Converting Clock in '95 to OBC

[318318]

I searched and found some questions about whether this can be done, but no how-to or no-it-can't-be-done.

Anyone manage to do this?

Thanks!

[pdxmotorhead]

I heard its a pain in the rear, the controls require replacing the turn signal stalk to activate the computer functions and supposedly the OBD1 cars that came without the computer, don't have the wiring so you need the under dash harness from one that does, and its NLA from BMW? . I have one so I don't know for sure I just recall reading about this somewhere.. Lot of work for very few functions...

Dave

[318318]

Thanks, Dave. There's a '97, sadly, in a junkyard near me, so the needed parts would be easy to get at a fair price. I may try to get them tomorrow and see how lucky I get.

vince

[John Firestone]

This auction may suggest some things you might want to pull. Happy scavenging!

[318318]

Thanks! The stalk and the module are easy, it will be interesting to see how hard it is to get the wiring.

vince

[pdxmotorhead]

Careful, the 95 is a one hit wonder,, I find very little of the wiring so far from later cars works with mine, especially the sound system, they overhauled in 1996..

A lot of the colors are different than the manuals document and some harnesses take different routes.

Dave

[318318]

Okay, so I went at it....

I seemed to recall a memory from the past that this isn't as easy as it seemed, and now I know why.

Removing the module and stalk are easy, but it's the wiring that is tough.

The plug from the module winds behind the dash and isn't easy to get out without removal of the console and other dash pieces.

The wiring from the stalk goes mostly into the main harness, which leads into the engine compartment. Realistically, it looks like one would need to remove the entire harness from the car to separate the OBC wiring, and this would also entail removing the fuse box and unknown other items from under the hood to unplug any needed wires.

Then there's the wonder of whether you're plugging things into the right places in the car you're retrofitting.

I suppose if I had unlimited time and the donor car was in my garage, it would be easier, but since I didn't, I didn't grab the harness. Maybe sometime in the future I'll have more time and the car will still be there, and I'll be up for more punishment.

Thanks for the tips and info, wish I had been able to post a successful Hey, I did it! report.

vince

[pdxmotorhead]

I wonder if its possible to hook up the computer and just use a push button in an accessory switch position to run the computer sequences...? Dont know is the "clock" wires will run the computer..

Dave

[John Firestone]

That's definitely feasible. It still might be handy have the harness portion from the OBC to the outside temperature probe. If I make no mistake, however, that bit goes under the driver's seat and carpet, then through the tightly packed firewall portal and fuse box.