Inline Diode for locker switch?

[Bundy]

My ARB setup won't stay on- I have it down to the inline diode from the isolation switch to the back of the ignition switch. I think I shortened it too much and with the bend it has to make the connection is somehow compromised.

My question is does radio shack carry inline diodes? is there a gauge or size i need?

 

[Bundy]

I'm hoping I can just go to radio shack and ask for a 12V inline diode?

I suppose I need to know the amps?

 

[Bundy]

I'm thinking I can just use one of these 3A diodes?
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062577

I bought this zener 12v diodes but the current rating is 21 micro amps (mA) which I am thinking is not enough amps if it is rated in micro amps?

 

[Viperwolf1]

What diode? I'm not aware of any diode in the ARB wiring.

 

[Bundy]

I'm having trouble with my scanner but check out page 14

http://www.4wheelparts.com/aux_incl/pdf.ashx?pdf=ARB_CKMA24_INS_1.PDF&line=ARB

on the red/yellow going to the ignition is has the diodes... it also mentions on page 15

If shortening the RED-YEL wire, make sure not to remove the heat shrinked
inline diode that protects sensitive electronics from current leakage.

Now I don't know if I actually need this because I have no sensitive electronic equipment aside from a crappy stereo. Is this diode just for newer cars with computers?

 

[Bundy]

Everytime I straighten the red/yellow with the diode out the compressor comes on... but once everything is back installed is it possible that the bend in the wire (which feels close to the diode) compromises the circuit?

 

[Viperwolf1]

Those must be new. I don't have them in my locker harness. I don't really see the need for them either. They're there to prevent the locker harness from sending current to the ignition and lighting circuits which it can't really do anyway (no other 12V source in those circuits). I would just get rid of the diodes. If you feel the need to keep/replace them use something like a 3 amp diode. http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062578 Don't use a zener diode.

 

[Broncobowsher]

That wiring diagram SUCKS!
From what I can see it is just running the relay and/or solenoids. That radioshack zenior diode is wrong. You need switching or rectifing diode. the link you posted above looks correct.

 

[Steve83]

That diode prevents a spike as the compressor shuts off from affecting the ignition system or anything else. It's important on '87-96 Ford trucks (& probably many others) because a spike can cause them to revert to start timing for the entire drive cycle.

What year is your eB? What engine & wiring harness does it have?

 

[Viperwolf1]

That diode prevents a spike as the compressor shuts off from affecting the ignition system or anything else. It's important on '87-96 Ford trucks (& probably many others) because a spike can cause them to revert to start timing for the entire drive cycle.

What year is your eB? What engine & wiring harness does it have?

They should have just put the diode parallel to the relay coil. The one in the lighting circuit has no real function whatsoever.

 

[Bundy]

I have the painless harness with a carb'd 94' roller 5.0L. I am planning on going EFI soon so would the diode be necessary to protect that computer?

When I put the diode inline, do I just solder it inline? I know the band needs to be the in the flow of power which would be from the ignition right? Then just shrinktube it and I'm done?

 

[bmc69]

They should have just put the diode parallel to the relay coil. The one in the lighting circuit has no real function whatsoever.

That. We use anti-kickback diodes in all our relay control circuits (ship control systems..but same deal)..if they are not built in to the relay control module already, as most are these days.

 

[Bundy]

Thanks for the help guys- got the new diode in and everything put back together and working. I was dreading removing and re-installing the ignition switch but I guess I've gotten good at putting it back together (for the 500th time) cause it took me about 20 seconds! it's the small victories sometimes...

 

[Steve83]

I am planning on going EFI soon so would the diode be necessary to protect that computer?

It's NOT for the computer - it's for the ignition system. And it doesn't "protect" the ignition - it just prevents it from locking into start-mode timing. Read this caption: