Ben Nelson's Electro-Metro Build thread

[bennelson]

What runs the backup lights on this vehicle?

I put a battery in the car to run the electrical system. I can't get the backup lights to come on though.

Anyone know where the switch is that activates the backup lights?

On the transmission, there is one electrical connection. Is that it? I didn't label anything on the wire harness when I was taking out the engine, because all those wires went to weird little engine bits I didn't even know what they were.

There must be three or four female connectors on the wire harness that are all the same size and shape as the connection on the tranny.

Even if I can plug in the right wire to test it, I am not sure how to shift into reverse with the transmission out of the car!!!

I might just have to wait until the motor and tranny are in, but I am trying to do what ever I can when I have the time for it and am not waiting for parts, etc!

[MetroMPG]

That's the electrical connection you're after, on top of the transmission. The 12v ignition has to be ON for the lights to work (you probably knew that).

[bennelson]

Hmmm - I found a connector on the wire harness that fits, but without the stick attached, I can only shift into 3 of the 6 (5 + reverse) gears!

None of the three activated the backup lights.

Will have to play with more of this later.

[MetroMPG]

You should still be able to shift into all gears - but it sounds like you have to get under the car and move the shift linkage to get it into reverse. Twist the rod fully clockwise and push it into the tranny to get reverse (assuming you can find neutral to start!).

[bennelson]

I got the Front Driver side wheel off and finally really poked around in there. After knocking off some peeling paint. I poked at the control arm mount an went through on TWO sides on the bottom of it!

Looks like I need to do some re-inforcement welding on this! Too bad I don't have either the skill, or an actual welder!

Any SE Wisconsin Ecomodders want to lend a hand with this?

[bennelson]

Did I mention I ordered a controller?

I ordered a 72V 400 amp Curtis controller from that guy on Ebay who has the pile of them.

Will let you know more when it shows up!

[MPaulHolmes]

Don't you just hate that?! I was feeling how firm the 18" x 40" area (or so) was behind the back seat, and the whole thing fell out on the ground! Here I was thinking it could hold batteries, and it would have caved in if I tried to store more than 1 AA cell back there.

Hmm, Harbor Freight has MIG welders for like $99 sometimes. That might be good.
Nice choice on the controller

[bennelson]

It's good to have small successes on a project like this.

While I am not excited to have to deal that the rusted holes on that support, I WAS able to figure out the backup lights!

I put a jumper through the end connector that I thought it was, and the backup lights came right on.

Then I set the transmission on the ground, as close to the car as I could, and plugged in the cable.

The tranmission is tricky to get into certain grears, especially when it's not in the car, with no stick shift attatched. Add to that how you have to visualize what actually happens when you shift into gear.

Based on that, I was able to get the gear selector rod on the transmission into the middle position, then twisted and pushed into reverse.

Sure enough, backup lights come on. I tested it going into and out of gears a few times. Works great.

Labeled the wire with masking tape and a note.

Back to working on something else now....

[Johnny Mullet]

I just finished repairing my frame that looked identical to the rot you are showing. I will have pics up on my "Metro Thread" in about 4-5 hours. I am not a great welder, but was very happy with the outcome!

I highly suggest fixing that before you go any further.

[Arminius]

Originally Posted by bennelson

Rust!

Say it with pride, Ben. After all, it's our state mineral.