Which Radio Shack diode to use for strut conversion?

[twinbopilot]

1999 Concours looking to convert to non-electronic front struts. I am aware of the diodes sold by vendors on this site to keep the car from throwing codes. Some people have mentioned that these are available at Radio Shack but did not specify type. Can anyone shed any light as which one will work?

[JimD]

You are looking for a resistor value. Not a diode.

I can't tell you what values of resistor will do what you want to do. If you had a 98+ Seville, I could fix you right up.

If it was my car, I would be prepared to do a little experimenting with resistor values before I installed the stuts.

I would start with a 4.7K Ohm, (1/2 Watt). If that failed to prevent the codes I would try a 5.6K Ohm or a 3.9K Ohm resistor. With enough time and patience, you will find a range of values that will work.

[Mark C]

Throw an ohm meter on your existing struts, then you will have the answer. My 97s read right around 5K ohm.

[twinbopilot]

Thanks for the fast responses! I appreciate it very much.

[JimD]

Originally Posted by Mark C

....My 97s read right around 5K ohm.

In a friendly way - I challenge you to double check your meter reading.

[twinbopilot]

Jim, thanks for the info. I can test voltage all day long, but beyond that I don't have much experience with meters. I tested my existing electric strut (it's completely worn out - don't know if that effects the test) I put my meter in the "Omega" section, which I assume is ohms, and I get a reading of 13 or 130 according to which range I select.

Which range should I select? What reading should I get? Based on you post above I'm thinking not 5!

Being from Texas, here is a Texas beer for your thoughts:

[00 Deville]

Originally Posted by twinbopilot

Based on you post above I'm thinking not 5!

It was actually 5K the K stands for Kilo (add 3 zeros) so 5K = 5,000

I would put a meter on your current struts... as Mark suggested... to get a resistance value and go with that.

Looks like your going to have to teach yourself how to use that meter after all.

[JimD]

Originally Posted by twinbopilot

Jim, thanks for the info. I can test voltage all day long, but beyond that I don't have much experience with meters. I tested my existing electric strut (it's completely worn out - don't know if that effects the test) I put my meter in the "Omega" section, which I assume is ohms, and I get a reading of 13 or 130 according to which range I select.

Your 13 reading is believable as 13 Ohms. The DC resistance of the strut solenoid is a low value; less than 50 Ohms.

Being from Texas, here is a Texas beer for your thoughts:

Thanks. Never was a Shiner fan even during the 26 years I lived in Dallas - Collin - Van Zandt counties.

[Mark C]

Yes, my memory was way off, measure mine a few minutes ago. 12.6 ohms