what did i do?

[Michael N. Marcus]

While upgrading my radio, I killed my directionals and 4-way flashers. The only evidence I can find is an approx. foot-long disconnected gray wire with black stripes coming from a multi-wire connector, plugged into another connector.

Anyone know where it goes?

If this isn't related, what else should I check?

Thanx.

[rlux4]

On your '78 the hazard and directional have seperate flasher units, so it's unlikely they've both died. #1 and #10 fuses are for them though, have you checked them? There isn't a gray with black wire in these circuits.
So far, I'm seeing that color combo used for headlight, horn, water temp. thermo. switch, and wipers. Of these, the wiper circuit has a multi connector in it.
Do you have Brad Artigue's wiring diagram yet? You can get it here if not:
http://www.artigue.com/fiat/Pubs/Wiring_1978.pdf
Keep us posted, good luck.
Ron

[spider2081]

Looking at Brad's diagram there isn't much common to both the hazard and signal lights except the Hazard light switch and the ground pod near the steering column. If the hazard switch is unplugged neither the signal or the hazard lights will work. I think the ground pod is where the flasher grounds are being made and it is the easiest place to check.
If you would like me to check it out for you email me, Flyme194@optonline.net We live across the river in Stratford. My Spiders are 80 and 81's a little different but with Brad's diagram I should be ok. The gray/black wire does not appear to be in the circuit as previously mentioned.
Good Luck
Dave

[Michael N. Marcus]

Hi, Neighbor. The mysterious gray/black wire is not on the diagram and is a source of positive 12V and apparently not related to the problem.

It turned out that a previous owner had made extension wiring from the 4-way flasher switch to its socket, and when I temporarily removed the center console to change the radio, the extensions popped out of the socket, and both the 4-way and the directional died. You're right about the directionals being dependent on the 4-way switch being connected. Apparently the directional circuit depends on some silly voltage flow through the 4-way switch, even when it's turned off.

Marelli and Lucas must have studied electrical engineering together, and got drunk and flunked out together.

Anyway, the '78 now sounds spectacular and flashes just fine.

Weather permitting, would you like to meet for lunch at Danny's on Saturday? It's about time our cars got to meet. Email me at mnm@ablecomm.com