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MG MGB Technical - Mystery wire and strange connector inside steering column

1971 MGB

This wire is coming out of the same bundle that travels up to the key
switch (the back side of where the key inserts). It has a standard
female spade connector on the end (you know, the one that looks like
this from the end: o_o ...ok, it takes a little imagination. ;).

However, attached to this is an AMP connector of some sort, it has a
spade terminal connected to the top of a plastic "box" about 1/2 inch
cubed. On the other side of this black object, there is a round hole,
with a round brass hole inside. The inside diameter of the brass is
about 1/4 inch, and goes all the way to the bottom, where it hits
the aforementioned connector.

On the bottom (the side with the hole) there are also 2 slots on the
exterior sides, as though this piece is meant to slide into place
somewhere.

I've been looking at the wiring diagrams, but since they are functional,
and not "by connector/location" is isn't helping me too much. *grin*

Ultimately, two questions:
1) It does what?
2) It goes where?

Anders

(Oh, why was I in there? Fixing some crappy half-assed wiring
repair "accomplished" by the PO. ;)
Anders Green

Not sure but it maybe sounds like your horn button? I can't see your descripotion, bo the correct horn wiring has a hollw round plastic piece with a copper plate in the middle. A second copper piece rubs against this and there is a plunger that slides in steering hub connecting the horn and this piece. Not sure if this is it?????
J Arthurs

I don't _think_ it's horn related... I have the steering wheel off, the brass
ring is accounted for, as well as the clear 1.5 inch long plastic piece with
brass on both ends, and a spring in the middle. Since grounding the
brass spring to the column blows the horn, I assumed that there wasn't
a special, dedicated ground needed. But it is about the right size for
that long springy piece.... Hmmmm.
Anders Green

What color is the wire? I have one (pink I think) that connects on top of the column assembly which is the "key in the ignition" buzzer.
william fox

Actually, I think it is pink... I'll see if there is a place for it on top
of the steering column when I get home. Are all the 'K's in the wiring
diagram pink? I didn't see K in the wire color table...
Anders Green

Anders. Sounds like the ignition buzzer as suggested by William. It is fed by a pink wire from
the ignition switch harness. It is not supposed to be on a 71. Should be on 73 car # 494241
and above. Mine is not hooked up, I think the buzzer is long gone. Clifton
Clifton Gordon

My car is a 72 and it has the wire- of course I broke the piece it connects to- but its still there.
william fox

Ok, I don't know where I got the serial no., disregard it, I did find the buzzer wiring on the 71 wiring
diagram and on a spare 71 ignition switch. On the wiring diagram it's not marked until the bullet
connector and coming from the bullet connector is a purple/ping wire to the switch #168. Some-
times I learn more than the person asking the question and thats good, It gets my attention. Clifton
Clifton Gordon

This thread was discussed between 22/07/2002 and 23/07/2002

MG MGB Technical index

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