Tonight as I was looking over my 1974 vette I noticed that there are 2 wires that run up the left underside of the hood into the area just in front of the vents in the hood. The wires are brown and black. Can anyone tell me what they are for. I plan on removing the hood in the next few weeks so I start a cleanup of the engine compartment.
Thanks.
Rodney

The wires are for the cowl induction door in the hood. It is electrically operated thru a switch on the accelerator pedal. At around 3/4 throttle, the door should open up.

Thanks Joel,
I knew there wasnt a light under there and the wires go into a closed covered area that is held on by 6 bolts. Now the next question would be how do I know if it is working? Can i check for voltage with key on and engine off and throttle at 3/4?

Rodney

You should be able to hear the door flop open with the key on, and the throttle wide open. If not, look up under the dash at the accelerator pedal for the switch...it will be at the top of the pedal, where the cable connects. With the key on, grab the little peg of the switch and pull it towards the back of the car...you should hear the door flop. If it doesn't work, you'll need to check fuses first, then check for power at the switch(key on), and the check to see if the solenoid is attached to the door still. The linkage can fall off sometimes, and the door won't open.
If the car is drivable, you should be able to actually see the door flop open when you go full throttle. If you just mash the pedal down without the engine running, you could flood the engine, making it hard to start next time...that's why I suggest just moving the switch by hand.

This system was only on the '73-'75 Corvettes, btw...

Also...the accelerator pedal itself has to move for it to contact the switch...you can't just move the throttle linkage under the hood. It is the same switch that works the kickdown/passing gear on the automatic(400) cars, so, if you have an automatic trans, and the car has passing gear, the switch is good.Adams' Apple2008-09-16 19:38:35