in the actual cars harness
Title: Re: Tripminder Install
Post by: leblumax on June 08, 2005, 05:31:53 AM
Where can I pick up a Tripminder? I have an 88 Sport.
Title: Re: Tripminder Install
Post by: CougarSE on June 08, 2005, 10:57:38 AM
EBAY! Of course I found both of mine at the s yard.
Title: Re: Tripminder Install
Post by: Tbird232ci on June 08, 2005, 12:17:38 PM
ive got one im working on converting, i offered to sell it to another member, but if he doesnt want it, ill keep you posted
Title: Re: Tripminder Install
Post by: ipsd on June 08, 2005, 08:14:08 PM
I've got a 84 turbo coupe it has a trip/minder clock but not like the one you show. It is the sytle that has only 5 buttons.2 of those buttons are used to set the time. The other 3 are labeled date,time.Etime. I do believe that this is factory. I was just wondering what all the one you are showing can do? And what all would I have to do to make it work on my older style with cable drive speedo. I do have the speed sensor like the later styles aslo. I was just bored and poking around so I tought I would ask. Thanks
Title: Re: Tripminder Install
Post by: Tbird232ci on June 08, 2005, 10:11:02 PM
what you have is just the digital clock, which tells time, elapsed time, and the date
the tripminder shows full date, including day and month, time, elapsed time, trip milage, average speed, instant MPG, average MPG, gallons used, and it can be in metric also
Title: Re: Tripminder Install
Post by: cougarman on June 11, 2005, 09:51:03 AM
Just an FYI, I stripped out an 88 TC yesterday, and it didn't have the connector on the end of the clock harness. The clock wires ran directly into the main harness, so it seems the harnesses are hit and miss on these cars. :crazy:
Title: Re: Tripminder Install
Post by: Tbird232ci on June 11, 2005, 10:04:42 AM
im also finding out that the TC's didnt have a signal from Pin34 to the clock harness, only the Base/LX/LS/GS cars did
Title: Re: Tripminder Install
Post by: Thunder Chicken on August 23, 2005, 07:14:53 PM
Just had this PM'd to me. Then person that sent it isn't 100% sure about all T-Birds/Cougars, but in their own experience this is what they have discovered:
Quote
In cars with the buttstuffogue clock the power wire for the 194 bulb is in place of the fuel flow wire, so cars that had the buttstuffogue clock DIDNT get the fuel flow wire at the clock harness. I pulled my tripminder one day, and was testing the wires for voltage and identifying each wire. I turned the lights on, and got 12ish volts at the fuel flow wire, lights off, 0
according to the NATO boys, in the TC's, the fuel flow wire goes up to an 8 pin connector on the firewall, which i believe is for the cruise control, i tried to use the EVTM i have on disk, and its a bit tricky, but i also traced it there, and found it on the connector actually in the car
So as you can see, it really ishiznit-and-miss when it comes to installing a tripminder. As with many other features in these cars, not all cars had the same wiring, and there seems to be no definitive pattern (having an LX, for example, does not guarantee you the harness). In some cars it's plug & play, in some there is no clock harness connector, in some the clock harness connector is there but the fuel flow wire is not (or is not connected to the fuel flow input on the computer), and in some that fuel flow wire is actually a backlighting wire for the buttstuffogue clock.
Regardless, I still think of this as a very easy modification, much easier than, say, installing an aftermarket stereo. All of the circuits required to make it work are already in all 80's fuel injected Fords, but in some cars you have to go looking for them. Most of the circuits required to make the tripminder to work will be in the dash by the clock, whether you have the connector or not. The tripminder needs:
Power (constant 12V) Accessory (switched 12V) Inst Cluster lighting (switched on with dash lights) Ground
All of the above are at the clock, whether you've got the removable harness or not. It also needs:
VSS input (from speedometer) Fuel flow input (from pin 34 at the EEC-IV computer)
So if you get a tripminder with the connector still attached, at the most you'll have to run two wires, one to the cluster and one to the computer. You can find all of the others at your existing clock, so if you have to, you can cut the factory clock connector off and splice on the tripminder connector.
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: jncocowboyx on December 28, 2006, 03:17:58 AM
i just installed a tripminder a couple of days ago. i wish i had seen this thread so i could check for that harness, but adding 2 extra wires wasn't that bad at all. heck, i think that trying to set the clock today before reading how to earlier in this thread was harder than the actual install.:dunce:
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: jcassity on June 24, 2007, 11:17:55 AM
I was just trolling through my 87 Shop Manual Chassis Electrical Part 1 and 2, volume B that covers continental, mark vii, tbird, cougar and mustang.
I found the tripminder section with wiring as well as troubleshooting. I never knew the trip minder also has an onboard diagnostic system by pressing the TIME and EM buttons together.
would anyone like the info in this section? id have to scan and save it.
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: mcb82gt on September 04, 2007, 10:18:25 PM
Question for you guys, what would I have to do to install this in a 84mustang that didnt come with cruise (no VSS, I suspect). Pin 34 will be easy to splice into.
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: Thunder Chicken on September 05, 2007, 09:33:07 AM
If your Mustang is EFI it would still have a VSS. If it's carbureted there is a fuel flow sensor that Ford used in earlier cars with trip minders, but they're extremely difficult to find
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on September 09, 2007, 11:22:48 AM
Quote from: Thunder Chicken;174485
If your Mustang is EFI it would still have a VSS. If it's carbureted there is a fuel flow sensor that Ford used in earlier cars with trip minders, but they're extremely difficult to find
My '86 GT Stang without cruse control had no VSS... I kept getting a code because if this when I converted it to Mass Air...
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: booksix on September 09, 2007, 07:29:07 PM
How about a 5.0 car with mass air (built from an 89 stang harness)? Pin 34 is blank on the 60 pin... How do I get a fuel flow signal?
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: GrannysBird on September 11, 2007, 05:03:18 PM
Hey guys this might seem like a dumb sort of question, but what is the best way to remove the rivets holding on the brackets to the tripminder/clock without damaging the unit? I was thinking a dremel with a grinding bit.
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: Thunder Chicken on September 11, 2007, 10:47:47 PM
I'd recommend taking it apart before taking anything off - don't want to damage the guts...
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: 88turbo on September 18, 2007, 09:21:17 PM
how are you guys finding pin 34? I guess I am having a bit of trouble :( it seems that the outer pins are numbered while the inners are not or am I missing something? gonna go look again.
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: 88turbo on September 18, 2007, 11:09:48 PM
heres what I came up with correct me if I'm wrong but I solved my problem and everything is reading. higher than it should be I think...
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: 88turbo on September 19, 2007, 09:07:13 PM
well I had what I thought was pin 34 but with the tripminder hooked up to it the car ran like ... the wire I tapped was a white with black stripe.
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: 88turbo on October 23, 2007, 06:32:10 PM
I'm still lost with this....
Title: pin out/ wire color problems
Post by: tbird88tbo on October 31, 2007, 08:39:01 PM
Does anyone have any pictures of the back of the tripminder with the harness plugged in. Reason i ask is because my unit's plug doesnt match the pin order on the install directions.
Mine Install pin 1 empty empty pin 2 black ( 2nd wiring going to pin 9) empty pin 3 drk green w/white stripe light blue/black pin 4 empty light blue/red pin 5 white light green/yellow pin 6 light green w/yellow stripe (2 wires) light blue/pink pin 7 light blue w/pink stripe black pin 8 light blue w/red stripe dark green/white pin 9 black (coming from pin 2) black pin 10 empty n/a
I took this unit out of an '84 tbird, but the wire colors dont totally match the colors in the wiring diagram for this year car either.
I wired it up according to the wire colors (even though the pin out doesnt match) but the unit doesnt work right. I have to turn the key on, then unplug it and plug it back in to turn it on. Then when i turn the key off and back on i get nothing until unplug and plug back in again. Ive got some conflicting info here on wire color and location. Any hints would be great...otherwise im going to have to take the wiring back apart and get the power inverter out so i can do some bench testing.
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: Thunder Chicken on October 31, 2007, 09:10:32 PM
Wire colour is not important - it's wire location that counts. Ford used different colours in different years/models but they're all pinned the same. I don't have a pic of mine but if you follow the pinout in the image at the start of this thread you should be OK.
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: tbird88tbo on November 01, 2007, 06:17:46 PM
I cant see the picture, it just shows a box with a red x.
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: Thunder Chicken on November 01, 2007, 11:43:33 PM
Ok, here y'go:
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: GrannysBird on November 23, 2007, 12:23:50 PM
Ok guys since I'm using an 89 mustang harness which pin do I tap into for the fuel signal? I don't even need to know which pin I just need to know what the name of the signal is i guess. Is it fuel pump monitor, fuel pump, etc etc?
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: JeremyB on November 23, 2007, 01:27:06 PM
Pin 34.
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: GrannysBird on November 23, 2007, 02:03:11 PM
No it's not pin 34, if it was there would be a wire running to it. So once again I will ask, but with this disclaimer: If you don't know the answer to this question and/or are unable to provide any useful information please please do not reply.
Ok guys since I'm using an 89 mustang harness which pin do I tap into for the fuel signal? I don't even need to know which pin I just need to know what the name of the signal is i guess. Is it fuel pump monitor, fuel pump, etc etc?
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: JeremyB on November 23, 2007, 02:57:33 PM
Quote from: GrannysBird;189319
No it's not pin 34, if it was there would be a wire running to it.
You sure about that?
Quote
So once again I will ask, but with this disclaimer: If you don't know the answer to this question and/or are unable to provide any useful information please please do not reply.
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: GrannysBird on November 23, 2007, 04:16:36 PM
No it's not pin 34, if it was there would be a wire running to it. So once again I will ask, but with this disclaimer: If you don't know the answer to this question and/or are unable to provide any useful information [COLOR="Red"]do not reply[/COLOR].
Ok guys since I'm using an 89 mustang harness which pin do I tap into for the fuel signal? I don't even need to know which pin I just need to know what the name of the signal is i guess. Is it fuel pump monitor, fuel pump, etc etc?
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: Thunder Chicken on November 23, 2007, 05:35:39 PM
Quote from: GrannysBird;189315
Ok guys since I'm using an 89 mustang harness which pin do I tap into for the fuel signal? I don't even need to know which pin I just need to know what the name of the signal is i guess. Is it fuel pump monitor, fuel pump, etc etc?
The signal you're looking for is a "Fuel Flow" signal built into the ECM specifically for tripminder applications. T-Bird, Cougar, Crown Vic, Grand Marquis and Mark VII all have the output, but I don't know if Mustang ECM's have it or not (Mitchell OnDemand shows the Mustang ECM having a "Pin 34" but does not show it having any function). Did you try connecting to the pin on the ECM (you'd have to add a wire to the harness to do so)?
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: JeremyB on November 23, 2007, 06:20:35 PM
Quote from: GrannysBird;189332
No it's not pin 34, if it was there would be a wire running to it.
SRSLY?
Why would there be a wire running to it if the Mustang didn't have an option for a tripminder? Wait, I just answered my own question.
However, the Thunderbird/Cougar, Mark VII, and Mustang all use the same family of ECUs. They all have use pin 34 as the DOL (Data Output Link). The DOL sends a digital signal to be interpreted by the tripminder to calculate mpg and whatnot. You can read up on the DOL here (http://"http://www.fordfuelinjection.com/files/GUFB.pdf"). Depending on the source you use, it may not have pin 34 labeled for your application - because your application did not use it.
You can either keep being a and ignore my information, or use it.
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: GrannysBird on November 23, 2007, 06:53:03 PM
I don't how I could possibly ignore this information...
Anyway, No I have not yet tapped into pin 34 as my evtm made no mention of anything coming from pin 34, but the DOL could very well be coming from my A9L cornputer which Jeremy's link kind of sort of eludes to.
Now unfortunately I'm short pins to pin a wire into the main harness, so I am currently unable to test this theory. But, perhaps there is someone on this forum with either a digital dash or a tripminder that has converted to mass air and is able to confirm whether or not a mustang processor generates this signal.
In the mean time I guess I'll try and locate a harness pin (I junked all my old wiring:nono: ) so stay tuned? And thank you Jeremy for the Fuel Injection Strategy document that is much better than the baby.
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: JeremyB on November 23, 2007, 07:06:37 PM
Quote from: GrannysBird;189357
I don't how I could possibly ignore this information...
Quote from: JeremyB;189317
Pin 34.
Me neither. :hick:
Try and know who you're talking to before you assume they're giving bogus, useless information.
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: Hillbilly Deluxe on November 23, 2007, 11:35:02 PM
Ok I have been looking into this and from what I can tell fuel flow info comes from Pin 34 DOL ( Data Output Link). The A9 series does not offer this output in their strategies. So no it's not possible to show fuel mileage on the mustang ECU.
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: JeremyB on November 24, 2007, 12:08:01 AM
Quote from: Hillbilly Deluxe;189400
Ok I have been looking into this and from what I can tell fuel flow info comes from Pin 34 DOL ( Data Output Link). The A9 series does not offer this output in their strategies. So no it's not possible to show fuel mileage on the mustang ECU.
The EEC strategy document I linked to is for the A9L. A9L=GUFB.
The DOL is available on the A9* series.
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: Kitz Kat on November 24, 2007, 06:15:10 PM
Mine works with the A9.I don't believe it though. I use gauges!.
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: Ductape91 on January 31, 2008, 06:27:08 PM
i just installed a tripminder in my car as per the instructions in this thread and it went in just fine just have to run the wire to the ecu pin so i can get a realistic reading(i know im not getting 94mpg lol) it was not fun drilling out those rivets by hand, and drilling into my hand when the popped out :hick: i used hot glue(from my unused ding king kit) to glue the brackets onto the tripminder housing and it held the brakets on just fine. i got mine out of an 89 ltd wagon and managed to pull the whole harness to it out with it which made it stupid easy to do. on the harness i got theres another squareish plug attaced to it that the fuel flow and speed input run into along with the blue w/red stripe and a black wire, the other plug is just like the original units plug.
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: Ductape91 on March 11, 2008, 01:07:09 PM
ok, since it was nice out today i fugured i would tackle this. i ran my wire to the pin #34 on the ecm and connected it to the fuel flow wire at the tripminder and im still getting a high mpg reading. on mine the wire pin-out has a light blue/pink wire for the fuel flow output at the tripminder end of the harness, which runs down to the plug in harness behind the dash. on that end the wire is still the same color in the corresponding point on that plug behind the dash. i guess it doesnt completely run all the way to the ecm somewhere down the line. on pin #34 on my ecm the wire happens to be the same color(ltblue/pink) which i tapped into. even after i ran the wire straight from the ecm to the tripminder pin for fuel flow i dont get a reading for the gallons used part(always reads .0),the instant Kilometer per gallon and still get a high mpg reading.:toilet: heres some pics.
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: cougarXLS on July 15, 2008, 01:40:24 PM
wOOt! I feel special.
This is how I celebrated CJ08!
It was truely plug and play, a TM from an 84 TBird Elan, into a 1988 Cougar Xr7. The only thing I got confused with was Pin 34. The book referred to it as a DOL (data output link). Pin 34, Circuit 305 Light/Blue Pink worked like a charm, but I was looking for something that actually said 'fuel-flow'. lol, so after second and third guessing myself, I tapped into it, and :)
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: 88turbo on July 16, 2008, 12:25:10 PM
here is a little map of the ecu pins to help find pin 34. I got my trip minder completely working last night. thanks to the previous posts the light blue pink stripe wire worked for me
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: Quietleaf on July 17, 2008, 10:23:23 PM
My tripminder was a lifesaver on the trip out to CJ. As soon as my fuel gauge passed 1/2 it jumped down to below 1/4 and stayed there for the remainder of the drive, but I was able to use the "gallons used" reading from the tripminder to accurately know how much fuel I had. I was *so* glad to have it...
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: cougarXLS on July 18, 2008, 09:20:44 AM
It is a nifty little gadget with many practical applications. Glad it worked out for you Quietleaf!
Title: '85 TC to 89 5.0 conversion
Post by: eazrider on March 18, 2009, 03:50:20 PM
I know this is an old post, but I am having the same issue. It sounds like the '89 'Stang harness I used for the conversion does not have an output for the DOL on pin 34. Do I need to pull that signal out and hardwire to the TripMinder? I'm getting crazy mileage numbers, and showing "0" fuel used...There appears to be a brown wire from pin 34 (need to double check that) and the voltage moves between .455 and .560 as I rev the engine. I hardwired this "output" from pin 34 to pin 6 of the tripminder. This, however does not reflect in showing any "fuel used" on the tripminder display...Any thoughts?
Quote from: GrannysBird;189357
Anyway, No I have not yet tapped into pin 34 as my evtm made no mention of anything coming from pin 34, but the DOL could very well be coming from my A9L cornputer which Jeremy's link kind of sort of eludes to.
Now unfortunately I'm short pins to pin a wire into the main harness, so I am currently unable to test this theory. But, perhaps there is someone on this forum with either a digital dash or a tripminder that has converted to mass air and is able to confirm whether or not a mustang processor generates this signal.
In the mean time I guess I'll try and locate a harness pin (I junked all my old wiring:nono: ) so stay tuned? And thank you Jeremy for the Fuel Injection Strategy document that is much better than the baby.
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: Thunder Chicken on March 18, 2009, 05:15:32 PM
If you used the Mustang harness it might not have the pin in the EEC-IV connector. If this is the case you'll have to insert a pin into position 34. The EEC-IV computer itself should have the output on pin 34, but since it's not used in Mustangs the Mustang harness won't have the wire.
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: jcassity on March 30, 2009, 03:02:43 AM
Quote from: Ductape91;208631
ok, since it was nice out today i fugured i would tackle this. i ran my wire to the pin #34 on the ecm and connected it to the fuel flow wire at the tripminder and im still getting a high mpg reading. on mine the wire pin-out has a light blue/pink wire for the fuel flow output at the tripminder end of the harness, which runs down to the plug in harness behind the dash. on that end the wire is still the same color in the corresponding point on that plug behind the dash. i guess it doesnt completely run all the way to the ecm somewhere down the line. on pin #34 on my ecm the wire happens to be the same color(ltblue/pink) which i tapped into. even after i ran the wire straight from the ecm to the tripminder pin for fuel flow i dont get a reading for the gallons used part(always reads .0),the instant Kilometer per gallon and still get a high mpg reading.:toilet: heres some pics.
Thank you very much for showing me how to properly use that butt splice you have there. I had no idea thats what you were suppose to do with the open end. Just stuff a blade type connector up inside there. Matter of fact, i had no idea that open end had a function.
I sure could have used this on a power plant project where i had to hot tap into a 20awg wire sense lead. I ended up getting everything properly done and not dropping the entire 2000A plant but seeing your connector there, I wish i had known then what i know now.
IIRC, you are pushing the limit on that butt splice AWG limit. I think that butt splice is only rated for 20-24awg,, I know its good for very small wire but that wire there looks to be in the range of 18 or larger.
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: Loaded87IROC on October 07, 2010, 12:43:28 PM
I installed another Tripminder last night, this time into my 87 TC. I used the clocks short harness and soldered on the tripminder's plug. I took a look at the vehicle harness where the clock harness plugs in and found that the wiring was already there! I then ran the speed and fuel wires with the correct ending pins into the two corresponding unused spots on the connector and it was done. Took it on a quick drive and every works correctly. So some vehicles DO have the wiring already in place.
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: Ductape91 on October 08, 2010, 01:38:52 AM
jcassidy, i just saw this and figured electric stuff is not my specialty so im a little confused by your post. i never did consider the rating for the butt/blade connector since it was all i could find at the time. it had a rating on the box i believe, but it was so long ago i dont recall it. if i happen by pepboys, where i got it at, ill grab the numbers off it. the wire i ran was 14 or 16(same thickness/strands as the stock wiring i think) and the connector had some space in it to fit a larger wire still.
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: MrBill88Tbird on November 01, 2010, 09:31:44 PM
Quote from: Loaded87IROC;338428
I installed another Tripminder last night, this time into my 87 TC. I used the clocks short harness and soldered on the tripminder's plug. I took a look at the vehicle harness where the clock harness plugs in and found that the wiring was already there! I then ran the speed and fuel wires with the correct ending pins into the two corresponding unused spots on the connector and it was done. Took it on a quick drive and every works correctly. So some vehicles DO have the wiring already in place.
Can you post pics of the working functions. Ours still seems crazy. Thanks
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: Loaded87IROC on November 01, 2010, 09:32:43 PM
You need like the instructions?
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: Loaded87IROC on November 01, 2010, 10:44:55 PM
I am pretty sure I sold you that Tripminder. I do bench test them to make sure they power up and the buttons work but I may have missed the decimal point being missing. If you want to ship it back to me, I can swap out the guts of it with some spares I have, or I can ship you the guts to swap out if you feel comfortable doing it. I just want to make sure you are satisfied with your purchase. Just let me know.
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: MrBill88Tbird on November 02, 2010, 08:45:13 PM
Yes we did get it from you and there are no ill feelings at all. We are every satisfied with you and realize these are used parts. I was looking for a pic of in the mpg mode as the car was actually running if that is possible to be sure it is different from what we have. We wanted to buy the seat belt you had and if ours is crazy I would be happy to install the guts and you can put it in the same box.
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: Loaded87IROC on November 02, 2010, 10:16:27 PM
I PMed you about the Tripminder.
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: BadTriumph on November 04, 2010, 02:45:44 AM
Stumbled across this post and was wondering if Ductape91 got his problem figured out. I installed one in my 88 and have the same problem. Roughly 200mpg. Everythig else works fine. I am hooked straight in to the blue and pink wire on ECU pin 34. Any thoughts?
Title: Tripminder Install
Post by: AngryBird on March 25, 2012, 12:30:32 PM
200 MPG = Aerodynamics! Lol...
I just bought an 88 Turbo Coupe yesterday, and finally am able to install this tripminder that I've had for over a year. My wife rolled her eyes at how excited I was.
I have to do all splicing, as the harness was chopped up, but that's a-okay. I hope I get 200mpg when I'm done! :)