What is this on the Cobra?

[tman1257]

Saw this when I was out in the garage and don't have a clue what it is for. It is one the radiator support, passenger side, about even with the edge of the grill. Any ideas? Also, where have others found their bucktag? That's what I was trying to find but couldn't see it. Have you had to take the radiator out to find it?
http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj216/tman1257/PICT0245.jpg

[stankier]

I had one on my 79 pace car that had a 2.3 turbo???

[tman1257]

Same as mine, 2.3 turbo. Been a few years since I had the motor out, I don't remember that piece.

[Hissing Cobra]

I have it and mine was the 2.3 turbo too. I have no idea what it's for but I unplugged it and put it in a box. It didn't have an adverse affect on anything.

[fred414141]

my guess ,it's an ambient air temperature sensor of some sort. possibly tied to the system that governs the flap in the air cleaner intake.....................maybe not

[eric5oh]

I thought it was some experimental rust prevent thing

[Sellis1012]

Fred's the winner.

[Zap's 85 GT]

I thought it governs the air conditioning.

[tripice351]

Try looking behind the driver side headlights for the bucktag.

[Sellis1012]

I thought it governs the air conditioning.


You made me break out the schematics. I knew it was a temp sensor, but I forgot that the vacuum that opens and closes the flap is conrolled entirely by engine temperature. The part in question is the Ambient Temperature Switch that cuts off power to the A/C clutch when the outside temp drops below approximately 55 degrees.

[Hissing Cobra]

You made me break out the schematics. I knew it was a temp sensor, but I forgot that the vacuum that opens and closes the flap is conrolled entirely by engine temperature. The part in question is the Ambient Temperature Switch that cuts off power to the A/C clutch when the outside temp drops below approximately 55 degrees.

It's a good thing I kept it then. When I finally get my AC hooked up, I'll reinstall it. I wonder if this is one of those parts that we won't be able to get once they break?

[tman1257]

I know this is going to sound stupid Pete, but will you need to use that since you have a v-8 in yours and the wiring is going to be a little different than the original 4 cyl wiring? Or is this used on all models of that year?

[Sellis1012]

I know this is going to sound stupid Pete, but will you need to use that since you have a v-8 in yours and the wiring is going to be a little different than the original 4 cyl wiring? Or is this used on all models of that year?

It looks like the switch is in the closed position until it hits around 55 degrees then the switch creates an open in the circuit, disabling the clutch. So, depending on how much of the original harness is still in use, this switch may or may not be needed.

As for being a hard to get part, I imagine yes. But since it is only really a power saving feature, and most of us don't turn on our A/C when it's 55 degrees, the switch could probably just be jumpered.

[Hissing Cobra]

I know this is going to sound stupid Pete, but will you need to use that since you have a v-8 in yours and the wiring is going to be a little different than the original 4 cyl wiring? Or is this used on all models of that year?

I'm not sure. We left the original wiring in the harness intact and just unplugged everything. We may have to lengthen some wires when I dive deeper into it.