How can I find the correct chassis wiring harness for my truck?
Hi,
My 98 K2500 pickup has some wiring issues. I actually described it in another question back in October, but that's when I was going to replace individual burnt wires. Now I just want to replace the whole chassis wiring harness. There are so many different part numbers and diagrams, I'm very confused. I need the wire cluster that goes along the inside of the frame rail, next to the gas tank, and goes to the fuel pump and the tail lights. The front connects to a few different spots under the hood and also into the dash, I believe. Can you give me a specific name or part number for t
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
The harnesses are referred to in GM parts catalogs as "body wiring" and "rear lamp wiring". However, the correct wiring harness for your vehicle can only be found via a VIN number search in the catalog. It can’t be searched simply by "model" due to the large number of vehicle variants, for example RPO codes. There is no way to look up a harness part number without your VIN number so please send it. Unfortunately, many of the wiring harnesses, including many within the two "categories" you are inquiring about are discontinued by GM. Inasmuch as some are available it is still worth looking up and confirming whether you can get it or not, but you may be in a situation where you have to fabricate your own replacement harness which is not a big deal particularly if you have the old one available to use as a template. The biggest issue are the cable terminations but many of those may be standard and thus pigtails will be available. You could actually make a better (higher quality) harness than that originally used on the vehicle. Please let us know how we can assist you further.
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An engine wiring harness is constricted wires, cables, terminals, and connectors controlling a vehicle`s electrical system. It relays electrical power and control information to components such as batteries, alternators, fuel injectors, fuses, audio systems, blower motors, fuel injectors, and computers.
The wire harness carries the current from the engine back to the fuse box, usually found under the driver`s side dashboard.
Put another way, if you have a very basic vehicle (say, an off-road buggy that doesn`t have any brake lights, dome lights, etc.) a simple 12 circuit harness is A-OK. If you`re replacing the wiring on a classic car with a lot of luxury items, you might need a 24 circuit harness.
Automotive wire is available in two main materials: copper or aluminum. Copper is more conductive, flexible, and less likely to corrode than aluminum; however copper weighs more and is prone to price fluctuations, so you`ll need a good distributor to keep your costs low.
The wiring harness is the combination of electrical cables, or assembly of wires, that connects all electrical and electronic (E/E) components in the automotive vehicle, like sensors, electronic control units, batteries, and actuators.
To figure out exactly where the wires are, look for the outlets and appliances that each wire connects to. You also need to determine which circuit breaker applies to which section of your home`s wiring. It`s best to get the blueprints of the building or home you`re working on before modifying electrical circuits.
Use a quality cable detector.
A quality cable detector can help you to track buried cables before you start work and avoid the risk of an electric shock. If you dont have a detector a good tip is also to avoid any area horizontally or vertically from any switch or socket.
To determine what gauge wire you need, consider the carrying capacity and the amount of current the wire needs to conduct (measured in amperage or amps). Wire gauge is directly related to how many amps you need to run through it. The distance you need the wire to go can also impact the gauge of wire you need.
A wire harness offers a cover that encases single cables, usually from the same material utilized in a cable assembly. One can see and remove an individual cable from a wire harness. In comparison, a cable assembly has multiple wires but is bundled together by a single external sleeve.
Types of Wire Harnesses
Some of the most common include: PVC. Vinyl. Thermoplastic elastomer.
Chassis wiring assumes each wire is routed separately, and power wiring assumes they are wired in a bundle. In chassis wiring the cooling of the conductors is better, because they are all exposed directly to air. In a bundle, some of the wires are not in direct contact withe the air.
A wire harness offers a cover that encases single cables, usually from the same material utilized in a cable assembly. One can see and remove an individual cable from a wire harness. In comparison, a cable assembly has multiple wires but is bundled together by a single external sleeve.
Chassis wiring assumes each wire is routed separately, and power wiring assumes they are wired in a bundle. In chassis wiring the cooling of the conductors is better, because they are all exposed directly to air. In a bundle, some of the wires are not in direct contact withe the air.
In an electronic device (such as a computer), the chassis consists of a frame or other internal supporting structure on which the circuit boards and other electronics are mounted.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
How can I find the correct chassis wiring harness for my truck?
ANSWER : The harnesses are referred to in GM parts catalogs as "body wiring" and "rear lamp wiring". However, the correct wiring harness for your vehicle can only be found via a VIN number search in the catalog. It can’t be searched simply by "model" due to the large number of vehicle variants, for example RPO codes. There is no way to look up a harness part number without your VIN number so please send it. Unfortunately, many of the wiring harnesses, including many within the two "categories" you are inquiring about are discontinued by GM. Inasmuch as some are available it is still worth looking up and confirming whether you can get it or not, but you may be in a situation where you have to fabricate your own replacement harness which is not a big deal particularly if you have the old one available to use as a template. The biggest issue are the cable terminations but many of those may be standard and thus pigtails will be available. You could actually make a better (higher quality) harness than that originally used on the vehicle. Please let us know how we can assist you further.
Read Full Q/A … : How can I find the correct chassis wiring harness for my truck?
I am trying to wire auxilary lighs inthe rear of my truck but I cant find a harness that is 18 feet long. Can I combine two?
ANSWER : Hi there. In theory, as long as you connect the two harnesses together correctly, that should work. It might be better to run straight wires from the accessory switch to the component you’re powering or consult with the aftermarket light manufacturer to see if they have a solution for you.
Read Full Q/A … : How can I find the correct chassis wiring harness for my truck?
I have a 2016 kia forte. A rodent ruined my wiring harnesses causing safety and operational issues. Kia says the harnesses have to
ANSWER : Hi there. The automotive manufacturer is 100% correct in their estimation about splicing a wiring harness. Today’s vehicles are 100% controlled and monitored by electrical and computer operated systems. These systems require a clear and unaltered wiring system that sends electrical signals from sensors and components to the ECU and back. Splicing or altering the wiring in any way is very unsafe and can disable several safety systems including air bags, anti-lock brakes and other systems.
Read Full Q/A … : How can I find the correct chassis wiring harness for my truck?
I need to know which body wiring harness goes to my truck- VIN lookup
ANSWER : My best recommendation would be to contact your local dealership. If you give them your year, make, model, vin, and a description of the wiring harness that you need, they should be able to give you some information in regards to the part number. Unfortunately, the dealership is about the only possible chance of tracking down this harness other than getting one from a junk yard.
Read Full Q/A … : How can I find the correct chassis wiring harness for my truck?
Knock Sensor + Wiring Harness installation cost? Will YourMechanic install parts if I provide them?
ANSWER : Hello. Yes we will install parts that are provided by you but doing so will void our warranty. You will also be charged for the technicians time if the part you provide does not fit properly. After we install the parts if the condition returns we will come back out and inspect the vehicle. If the issue is not related to the service we performed you will be charged an inspection fee but if it is related we would turn that over to our warranty claims department. The harness is something that our parts department can obtain for you when you’re ready to schedule your next appointment. I will ask our customer service department to send you a quote for the knock sensor installation and they should be able to get a price for that harness too. Thank you for choosing YourMechanic!
Read Full Q/A … : How can I find the correct chassis wiring harness for my truck?
I parked my truck for 5-10 mins. Tried to turn it on, now it wont start, called a tow tow truck 15-20mins later my truck turned on
ANSWER : It is very likely that you have a powertrain control module failure. This can happen often on many GM vehicles. I would recommend having the powertrain control module tested and replaced as necessary in order to resolve this issue. After the powertrain control module is replaced, a reflash procedure will be required so that the vehicle can relearn all of its primary engine data. Once the reflash is completed, your vehicle should no longer have this issue.
Read Full Q/A … : How can I find the correct chassis wiring harness for my truck?
How much does it cost to replace the wiring harness on my truck?
ANSWER : Billing question sent to CS for the cost of replacing the wiring harness on a 2001 Dodge Dakota V8-4.7L.
Read Full Q/A … : How can I find the correct chassis wiring harness for my truck?
Truck horn is beeping without truck being turned on. Why?
ANSWER : The problem is in the horn pad. The horn pad may be damaged or changes in temperature can cause the contacts to touch in the horn pad causing the horn to beep. you may need to call the company to come and fix it or remove the horn fuse until it is fixed.
Read Full Q/A … : How can I find the correct chassis wiring harness for my truck?
