Modwise 2 stage fan kit and otter overide switch.., top tip

[m4rk]

I had hot running for some time and to help my nerves I had fitted an otter override switch, commandeering the dash board illumination switch for this purpose. A simple task and how to do this has been reported on here before.

I later also fitted the modwise 2 stage fan cooling kit. Also reported here. Using this kit makes the otter over ride switch I had fitted previously a bit redundant. The dashboard switch I had utilised was returned back to its intended use but I left the otter over ride wires to the otter switch in place.

One problem with the modwise kit is setting up the thermostats. Its hard to tell when the low speed fans are on and the cooling behaviour of the car sitting on the driveway isn't exactly the same as when driving and at equilibrium. Whats needed is some sort of indication as to when the fans are on full or half speed.

I realised that the otter override switch wires I had previously fitted could easilly be used to add two leds to indicate when the Lo and Hi fans speeds of the modwise kit are activated. Its very easy to do. Especially if, like me, you used piggy back connectors for connectors at the otter switch end.

I have it so that one lit led indicates low speed fans on and two leds lit indicates full speed fans on. For the LED's I picked up the type used by boy racers, already with a resistor fitted for direct connection to 12v. These were then justed pushed inbetween the dashboard and were it meets the transmission tunnel. No need for drilling, dash removal etc.

Now for the wiring:
Take the otter switch override wires in the engine bay, by the otter switch, and use piggy back connectors on the wires. Insert them between the modwise connections at the otter switch.
e.g.

1. Wire 1 of over ride wire - connect to male of modwise kit and female (pink,green) female TVR otter switch connector. (Makes an earth connection when low thermostat is on.)
2. Wire 2 over ride wire - connect to otter switch and modwise female connector. (Makes an earth connection when Hi thermostat or Otter switch is on)

Now inside the car connect the negative lead (black) of one LED to your existing red over ride wire. Wire one or two, it doesn't matter which. Connect the other LED negative (black) lead to the remaining over ride wire.

Now locate a live +12v wire and connect it to both live leads (red) from the LED's. I used a the +12v supply at the back of radio. I also added a fuse to this 12v tap to guard against shorts but that could be a bit OTT as the radio should be fused anyway.

(note if you bought LEDS not already set up for 12v you will need to add a resistor to one leg of each LED)

Thats it. My explaination is rather long and full but its really easy to do and also easy to remove later if you want to. The hardest part is locating a +12v supply for the LED's and even then there's no need to remove the dash if you use the radio +12v supplies.

Edited by m4rk on Wednesday 2nd July 10:04