As with any model build that includes lighting, there is going to be wiring. This 1:8 scale Back to the Future DeLorean is no different. It actually contains a lot of wiring that has to be tested, managed, and cared for.
A few things to note about wiring the DeLorean:
- Follow the colors – Wires have been known to have incorrect labels, so follow the colors in the magazines.
- Polarity matters – LEDs are diodes and will only work with the correct flow of electricity. Be sure to check connection orientation.
- Don’t pinch – Wires can easily be pinched between two pieces and cause a short, especially metal. Take care during assembly.
- Seat the plugs – Make sure all connectors are fully seated in their sockets.
Thanks to other builders, I was able to create the table below for managing the wiring in our build.
- The PIN column refers to the numbered pin on the Main PCB (from Issue 56).
- The SWITCH column refers to the specific button on the center console switch box (from Issue 43) to turn those lights on/off.
| Pin | Color | Button | Purpose | Supplied with Issue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | White/White | - | Left Door - Switch | 56 |
| 2 | Orange/White | - | Left Door - Lights | 56 |
| 3 | Orange/Orange | - | Right Door - Switch | 56 |
| 4 | Orange/Black | - | Right Door - Lights | 56 |
| 5 | Yellow/Yellow | - | Brake Pedal Switch | 40 |
| 6 | Black/White | - | Brake Lights | 39 |
| 7 | Blue/Yellow | - | Overhead Panel Emergency Light | 56 |
| 8 | Red/White | 6 | Headlights | 38 |
| 9 | Blue/White | 6 | Hood Light | 38 |
| 10 | Blue/Green | 6 | Engine Bay Light | 39 |
| 11 | Green/Red | 6 | Rear Lights | 39 |
| 12 | Red/Yellow | 6 | Front Turn Signals | 38 |
| 13 | Green/Black | 5 | Overhead Panel Lights | 56 |
| 14 | Black/Yellow | 4 | Time Circuits Display | 42 |
| 15 | Green/White | 4 | XMAS Tree (SID) | 59 |
| 16 | Black/Black | 4 | Flux Capacitor | 58 |
| 17 | Yellow/White | 3 | Dashboard/Meters | 45 |
| 18 | Orange/Yellow | 2 | Digital Speedometer | 45 |
| 19 | Red/Blue | 1 | Flux Bands - Front | 38 |
| 20 | Orange/Green | 1 | Flux Bands - Roof | 56 |
| 21 | Orange/Yellow | 1 | Reactor Light | 56 |
| 22 | Red/Blue | 1 | Flux Bands - Rear Left | 39 |
| 23 | Red/Blue | 1 | Flux Bands - Rear Right | 39 |
From issue 115 ,which was delayed,to issue 119 I have a loom 2 leds, and number20-OK it is not listed in the instructions?i am wondering if I have done something wrong?????
I am not that far into my build, but I think Eaglemoss does provide blue replacement LEDs for the top flux bands later in the build. Could that be what you have?
There are two wires Orange/Yellow mentioned in your table, one at pin 18 and one at pin 21
is this correct, because that looks confusing to me
((I’m not near doing some wiring, but just noticed it))
Yes, they are both the same color, but come from different ends of the car. And, the plugs are printed with numbers to keep them separate.
That is correct. The 18 wire does go to the 88 mph, and 21 does go to the reactor light. You will get in 2 issues so there shouldn’t be confusion.
I noticed in your EL Mod install that the ‘black’ wire from the inverter, that is eventually connected to EM wire #23 has mating up to the ‘red’ wire on the EM wire connector, as shown in your pictures.
The connector will not allow assembly in the wrong way? Just making sure this is the proper way, thanks.
The red wire on cable #23 leads back to the ground on the EM board, so yes, it is correct. This grounds the EL inverter allowing you to control it via the original button #1 on the TFC box.
Thanks for your reply, that’s what I was hoping for. EM wire coding/colors don’t make any sense and I wanted to make sure.
Also waiting on Bluetooth control, so no EM 1-6 switch for me!
My lights won’t work… only doors and ceiling light. Nothing more
I’m flattered. Someone can help me?
I believe those are the only lights that work if your 1-6 switches/cable are not working or connected correctly. Did you double check that plug?
Hood light not coming on, please help
Gotta check the connections, plugs, wiring, perhaps even the soldering between the LED and wires.
might be wired backwards try flipping the plug
my #6 switch doesn’t seem to work, the lights are always on regardless of me hitting the switch.
I’m assuming the dreaded answer is to split the halves (for the millionth time) and wiggle on the wires to figure out what the deal is? 🙁
—
ugh, feel free to delete all my comments, I had it upside down, it’s the #9 wire!
Actually, comments like these could help the next builder. Thanks for taking the time to leave them!
How did you solve the issue with all the lights being on and the switch not turning them off? I’m having the same issue, all lights on, pressing switch buttons does nothing, advice would be greatly appreciated!
I did not have this issue, but it is likely you have a short somewhere. Check all your wiring for any pinched wires that could be damaged and touching the metal frame.
Hood light not coming on, could it be that the lights are in series and not parallel.
If one doesn’t work or isn’t plugged in that none of them won’t work?
Reason being theyer all on button #6
Ggggrrrrrrr button #6 is not working for me, wish I had checked before I finished the build.
It is probably the dreaded screw shorting the contacts, see my ISSUE 43 about this.
I have wires 22 and 23 both blue and red at the rear of the Delorean. Not connected to anything.
Have I missed something in the build so far. I’ve just completed the dreaded Part 91 by putting the body onto the chassis.
Got the terrible feeling that may have to be stripped down again!
Help it’s starting to get Heavy!
Thanks,
Marty
Those are expected to be there. They will power the rear lower flux band LEDs on the support bar in Issue 106. 🙂
Hi I’m at issue 85 and was trying to test the under hood light and the emergency light I plugged them in neither one came on but all of my other interior lights work I have the remote mod from model modz installed any ideas thanks
The Engine Bay Light should come on with the headlights pushing button 6. The Emergency Light on the overhead is always powered, but you have to rotate the red handle down to turn it on.
I got it to work i had some wires on the bord backwards.thanks