Dangling wire

Old Apr 24, 2025 | 09:51 AM
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Dangling wire with no apparent home?

I discovered this dangling wire while tackling another project on my '72 Supreme. I checked for voltage with the key on and off, and got nothing. According to the CSM, it could either be for the heater circuit or for the brake light switch circuit. Both of them work, so does anyone have any idea?

For now, I've taped the exposed end and have it tucked up under my lower dash.









Last edited by 72455; Apr 24, 2025 at 01:25 PM.
Old Apr 24, 2025 | 01:26 PM
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Maybe an unused accessory wire for an option I don't have?
Old Apr 24, 2025 | 01:30 PM
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Dave - I'd say w/ near complete certainty that wire (which appears to be Orange + Single Black Stripe) is not an OEM wire - it's a novelty installed by someone else. That red end connector was not installed by the Oldsmobile factory.
Old Apr 24, 2025 | 01:32 PM
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Originally Posted by 72455
Maybe an unused accessory wire for an option I don't have?
If it's an unused accessory it's highly unlikely that wire was supplied by Oldsmobile. Yet, I agree, it's likely an optional accessory installed by "someone". I'd guess you have to trace backwards from the larger black connector to determine what functionality it may have provided.
Old Apr 24, 2025 | 01:37 PM
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A closer examination of that red connector on that wire appears to suggest it might have been installed into the fuse panel IGN position as its power source when it was functional?
Old Apr 24, 2025 | 01:37 PM
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Norm-is it your summation that the black connector is also not factory? If you are correct, and if it's a "novelty" wire installed by someone else, then my inclination is to disconnect it at said black connector and be done with it.
Old Apr 24, 2025 | 01:38 PM
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Originally Posted by Vintage Chief
A closer examination of that red connector on that wire appears to suggest it might have been installed into the fuse panel IGN position as its power source when it was functional?
I would agree with you Norm, since the fuse panel was the general area of where I noticed the connector.
Old Apr 24, 2025 | 01:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Vintage Chief
Dave - I'd say w/ near complete certainty that wire (which appears to be Orange + Single Black Stripe) is not an OEM wire - it's a novelty installed by someone else. That red end connector was not installed by the Oldsmobile factory.
Norm, I just double checked. It is, in fact, a double black stripe, which is shown in the schematic.
Old Apr 24, 2025 | 01:49 PM
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Originally Posted by 72455
Norm-is it your summation that the black connector is also not factory? If you are correct, and if it's a "novelty" wire installed by someone else, then my inclination is to disconnect it at said black connector and be done with it.
Dave - The large black connector appears it might be original to either your car or another car. It looks like there's another Orange + Black Stripe wire emanating from the rear/back of that black connector which leads up through the black floor board panel? I'd certainly want to know where that wire goes to since it might provide some clarity to function.
Old Apr 24, 2025 | 01:51 PM
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Originally Posted by 72455
Norm, I just double checked. It is, in fact, a double black stripe, which is shown in the schematic.
Well, the red connector is not original to Oldsmobile wiring that I've ever seen. That red connector is a novelty - at least.
Old Apr 24, 2025 | 02:00 PM
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Someone w/ more familiarity with that black connector and that Orange + Double-Black Stripe wire than me will likely jump in. I haven't reviewed your wiring diagram, but if you say the Orange + Double Black Stripe wire is in the wiring diagram then that's a hint, right?



Old Apr 24, 2025 | 02:24 PM
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Dave - I just don't have the familiarity w/ this connector & it's wiring to be of much assistance. It would appear the one Orange + 2 Blk Stripe wire goes to the NSS from the Front Body Connector. The Front Body Connector appears to be where these two Orange + 2 Blk Stripe wires meet (which I assume is the black connector). Apparently a splice after the Front Body Connector then one wire to a RH (NO=Normally Open) Seat SW [which then feeds into a RH (NC=Normally Closed) Seat Belt Retractor SW]and the other wire to a LH (NC=Normally Closed) Seat Belt Retractor SW. About all can come up with - sorry buddy.


Old Apr 24, 2025 | 02:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Vintage Chief
Someone w/ more familiarity with that black connector and that Orange + Double-Black Stripe wire than me will likely jump in. I haven't reviewed your wiring diagram, but if you say the Orange + Double Black Stripe wire is in the wiring diagram then that's a hint, right?


Yes that is the wire with the red connector Norm.
Old Apr 24, 2025 | 02:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Vintage Chief
Dave - The large black connector appears it might be original to either your car or another car. It looks like there's another Orange + Black Stripe wire emanating from the rear/back of that black connector which leads up through the black floor board panel? I'd certainly want to know where that wire goes to since it might provide some clarity to function.
Two wires out of the other end of the connector. One double black Stripe orange and one green.

Old Apr 24, 2025 | 02:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Vintage Chief
Dave - I just don't have the familiarity w/ this connector & it's wiring to be of much assistance. It would appear the one Orange + 2 Blk Stripe wire goes to the NSS from the Front Body Connector. The Front Body Connector appears to be where these two Orange + 2 Blk Stripe wires meet (which I assume is the black connector). Apparently a splice after the Front Body Connector then one wire to a RH (NO=Normally Open) Seat SW [which then feeds into a RH (NC=Normally Closed) Seat Belt Retractor SW]and the other wire to a LH (NC=Normally Closed) Seat Belt Retractor SW. About all can come up with - sorry buddy.


Norm, I didn't see all that in the diagram. All I saw was the double black stripe orange feeding the blower motor and the brake light switch. Guess I'll have another look at the diagram.
Old Apr 24, 2025 | 02:35 PM
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I guess my own question is...your car have electric seats?
Old Apr 24, 2025 | 02:36 PM
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Originally Posted by 72455
Norm, I didn't see all that in the diagram. All I saw was the double black stripe orange feeding the blower motor and the brake light switch. Guess I'll have another look at the diagram.
You're following the incorrect wire.
Old Apr 24, 2025 | 02:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Vintage Chief
I guess my own question is...your car have electric seats?
Just a 4 way power bucket driver seat and it works.
Old Apr 24, 2025 | 02:38 PM
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Originally Posted by 72455
Just a 4 way power bucket driver seat and it works.
OK That explains the Orange + Dbl Black stripe wire doesn't it?
Old Apr 24, 2025 | 02:43 PM
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Dave - It's possible someone has previously taken liberties to apply some novel wiring approaches if you find various wires of differing colors & in particular a single (evidently Orange + Dbl Blk Stripe) wire which has no power (as you stated) with a red connector which is not original to your car. IOW, didn't your car see some time on the strip or something like that? Did someone previously have a different seat in the driver's position, then someone changed out that seat for the original seat - or, whatever? Might have to think outside the box here on this one.
Old Apr 24, 2025 | 02:44 PM
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Originally Posted by Vintage Chief
You're following the incorrect wire.
So there's more on the double black stripe orange than what I saw?
Old Apr 24, 2025 | 02:52 PM
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Originally Posted by 72455
So there's more on the double black stripe orange than what I saw?
Dave - The blower motor is contained on a different wire.
See Post #15. The blower motor is not connected to the double black stripe orange wire.
Old Apr 24, 2025 | 02:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Vintage Chief
You're following the incorrect wire.
Aren't we trying to figure out the double black orange? Cuz this is a double black yellow Norm

Old Apr 24, 2025 | 03:01 PM
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Ooops...my bad. Yes, I was looking at the Yellow Dbl Blk which still has nothing to do w/ the Blower Motor. Hang on.
Old Apr 24, 2025 | 03:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Vintage Chief
Ooops...my bad. Yes, I was looking at the Yellow Dbl Blk which still has nothing to do w/ the Blower Motor. Hang on.

Or...

Old Apr 24, 2025 | 03:11 PM
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Yes, sorry about that. Still, has nothing to do w/ Blower Motor.



Old Apr 24, 2025 | 03:16 PM
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Wait...I see another OR DBL BLK Stripe
Old Apr 24, 2025 | 03:21 PM
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Heater...



Old Apr 24, 2025 | 03:23 PM
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What's odd is the picture you provided the wire appears Yellow. Now, I'm attempting to locate that black connector...if it's even in the wiring diagram.
Old Apr 24, 2025 | 03:38 PM
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This is a "splice" located between the stop lamp SW & the Hazard Flasher directly before entry into the fuse panel 20A Stop-Haz fuse holder position.



Old Apr 24, 2025 | 03:44 PM
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I don't see that black connector anywhere in the wiring diagram: (1) It's a direct feed wire from the IGN 3 position to the fuse panel Heater-A/C 20A fuse holder - I suspect it is not that ORANGE DBL BLK STRP wire; (2) I 'suspect' it's for the Stop Lamp SW + Hazard Flasher circuit/wires. I mean, that black 'connector' could be where the/a splice occurs but I'm not feeling it. Likely someone will step up in a heart beat & know exactly what's going on (hopefully). Until then, continue to evaluate...
Old Apr 24, 2025 | 03:54 PM
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Dave - You certainly have some "playful" things going on w/ wiring (playful=sarcasm). Much of which is not original.
I did provide one piece of "value-add" to the discussion. I turned your image upside down so it is facing right side up - extremely difficult to evaluate images when they're upside down.


Old Apr 24, 2025 | 04:24 PM
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Ya know, it wouldn't hurt to show "exactly" how these two wires are connected/attached at the connector - help us out here a little. This picture is nearly meaningless w/o being able to visualize the wires & how they connect - which is the "business end" of what we're trying to diagnose/troubleshoot.
Are these two wires attached to each other then inserted into the "same" black connector hole/position?

I can't say I've seen that color green in a wiring diagram.

Originally Posted by 72455
Two wires out of the other end of the connector. One double black Stripe orange and one green.
Old Apr 24, 2025 | 04:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Vintage Chief
Dave - You certainly have some "playful" things going on w/ wiring (playful=sarcasm). Much of which is not original.
I did provide one piece of "value-add" to the discussion. I turned your image upside down so it is facing right side up - extremely difficult to evaluate images when they're upside down.


Ya know Norm, I was gonna "flip" that same picture but couldn't visualize the proper orientation, so thanks.
Old Apr 24, 2025 | 04:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Vintage Chief
Ya know, it wouldn't hurt to show "exactly" how these two wires are connected/attached at the connector - help us out here a little. This picture is nearly meaningless w/o being able to visualize the wires & how they connect - which is the "business end" of what we're trying to diagnose/troubleshoot.
Are these two wires attached to each other then inserted into the "same" black connector hole/position?

I can't say I've seen that color green in a wiring diagram.
I can't get a better picture because there isn't enough slack on that wire to see how the two wires are (or if) they're related. I will tell you that from what I can tell, they both "appear" to go into the same location on the connector. And I would agree that green wire seems to be not factory as it is not noted on schematic.
Old Apr 24, 2025 | 04:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Vintage Chief
Heater...


What part of the heater system does that wire feed exactly? Because unless I'm wrong, the only two electrical components in that system are the blower motor and the A/C compressor, correct? So maybe it's for the now non-existent compressor? But if that were the case, wouldn't I still have voltage on that wire?
Old Apr 24, 2025 | 04:52 PM
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I saw this at the bottom of the diagram...does this signify the double black stripe orange and the green wire are in fact related?

Old Apr 24, 2025 | 05:37 PM
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Originally Posted by 72455
I saw this at the bottom of the diagram...does this signify the double black stripe orange and the green wire are in fact related?
They are only related to the functioning of the Ignition Switch; albeit, it's a diagram of a Ignition Switch "Connector" located at the Ignition Switch. While reading the IGNITION SWITCH OPERATION 'box' at the top of the wiring diagram note the "POSITION" & "CIRCUIT" columns. Follow the descriptions (logic) downward & you will note (last item) only in the START IGNITION SWITCH OPERATION (column) position will the green wire ground terminus be invoked to display a HOT TEMP LAMP (OR GAGE U21) - follow the Dk Green wire from Engine Temp Indicator>IGN SW> Hot Temp Lamp. Essentially, the Hot Temp will only illuminate when the IGN SW is in the "START" position.
Old Apr 24, 2025 | 05:39 PM
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Back in a minute as I'll need to evaluate what you said RE: Blower Motor & A/C Compressor - hang tight.
Old Apr 24, 2025 | 05:57 PM
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Dave - Can you post your 1972 Wiring Diagram, please. My copy is far too dark to read properly (at the fuse panel in particular which is where I'm evaluating). Thanks.

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