Type R turbo timer

Here is a perfect example of a ‘5 minute job’

I had decided to replace an old Apexi turbo timer that was in the Scooby. However the unit never worked and I wasn’t sure if it was the unit itself or something else. 

I removed it, checked all the connections and went to replace it with an HKS type 1 turbo timer as this allows for MPH and KPH as well as a host of other features. 

After installing the black box and connecting the loom, there was no power, even with ignition on. 

I removed the whole set of wiring and wired the car up as if it didn’t exist and of cousrse, the car worked with the original OEM harness connectors bolted up. 

I then refuted the timer loom and tried another spare turbo timer..... again nothing. This meant the problem was more general to the car and at least my lovely new timer wasn’t a brick. 

I checked every fuse in the car and all were good. 

So this completed the first 4hrs or problem solving. 

Day2....

I decided after lots of red wine and wiring diagrams the previous night, I would give it a second chance. I checked the voltage on the handbrake signal and form the necessary 12v when ignition was on and it moves between Zero and 12v when you move the handbrake. The light on the dash worked and I got voltage in the signal wire to the harness loom. 

I then made sure o had a good earth connection for the harness loom and again everything checked out. 

I reinstalled a spare loom and tried all the timers..... nothing. 

Then, I was about to call time on it but decided one last check needed to be done....... and I found the problem!

Turns out my wiring was good, however, after yanking apart the lower dash to get access, it was easier to see the actual factory wiring loom. 

I checked all connections with a multi meter and there were only 2 instead of 3, 12v power sources..... someone in the past has cut the harness and wrapped two of the connections with tape to power some other device SOMEWHERE else! Only two wires remained in the loom. So out of 4 wires in the harness connector, only 2 were connected! 

Looks alike tomorrow’s job is to make my own connections and splice them together into the harness of the turbo timer direct from the factory loom. Thankfully the colours of the harness match up with the loom! 

Moral of the story: there is NEVER a 5 minute job!