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What is this plug for?

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Old Apr 26, 2015 | 06:46 PM
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Default What is this plug for?

I'm doing some wiring on my 78 Corvette. Wondering what exactly this plug is for. I removed a rusted out component from it, it has 4 prongs that plug into it. Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

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Old Apr 26, 2015 | 07:27 PM
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Sounds like a relay. Do you have a picture of what you pulled out?
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Old Apr 26, 2015 | 07:36 PM
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Okay here is a pic of it. I removed the covering off, it just sort of fell off. It's from right underneath the steering column.


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*The unknown piece and the cover that fell off it.

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*One of the prongs broke off in the connector.

I'm not sure what it is or what it does.
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Old Apr 26, 2015 | 08:24 PM
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It's a factory style relay...horn? alarm? heater? perhaps power window?

Last edited by The13Bats; Apr 26, 2015 at 08:39 PM.
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Old Apr 27, 2015 | 12:10 PM
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Originally Posted by The13Bats
It's a factory style relay...horn? alarm? heater? perhaps power window?
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Old Apr 27, 2015 | 01:27 PM
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I'm trying to find out what kind of relay it is. And I've had no luck. I haven't even cranked the engine over yet. It was a roller. I put the car "On" and my turn signals will come on but not blink. I looked up a turn signal relay but it's not this. So I've got two issues now I guess.
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Old Apr 27, 2015 | 01:43 PM
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Check page 3 of this pdf, looks like your power window relay.
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Old Apr 27, 2015 | 01:48 PM
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Default Hmmm

I would say that relay will require some clean-up. Sorry dumb I know.

I will have a look in my AIM (it's at the shop).

Regarding your signals. If they come on but don't blink it may very well be a ground wire issue. Make sure the engine is grounded to the frame, the dash is grounded to the engine (or frame) and the frame is grounded to the battery.

Your ground wire probably goes from the battery to the alternator bracket, but the engine will not ground to the frame because it is all rubber mounted so needs a good ground for the engine to the frame.
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Old Apr 27, 2015 | 05:56 PM
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My eyes bugging me and having trouble looking at it, but try this,

https://sites.google.com/a/c3vrmail....iring-diagrams

He has wiring diagrams posted...find the relay or wires in a plug on the diagram...
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Old Apr 27, 2015 | 10:45 PM
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I have that same plug in my 81 and have always wondered what it was for. Right now mine isn't connected to anything either. I looked over a few of my diagrams and believe that the plug is for either the rear defogger or the alarm system. I have never found the relay that it is supposed to connect to and it is likely that a previous owner removed it a long time ago.

Hopefully a wiring expert can clear this up for us.
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Old Apr 28, 2015 | 03:23 PM
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The blades on the rust relay most look like rear defroster relay to me..


Not like power window relay, different blades and mounting tab,

Last edited by The13Bats; Apr 28, 2015 at 03:51 PM.
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Old Apr 28, 2015 | 03:54 PM
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Defroster relay! That's what it looks like, time to buy one! Thanks for the help 13bats!!
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Old Apr 28, 2015 | 04:42 PM
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Originally Posted by Matty Gritt
Defroster relay! That's what it looks like, time to buy one! Thanks for the help 13bats!!


On a side note...how did it get so rusty looks like it was under water?
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Old Apr 29, 2015 | 12:12 PM
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Regarding the plug mentioned in the first post, I believe all 4 prongs are horizontal to one another (that is how it is setup in my 81). Looking at that relay it has both horizontal and vertical pins.

Would that plug fit the defogger relay in an 81 or was there a different relay for that year?

Last edited by Xliberater; Apr 29, 2015 at 12:21 PM.
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Old Apr 29, 2015 | 02:53 PM
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the plug matches the schematic for the rear window defogger timer relay. looks as if that relay may have had 4 prongs, one has rusted off. that thing been soaking in water?
http://www.corvetteforum.net/c3/tune.../index20.shtml
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Old Apr 29, 2015 | 03:01 PM
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Did my reply and the pictures I posted not show up to all?
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