1971 Climate Control System

[James C.]

I recently had my interior replaced and of course they broke the tabs off that hold down the top shifter plate. As I was searching for more damage and a possible solution, I noticed the light bulb for the control unit was unplugged and reinserted it into the assembly. With that fixed, I noticed two wires that were not hooked up to anything. One was a purple wire with a double plastic connector and the other a smaller gray wire with a single plastic connector. They were taped together with yellow tape. I checked to make sure all the other wires were attached to the unit and cigar lighter (they were), but I could not see where any were other wires were disconnected. I looked at the chasis and service manuals, but they were of no help. These extra wires appear too short to reach the control unit. Does anyone have any idea what these two wires are for. Doesn't make sense to have two wires that appear to be useless.

Also, I was wondering if I should relace the fiber optic lenses while I am here. The repros do not seem to resemble the originals. The old original ones work, but are hard to see. Welcome to my world. Thanks! Jim

[Jack H.]

Re: 1971 Climate Control System

Some depends on the specific configuration of your car... Is it AT or MT? Do you have A/C? Do you have power windows?

Basically there were two illuminated items in the that area of the center console: (1) the climate control assy, and (2) the cig lighter socket. To get the correct illumination intensity in the climate control, you need to use the factory original lamp. It's called out in the owner's manual. It'll have a long skinney glass envelope vs. a short/round envelope to get the filament up and into the climate control assy.

Consult your copy of the AIM book (Section 12, Sheet B5) for the various interconnect wires on the BASE car. Note, that as options are added, the changes in wiring configuration are called out in those option sections at the end of the AIM...

The wiring diagram (Section 12, Sheet D6) calls out 12 gauge, purple wires, used for cars equipped with AT to service the neutral safety switch. Also, there's a spade lug terminal on the climate control to provide electrical ground...

[Alan S.]

Re: 1971 Climate Control System

Hi Jim,
Since you say the fiber optics work but are dim perhaps the ends of the filaments and the console lenses would benefit from a thorough cleaning. The ends of the filaments at the light source often get pretty funky and could need to be cleaned up too. At the headlight connection there are little 'seals', shaped like a short piece of soda straw, that help make a good connection. These have often been lost if the headlight bulbs ave been changed.
Good Luck!!
Regards,
Alan