2G 1996 Spyder GS Assistance and questions

[DarkSeraphim27]

1) I just recently bought my 1996 Spyder GS and while cleaning it up inside and checking that it shifts fine, I noticed that there is this weird electronic sounding rapid clicking coming from the car somewhere to the front of the shifter. It happens whenever the car is in any gear other than park and reverse but stops when I press the gas. It concerns me. I do not plan on driving it until i had all it at 100% so I am willing to hear any ideas on what it could be. By the way, it is an automatic transmission.
2) Also I cannot figure out why there is a silver flip switch below the cruise control switch. I cannot find out what it is connected to no matter what I do.
3) I cannot find out what to search for to replace the interior plastic housing for the manual mirror controls. The casing that would hold the controls is busted but I cannot figure out what they would be referred to as.
4) I also need a top control switch, center vent trim panel, and the piece to stop the flow from the center vent. If anyone could please supply me with direct links to get the pieces I would love you forever.

P.S. I am new to this all so please forgive any ignorance.

 

[jakk220]

1) Well my first guesses on the clicking behind this shifter would be either a relay since you said it sounds electrical, or maybe a small exhaust leak. Clicking can be so many things especially with these cars. More info on this would help.

2) Pictures would help, but i believe the switch you are referring to is the switch that changes the fog lights on and off. It may be an aftermarket switch so you may have to trace the wiring.

3) For all of your interior pieces i would contact miller import parts. They usually have a ton of that kind of stuff. You could also check the forums on here for a part out or ask around in the classifieds.

 

[DogWhistle]

Welcome to Sypder ownership. We do face challenges that non-Spyder owners don't.

The auto-shifter has two electrical connections: One is to tell the TCU (transmission control unit) what gear it is in, and the second is the interlock solenoid that releases when you step on the brake pedal. A partially-corroded electrical plug could be causing this solenoid to see reduced voltage and "sort of" release, or sputter. Open the console, by removing the side panels first, and then with the side and inside anchoring screws second. Now listen for the sound again.

You gotta love poorly executed, previous-owner, mods. Especially electrical ones. Yes, that switch could be a jerry-rigged fog lamp switch, or a not-so-secret bypass for a "killer" viper security system(!) ! Chances are it's not hooked up to anything any more, but trace the wires see where they lead. Wiring diagrams for your car are available through hot-links in other forum threads.

Yup, the dreaded manual side-view mirror joystick crunch. The force required to adjust the mirror through the inside cable joy stick, was higher than the integrity of the sun-hardened plastic. I think we located the last two un-cracked housings left in North America and I only use my fingers on the outside mirror lenses if they require re-adjusting. We'll keep looking to see if we can find more.

Stephen Miller (Stangmurdera) at Miller Import Auto Parts is going to be your new best friend and can hook you up with all sorts of odds and ends. You can reach him through this forum.

Best of luck with restoring your Spyder to its former glory. There are lots of helpful tips from other Spyder owners on this forum.

 

[IHeartMyHonda]

Hooray for more spyder owners! DogWhistle pretty much summed up the advice I was going to give.

You should definitely pick up a Haynes manual, at the very least. A factory service manual (FSM) would be better, but anything helps.

There are a few relays behind the radio/shifter area. You can access them by pulling the whole center console, or just by removing the radio bezel and then removing the radio itself. From there, if you have a noisy relay, you'll be able to feel which one it is.

Let us know what you find.

 

[infam0usdeed]

Another Spyder GS! Hooray! I had that issue with the clicking relays before, although mine was random. Didn't matter the gear. Plenty of time later, figured out it was my auto lock relay for the doors. The sensor was for the driver was busted at the lock, replaced it, no more random clicking. And I had working door locks again! Just an idea as to what to check for.

Everyone has pretty much covered what needs to be covered.