Questions tagged [wiring]

For questions about the wiring of a car(apparatus that connects electrical circuits).

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32 votes
6 answers
560k views

What causes battery terminal corrosion?

I put a new battery in my car about 8 months ago. After a problem starting a couple days ago, I found that there was massive corrosion under the battery terminals, so I cleaned them out and ...
Brian Knoblauch's user avatar
19 votes
3 answers
35k views

Can I connect wires by just twisting them together and insulating with tape?

My cousin replaced a instrument panel cluster of a car with another one that is very similar. He did it by cutting the original junction/wires block that come out of the instrument panel and attached ...
Diego Alves's user avatar
18 votes
4 answers
8k views

What can I do to combat wire embrittlement?

I live in a very hot climate where temperatures regularly touch 45 deg C and the heat in the engine bay area means that under-hood wires, especially the thinner ones, endure high levels of thermal ...
Zaid's user avatar
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16 votes
4 answers
3k views

40amp protection on 25amp rated wiring?

Q - why is the circuit described below protected with a 40amp fuse when the cable to the motor is 2mm² (I cut a bit of cable out and measured strand thickness and quantity, 37 * .26mm = 1.98mm²) and ...
Nathan's user avatar
  • 163
14 votes
1 answer
108k views

Do I have to rely on wire color to correctly wire up an O2 sensor?

It seems that everyone and their grandmother has a different color-code convention for 4-wire O2 sensors, which complicates matters when one is trying to wire up a replacement "universal" O2 sensor. ...
Zaid's user avatar
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11 votes
3 answers
352 views

How do I make all of this work together?

I have a friend with 1988 Jeep YJ. I'm not sure if this question is more appropriate for here or for Electrical Engineering. We want to mount this blender with an AC motor in it. I think it's 110 ...
DucatiKiller's user avatar
  • 32.9k
10 votes
1 answer
2k views

Motorcycle Headlight Conversion

I've decided to install a new headlight on my bike. The current setup is two bulbs, one is on for low beam and both on for high beam, with two wires going out of each (h11?). Here is a short video of ...
Bass's user avatar
  • 101
10 votes
2 answers
1k views

Are there downsides to making an accessory socket always live, if accessories are removed when not in use?

In some cars, the power line from the battery to the accessory outlet (aka cigarette lighter socket) is always live. In others, it's off until ignition. It seems pretty much random which cars are ...
user56reinstatemonica8's user avatar
9 votes
6 answers
151k views

Is it necessary to have two ground wires (1 to engine and 1 to car-frame)?

My jeep's stock wiring has two ground cabled coming from the negative terminal. I recently upgraded all of my positive cables, and now I'm on to the negative. Is it necessary to have one cable going ...
Sponge Bob's user avatar
  • 1,557
9 votes
4 answers
9k views

How to amplify car speakers without stereo?

I have a 1980 VW Dasher with its original speakers but no radio. It has an unusual (erroneous?) electrical configuration where most accessories (e.g. lights, cabin fan, etc) still run even with the ...
Troy's user avatar
  • 390
9 votes
1 answer
1k views

Testing specific wires in harness cable

I want to do some electrical mods like adding a push/pull switch to my truck' tailgate to wire into my door ajar light to let me know if it is open along with splicing an electrical tailgate lock into ...
Gab's user avatar
  • 93
9 votes
1 answer
22k views

Where can I find a power adapter to run a car stereo from a wall outlet?

I have a car stereo head unit that I'd like to repurpose as a radio for my garage. Given that, I'm looking for some kind of power adapter / transformer that I can plug into a wall outlet and splice ...
Joseph's user avatar
  • 273
9 votes
1 answer
3k views

Disconnected wires near battery in BMW e46

I noticed a disconnected wire dangling next to the battery in the trunk of my 2005 BMW 330ci. It was actually a red and blue wire that veered off from the thick red one in the middle of the image. ...
s g 's user avatar
  • 442
8 votes
2 answers
8k views

How to remove a stuck (maybe melted) connector from the blower motor resistor

I have a 2003 Dodge Caravan in which the blower motor just blew out due to melted wiring at the connection of the blower motor cable and the blower motor resistor (picture attached). I've gotten ...
CephBirk's user avatar
  • 183
8 votes
2 answers
880 views

Coolant Level Sensor Connector Replacement

I'm looking for a replacement male connector to fit this coolant level sensor from a 1989 VW Jetta. Finding replacement sensors is straightforward, but what does one do when repairing a missing ...
Lyle's user avatar
  • 180
8 votes
4 answers
7k views

1997 Dodge Grand Caravan not starting, mystery wires?

1997 Dodge GC with 180k miles, has been sitting for maybe 6 months after being driven a little, and now it won't start. cranks fine, all electronics work, but doesn't fire. I checked there is fuel ...
dave thieben's user avatar
7 votes
4 answers
3k views

Is it ok to plug in battery backward to do compression test?

On engines with compression release valves, the recommended method for testing compression is turning the engine in reverse direction. I'm working on a lawn tractor (with a Kholer K241AQS), so there ...
anonymous2's user avatar
  • 5,225
7 votes
3 answers
624 views

Wiring extra truck battery to power winch

2010 Silverado 1500 My Silverado has an empty spot under the hood for a second battery. I’m wondering if I could install a second battery and use it to power a winch that is mounted to the headache ...
User1974's user avatar
  • 1,031
7 votes
3 answers
2k views

Can stock headlight wiring deal with 110 W bulbs?

My 2003 Opel Agila has 0.85 mm2 wiring for the entire headlamp circuits. I want to install higher wattage bulbs, up to 110 W. It takes H4 bulbs so the high and low beams are combined into ...
George's user avatar
  • 6,545
7 votes
1 answer
1k views

Why do cars still use mechanical blinker relays?

I think the electronic relays may be cheaper; and having less moving parts they are theoretically less prone to break. So, why do cars still use mechanical relays for turning lights?
sergiol's user avatar
  • 686
7 votes
2 answers
72k views

VW Mk4 Golf/GTI airbag indicator warning light

My 2002 VW GTI MkIV recently had the airbag warning indicator light turn on. The VW dealership wanted to charge around $600 to fix it. They told me the seatbelt latch was at fault because it had an ...
MasterHD's user avatar
  • 403
7 votes
2 answers
5k views

Is there something that can be applied to electrical connections to prevent rust and corrosion?

Another recent question got me thinking about this. Will a ground to the frame work properly if the bolt is powder-coated? Since I don't have any skill, tools, or ability to powder coat, whats the ...
cdunn's user avatar
  • 9,296
7 votes
1 answer
1k views

What are these unused dash plugs on my E-350 (cutaway / bus)?

I opened up the dash on my 2012 Ford E-350 cutaway (with a Starcraft Allstar bus body) to replace the factory radio. In addition to the wire harnesses (and vacuum lines) for the HVAC, 12v plugs, and ...
Moshe Katz's user avatar
7 votes
2 answers
14k views

Manual horn switch

what are the pitfalls or things to look out for when manually wiring a switch from the battery to the horn? Some background: I just moved to texas where they require vehicle inspections. My horn ...
Chris's user avatar
  • 237
6 votes
2 answers
7k views

What is this? Hanging out of my wiring, with yellow wrapping - a testing port maybe?

Can you explain what this yellow thing is?
musicwithoutpaper's user avatar
6 votes
2 answers
372 views

Adding audio accessories that are always powered (independently of ACC)

BMW E46 Android head unit A little context: I have a head unit, that I want to have constant power through ACC. Basically, it's an android tablet customized for my car, but the manufacturer (...
Kevin's user avatar
  • 61
6 votes
2 answers
2k views

Trailer AFC converter turn signals blink together

I have a Nissan Murano 2009 (made in Japan for US market). I installed a trailer towing hitch and now I want to install a towing harness. Since I live in Europe I bought Brink Wiring Kit (732614) ...
Eugen Mihailescu's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
173 views

Replacing a very old radio by a slightly less old one

I have an old Daewoo car (from 1995) with a non working stock radio unit (a Philips DC508D). I got a "slightly less old" Pioneer DEH-2000R (from 1998) as a replacement. None of them has any kind of ...
LeFauve's user avatar
  • 195
6 votes
1 answer
1k views

Need help installing Pioneer car stereo in 2006 Hyundai Sonata (power antenna)

I have a 2006 Hyundai Sonata and am switching over my brand new radio from my old car. The radio I have is a Pioneer AVH-2800BS. According to Crutchfield (which I know and trust by heart!), it says "...
Sean McKittrick's user avatar
5 votes
3 answers
5k views

Mini Cooper 2003 - Identify rear indicator light wiring to install LED resistor

So off the back of a previous question, I need to install a resister to my cluster in order for the LEDs in the indicators to work properly and not hyper flash. Here is an image of the wiring that I ...
Andy Holmes's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
28k views

12v Acc/Switched vs 12v Always On

I am currently designing a part that should always be on when the key is turned to On/Acc, and only sometimes on when the key is set to Off, or removed. My car is a 99 Camry, but I have a good ...
cde's user avatar
  • 603
5 votes
3 answers
8k views

What's wrong with using domestic flex cable for automotive purposes?

In the UK, household wiring uses 3-core flexible cables. Core size for some applications might be 2.5mm^2 and rated for 24a at 5.75kW at 240v. This means the cable exceeds the current draw of most ...
DizzyFool's user avatar
  • 1,571
5 votes
3 answers
9k views

How do I diagnose opened door indicator problem on a Honda Civic 1.8Vti Aerodeck

The opened door light indicator flashes at random rate when I drive. This also randomly triggers the alarm system that I had to disconnect. I have removed every door switches. No differences. ...
Blup1980's user avatar
  • 153
5 votes
1 answer
2k views

How to wire a glow plug?

I basically am looking for terminals where I am supposed to connect the required VCC and GND on this Glow Plug When I check the continuity using the multimeter,it comes out as a single unit. Does that ...
MaNyYaCk's user avatar
  • 153
5 votes
2 answers
2k views

4-way car connector to 7-way trailer connector

I bought a CURT custom wiring harness that plugs into vehicle tail light assembly to provide a 4-way flat socket. It has a simple plug & play design that eliminates the need for cutting and ...
Eugen Mihailescu's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
364 views

Why would an Injector and the Idle Control Solenoid be linked?

I'm currently working on a 92 Subaru SVX wiring harness. I'm tearing it apart so I can use the engine side of the wiring harness to run the H6 EG33 engine I pulled out of the car. We are transplanting ...
Pᴀᴜʟsᴛᴇʀ2's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
42k views

Peugeot 206 LX (2002), I have installed a cd player which works but it doesn't remember volume/clock settings

I have installed a new CD player Philips CEM2100 it works but when I turn the car on and off it loses several settings such as: Volume, eu region for radio (this may be because I haven't fitted the ...
jaget's user avatar
  • 151
5 votes
1 answer
116 views

Is it appropriate/safe to butt splice old PVC to thin wall?

I'm in the middle of restoring a 1991 TVR S3, and need to replace the headlights. The old PVC wire needs to be stripped quite far back, and because I would prefer to use modern connectors (the ...
tomjeatt's user avatar
5 votes
1 answer
2k views

What is the best way to repair these motorbike wires?

2 of the wires on my motorbike were cut and used to hotwire it. It's been recovered and I need to permanently connect these back together. What would be the best and easiest way to do this? An image ...
M A's user avatar
  • 53
5 votes
1 answer
4k views

How to hack an on-demand rear diff locker on FJ Cruiser bypassing the ECU?

The Electronic Control Unit on my FJ Cruiser is not relaying the signal properly to the rear differential lock actuator when I switch it on. I want to bypass the ECU altogether and make the switch ...
tempoc's user avatar
  • 151
5 votes
2 answers
38k views

Should I connect the "power antenna" wire to the "auto antenna" wire?

I have a new radio (Clarion cx501) for my 2005 Mazda 3. I bought a special wiring harness to make the installation easier. I have two wires that I'm not sure if I must connect. They look like the same ...
alexz's user avatar
  • 51
5 votes
2 answers
2k views

What is the reason for hardwiring ground wires for cooling fan and a/c compressor?

I have a 2007 Mazda RX8 and am getting it ready for the hot summer weather. Put a new a/c compressor in only to find that it stays running whether or not the switch is on inside the car. This lead to ...
elowell's user avatar
  • 51
5 votes
2 answers
2k views

Trailer wiring corrosion

Every couple of years I find that the trailer wiring connector (7 pin) on the back of my truck doesn't work properly, causing the brake or turn signals on the trailer to not function. This is caused ...
JeremyP's user avatar
  • 1,985
5 votes
1 answer
671 views

Replacement: How do I determine what wiring harness goes with my headlight?

I have a 2005 scion xB and am needing to replace the headlights and one of the wiring harnesses. I have seen on places like amazon and other sites for OE head lights, but I cannot seem to find ...
MickB's user avatar
  • 193
5 votes
1 answer
3k views

HuiFei Android HeadUp Unit not shutting down completely, ACC and CONST wires mixed up?

I Bought No brand Android head up unit from ebay (Hong Kong) here is a link to the unit Generic android 4.4.4 car stereo My car is Volkswagen Golf VI 2010 The problem is that when I turn the car off ...
Pa2's user avatar
  • 71
5 votes
1 answer
484 views

Unknown red wiring harness near cooling fan area on a Ford Focus 2004

I have a 2004 Ford Focus SE DOHC. Today, I opened the hood and found an unconnected red wiring harness (shown in the picture, it's the one with a question mark pointed at). I looked around the area ...
user133466's user avatar
5 votes
1 answer
10k views

Non-zero voltage on camshaft position sensor power wire without main relay. Is there short somewhere?

I have been troubleshooting Camshaft Position Sensor no-start issue in this thread for my 2007 Chevrolet Aveo. Long story short - in one of the answers it was suspected that camshaft position sensor ...
user2138912's user avatar
5 votes
3 answers
10k views

Aftermarket stereo with alternator whine

I replaced the OEM stereo unit in my 2001 Toyota Celica with an aftermarket one to have bluetooth, USB connectivity, etc. No new wires were added, I just used the original wiring with an adaptor like ...
Egor's user avatar
  • 153
5 votes
0 answers
3k views

VW Transporter T5 - p1503 Generator Terminal DF (Load signal) Signal Improbable [closed]

I have a VW Transporter T5 2007 with 2.5 TDi BNZ engine. I have the following fault code (among many): p1503 Generator Terminal DF (Load signal) Signal Improbable. This fault code gets repeated ...
Dib's user avatar
  • 151
4 votes
2 answers
2k views

Why does my car's switched 12V drop to 5V when I add an accessory?

Disclaimer: I have very little electrical knowledge. I have wired electronics (radar detectors, dash cameras, GPS units, etc.) to about a dozen vehicles in the past, but have ran into a strange issue ...
Yuriy Babenko's user avatar

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