Crane Cams DMS Ignition

[Jesse]

I recently purchased a crane cams ignition box for my 1980 monte carlo with a hei electronic ignition. I followed the instructions on how to hook it up which i have posted below. The red light is suppose to light up on box when ignition on, but it does not. When i move the ground 3.8 terminal coming out of the box over the chassis it blinks red but doesn’t stay red, and it definitely does nothing when bolted down to chassis. There is definitely a 12v supply to box. Any ideas on how to resolve this?

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[Andrew Phillips]

Did you purchase this ignition unit directly from Crane? What is the model number? Check your grounds to make sure they have continuity to the battery negative. Don’t rule out the possibility of a defective ignition unit. Also, the diagram you posted is for distributors without vacuum advance. The factory distributors in Monte Carlos were equipped with vacuum advance. Unless your distributor has been changed out, make sure you are using the correct installation instructions.

[Jesse]

Hi, thanks for your response. I bought it off craigslist the guy said it was brand new and it was still wrapped up. The model number is 6000-6600. I made sure there was continuity from chassis point to negative battery terminal. My 1980 monte carlo is not suppose to have vacum advance according to repair manual and from viewing it. I emailed crane they said this ” If you have power and ground to the box and the light is turning off then the box may be shorting out.” How do i stop box from shorting out?

[Andrew Phillips]

If the short is internal to the box, there is nothing you can do. If the short is external, then make sure your wires are insulated properly and that nothing can accidentally touch a ground. The heavy gauge grounding wire needs to be connected to a good frame ground. The chassis needs to be mounted securely where it cannot vibrate around and move. Once your connections are made, if the light is not on then check right then to see that 12v and ground are actually going to the box. If they are, and the light isn’t on, the problem is inside the box.

[Jesse]

hi cap269,

thanks again for your help. so I hooked up the green tach wire from the dms to power light lit up. Then I hooked red wire to power now light always stays on. Lol i must of woke it up.

[Author]

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