new from Boca Raton, Florida

[Skagen9]

Hello All,
This is my third time around with Spiders. Had a 1980 and a 1981 about 15 years ago. This 1983 model I've had two weeks but really only got to drive it over Easter weekend. It runs great but yesterday my tachometer, gas gauge, and water temp gauge all went out--speedometer and oil pressure gauges are still working. This morning my digital clock, brake lights, blinkers and wipers would not work--headlights, electric windows, horn still work. Looks like the fun has begun. I guess I'll begin by replacing all the fuses, cleaning connections. I had in mind to take on a few cosmetic jobs but those will have to wait until I get the electric issues resolved. As I will probably get in over my head, does anyone know of a good Fiat tech in the Palm Beach/Broward area? Also, I've heard of this "brown wire" fix. What would a pro charge for that kind of project?
Thanks for the forum.
Pete

[wachuko]

Hello All,
This is my third time around with Spiders. Had a 1980 and a 1981 about 15 years ago. This 1983 model I've had two weeks but really only got to drive it over Easter weekend. It runs great but yesterday my tachometer, gas gauge, and water temp gauge all went out--speedometer and oil pressure gauges are still working. This morning my digital clock, brake lights, blinkers and wipers would not work--headlights, electric windows, horn still work. Looks like the fun has begun. I guess I'll begin by replacing all the fuses, cleaning connections. I had in mind to take on a few cosmetic jobs but those will have to wait until I get the electric issues resolved. As I will probably get in over my head, does anyone know of a good Fiat tech in the Palm Beach/Broward area? Also, I've heard of this "brown wire" fix. What would a pro charge for that kind of project?
Thanks for the forum.
Pete

Pete, welcome to the forum!

Based on what I have read here, what your car is experiencing is poor ground related. Easy to go over the grounds to clean and reconnect everything. That would be the easy first step. There are several ground points in the car, if loose you will see erratic behavior from the gauges.

Besides cleaning the main ground next to the battery, there are a few ground points like the one in the photo (that one is right below the dash next to the steering wheel). Check to make sure the connectors are clean and that the actual screw holding that ground metal collector is tight...

The more senior folks will surely chime in with more suggestions.

[katsi]

Yeah, I know a teck in your area - you! Don't be scared, it's not that difficult and it won't bite - too hard anyway. Search the electrical part of this forum and someone has wiring diagrams. Print them out and remember to check your grounds. That where most of the problems are. The brown wire surgery has a diffuculty factor of about 3. That's 3 cans or bottles of installation fluid and you'r about done. It's more of a pain getting the wire route exposed for installation than it is to actually do. Welcome back.

[Europa]

Welcome Pete. I am in Ft. Lauderdale and I have an '83 as well. At first blush your issues sound fuse and/or ground related. Is your car in good condition (other than the small electrical issues)? Your '83 shouldn't need the brown wire surgery. If your headlights are not bright, clean the grounding connections. I'd start by replacing all your fuses.

Pictures? Please post pictures.

[Skagen9]

Thanks to all who have offered advice. I'll work on it tonight. Katsi, you either overestimate my mechanical skills or underestimate my appetite. I can go through 3 bottles just cleaning the tires. Will post photos in a few days.

Yeah, I know a teck in your area - you! Don't be scared, it's not that difficult and it won't bite - too hard anyway. Search the electrical part of this forum and someone has wiring diagrams. Print them out and remember to check your grounds. That where most of the problems are. The brown wire surgery has a diffuculty factor of about 3. That's 3 cans or bottles of installation fluid and you'r about done. It's more of a pain getting the wire route exposed for installation than it is to actually do. Welcome back.

[katsi]

Katsi, you either overestimate my mechanical skills or underestimate my appetite. I can go through 3 bottles just cleaning the tires.

Isn't that the reason we have these cars in the first place? To justify our desire to burn through mass quantities of installation fluid? Heck, most of my time in my garage is spent leaning against my Spider watching the TV and burning installation fluid. I call it the trifecta of peace. You see, arround these parts a Fiat, Garage and installation fluid combined in moderation makes for the perfect wife repellant.

Have fun!

[Skagen9]

Jaime, thank you for the photo. Turns out it was not a ground wire issue but two shot fuses--#'s 11 and 12. One trip to the auto store and a few minutes tinkering and things are back to "normal." Cosmetic projects are back on the menu. Can anyone tell me why parts catalogs offer center consoles for models only up to 1982? I spoke with Mark Allison and we cannot figure out why his fiberglass console wouldn't fit in my 1983.

Hello All,
This is my third time around with Spiders. Had a 1980 and a 1981 about 15 years ago. This 1983 model I've had two weeks but really only got to drive it over Easter weekend. It runs great but yesterday my tachometer, gas gauge, and water temp gauge all went out--speedometer and oil pressure gauges are still working. This morning my digital clock, brake lights, blinkers and wipers would not work--headlights, electric windows, horn still work. Looks like the fun has begun. I guess I'll begin by replacing all the fuses, cleaning connections. I had in mind to take on a few cosmetic jobs but those will have to wait until I get the electric issues resolved. As I will probably get in over my head, does anyone know of a good Fiat tech in the Palm Beach/Broward area? Also, I've heard of this "brown wire" fix. What would a pro charge for that kind of project?
Thanks for the forum.
Pete

Pete, welcome to the forum!

Based on what I have read here, what your car is experiencing is poor ground related. Easy to go over the grounds to clean and reconnect everything. That would be the easy first step. There are several ground points in the car, if loose you will see erratic behavior from the gauges.

Besides cleaning the main ground next to the battery, there are a few ground points like the one in the photo (that one is right below the dash next to the steering wheel). Check to make sure the connectors are clean and that the actual screw holding that ground metal collector is tight...

The more senior folks will surely chime in with more suggestions.

[wachuko]

....Can anyone tell me why parts catalogs offer center consoles for models only up to 1982? I spoke with Mark Allison and we cannot figure out why his fiberglass console wouldn't fit in my 1983.

Must be for volume reasons... so many more cars made with the early dash than that of the cars from 83-85

[BEEK]

i am unsure if they are still available, but i belive accu form plastics, is the company used to make console covers, this part can be made to fit 83 and up with a little modification(trimming), i had no problems using these

[rlux4]

Welcome to the fourm Pete. When do we get to see pics of your 83?
I can't believe you skipped right over the 82!
Ron