How do you get a pin in a plug?

Simon · 16th March 2009, 12:10

Sorry for being dim on this, but the dirvers-side mirror switch pack:- mine has two unpopulated pins (used for the powerfold mirrors). How do I go about populating said empty spaces with wires?

Departed · 16th March 2009, 19:02

Ther will be a tab to remove (anti backout tab) then the terminals with wires crimped on, push and click in, before replacing the tab.

The position of the tab, and how it comes off varies a lot with the different connectors. Do you have a photo, and I can advise. Alternatively if you are really stuck, I'm only just past Rugeley on the A51 and I could show you. Might even have a couple of spare pins.

stocktake · 16th March 2009, 19:07

From memory, the pins out of the power supply to the A drive on an old PC are the same.

Simon · 16th March 2009, 19:18

I did have a look and couldn't see a way to 'open' the connector. Maybe I wasn't looking hard enough

I'm half-way through taking the interior apart to feed the darn wires through the door (which is the single most impossibilist-looking thing I've see!!) and I have a plan with the switch-pack but just need to populate the connectors in the block.

I'll try and grab a photo tomorrow if you like.

@stocktake: Old floppy drive connectors you say? Hmm.... let me go take a look at one now

Departed · 16th March 2009, 19:21

Just looked it up.

Connector looks like an 8 way microquadlock but hard to tell. Terminals will be similar to a floppy drive power connector, but these may be a bit loose (a while since I looked carefully)

If you are passing I have some of the MQL terminals, or I could post you a couple.

stocktake · 16th March 2009, 19:27

Hi Simon, I'm certain I used two pins from a floppy power lead. I can confirm the cover does click open on the switch connector, cannot remember how though. I also found that to get the cable in I took the rubber boot out of the door and pushed an old metal coathanger up the loom. Just teased the rubber cover out on the A pillar so the coat hanger would appear. Then tape the two core to the coat hanger and pull back down.

Buy elastoplast...... lots

Raistlin · 16th March 2009, 19:30

I used the terminals needed for the FBH T100 mod.

They fitted perfectly well Simon.

If you want I can post you a few.

As to opening the connector, IIRC, you have to flip back the cover after prising it off the tangs at either end.

Simon · 16th March 2009, 19:44

Cool, thanks a lot for the info and kind offers gents. I'll take a look at the connector once more in the daylight and perhaps butcher a floppy drive connector, if not I might have to get hold of a connector (Raistlin/lowedb - thanks for the offers).

I've also got lots of plasters on stand-by.

Did anyone else notice quite a bit of damp inside the door when you take the cards/lining out? Haven't done passenger side yet but the drivers door feels quite damp, obviously due to water ingress via window seals etc.

Departed · 16th March 2009, 19:48

OK, been and looked.

It's an un usual one: the antibackout slides sideways.

If you look at the tabs that hold the connector in the housing, one is narrower than the other. The tab slides towards the thinner one. If you look at the side view from the thinner end you'll see how it's held in, a bit like a T slot.

And yes, the terminals are MQL, and they will be the same as for the FBH as these are sealed MQLs. Were they proper terminals used, or just something that fitted well?

Floppy connectors certainly look like they would work, but you are welcome to 'the real thing' if you like.

Sorry if it sounds like I'm criticising or anything, it's certainly not meant, but it can come over the wrong way on a forum. It's just that this is my field so I'm trying to be helpful.

Raistlin · 16th March 2009, 19:49

I forgot to mention as well Simon. The "jumper" type connectors which are usually in a PC case to connect the front panel switches / LEDs (Reset etc.) are also suitable for your purposes.

In fact, they also make ideal connectors for the powerfold contacts on the mirrors.

16th March 2009, 12:10	#1
Simon Banned - Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: - Posts: 10,318 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	How do you get a pin in a plug? Sorry for being dim on this, but the dirvers-side mirror switch pack:- mine has two unpopulated pins (used for the powerfold mirrors). How do I go about populating said empty spaces with wires?

16th March 2009, 19:07	#3
stocktake Vis Whiz Rover 75 2.5 auto Saloon Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: LEEDS Posts: 20,602 Thanks: 2,057 Thanked 3,056 Times in 1,621 Posts	From memory, the pins out of the power supply to the A drive on an old PC are the same. __________________ Dave... Lost a few stones and a Gall Bladder and part of a bile duct and all of my dignity in the suppository incident

16th March 2009, 19:27	#6
stocktake Vis Whiz Rover 75 2.5 auto Saloon Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: LEEDS Posts: 20,602 Thanks: 2,057 Thanked 3,056 Times in 1,621 Posts	Hi Simon, I'm certain I used two pins from a floppy power lead. I can confirm the cover does click open on the switch connector, cannot remember how though. I also found that to get the cable in I took the rubber boot out of the door and pushed an old metal coathanger up the loom. Just teased the rubber cover out on the A pillar so the coat hanger would appear. Then tape the two core to the coat hanger and pull back down. Buy elastoplast...... lots __________________ Dave... Lost a few stones and a Gall Bladder and part of a bile duct and all of my dignity in the suppository incident

16th March 2009, 19:02	#2
Departed Retired -- Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: -- Posts: 3,785 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Ther will be a tab to remove (anti backout tab) then the terminals with wires crimped on, push and click in, before replacing the tab. The position of the tab, and how it comes off varies a lot with the different connectors. Do you have a photo, and I can advise. Alternatively if you are really stuck, I'm only just past Rugeley on the A51 and I could show you. Might even have a couple of spare pins.

16th March 2009, 19:18	#4
Simon Banned - Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: - Posts: 10,318 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	I did have a look and couldn't see a way to 'open' the connector. Maybe I wasn't looking hard enough I'm half-way through taking the interior apart to feed the darn wires through the door (which is the single most impossibilist-looking thing I've see!!) and I have a plan with the switch-pack but just need to populate the connectors in the block. I'll try and grab a photo tomorrow if you like. @stocktake: Old floppy drive connectors you say? Hmm.... let me go take a look at one now

16th March 2009, 19:21	#5
Departed Retired -- Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: -- Posts: 3,785 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Just looked it up. Connector looks like an 8 way microquadlock but hard to tell. Terminals will be similar to a floppy drive power connector, but these may be a bit loose (a while since I looked carefully) If you are passing I have some of the MQL terminals, or I could post you a couple.

16th March 2009, 19:30	#7
Raistlin Banned 75 CDT Connoisseur SE Auto Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Wolverhampton Posts: 8,450 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	I used the terminals needed for the FBH T100 mod. They fitted perfectly well Simon. If you want I can post you a few. As to opening the connector, IIRC, you have to flip back the cover after prising it off the tangs at either end.

16th March 2009, 19:44	#8
Simon Banned - Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: - Posts: 10,318 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	Cool, thanks a lot for the info and kind offers gents. I'll take a look at the connector once more in the daylight and perhaps butcher a floppy drive connector, if not I might have to get hold of a connector (Raistlin/lowedb - thanks for the offers). I've also got lots of plasters on stand-by. Did anyone else notice quite a bit of damp inside the door when you take the cards/lining out? Haven't done passenger side yet but the drivers door feels quite damp, obviously due to water ingress via window seals etc.

16th March 2009, 19:48	#9
Departed Retired -- Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: -- Posts: 3,785 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	OK, been and looked. It's an un usual one: the antibackout slides sideways. If you look at the tabs that hold the connector in the housing, one is narrower than the other. The tab slides towards the thinner one. If you look at the side view from the thinner end you'll see how it's held in, a bit like a T slot. And yes, the terminals are MQL, and they will be the same as for the FBH as these are sealed MQLs. Were they proper terminals used, or just something that fitted well? Floppy connectors certainly look like they would work, but you are welcome to 'the real thing' if you like. Sorry if it sounds like I'm criticising or anything, it's certainly not meant, but it can come over the wrong way on a forum. It's just that this is my field so I'm trying to be helpful.

16th March 2009, 19:49	#10
Raistlin Banned 75 CDT Connoisseur SE Auto Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Wolverhampton Posts: 8,450 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	I forgot to mention as well Simon. The "jumper" type connectors which are usually in a PC case to connect the front panel switches / LEDs (Reset etc.) are also suitable for your purposes. In fact, they also make ideal connectors for the powerfold contacts on the mirrors.